Chief Development Officer

ROME GROUP; Quebec; On-site; CAD 158,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Quebec is seeking a Chief Development Officer to lead fundraising efforts and partnership development. The ideal candidate will have strong relationship-building skills and a background in successful gift cultivation. This pivotal role offers a salary range of $115,000–$125,000 and comprehensive benefits, fostering a supportive and family-oriented culture.

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

5% retirement match

Generous PTO

Tuition-free education for staff children

Family-first culture with professional development

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in fundraising with a proven track record.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership qualities and team management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the advancement team and manage activities.
• Cultivate relationships with major donors and corporate partners.
• Manage annual fund, events and campaigns.

Skills

Relationship building

Fundraising strategy

Major gift cultivation

Data management

Job description

Overview

Lead the Next Chapter of a Remarkable Story

Chief Development Officer
St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School

St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School is writing its next chapter, and we’re looking for a bold fundraising leader to help lead the way. As our next Chief Development Officer, you’ll partner with President Mike England, the leadership team, and the board to grow support for a school that beat the odds, bought its own campus, and is preparing young men for lives of leadership and service. This is a highly visible role at a pivotal moment, where your skills, relationships, and creativity can directly shape the future of a school with deep roots and big ambitions.

Grounded in our Catholic, Marianist tradition for nearly 100 years, St. Mary’s is a place where young men are known, loved, and prepared for lives of leadership and service. Our mission is to educate the whole person, mind, body, and spirit, while standing shoulder to shoulder with our families and our St. Louis City South Side neighborhood.

In 2023, the St. Mary’s community rallied to keep its doors open when the Archdiocese announced plans to close the school. Today, we are independent, vibrant, and growing, having recently purchased our 23-acre Dutchtown campus.

We serve approximately 240 students, 90% of whom receive financial aid and scholarships, offering innovative programs that prepare them for life, college, and careers. We are the first Catholic High School in Missouri to offer a pre–apprenticeship program, partnering with local trade unions, SSM Health, and a wide network of supporters to build brighter futures for our students, families and community.

You will step into a role supported by a dedicated advancement team, strong donor and foundation relationships, and the momentum of our “Rooted and Rising” brand. The next step is to build on this foundation by broadening our donor base, cultivating major gifts, and sharing our story with audiences beyond our immediate community. This will require creativity and persistence.

How to apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to [e-mail] by September 24, 2025.

The ideal candidate will be…

• A builder who thrives on opening doors, cultivating relationships, and closing gifts.
• Courageous, proactive, and comfortable managing up to the president while serving as a trusted partner.
• Mission-driven, with a service heart and deep commitment to team success.
• Skilled in major gift strategy, annual fundraising, and donor stewardship.
• Able to navigate both high-energy, fast-moving environments and the thoughtful, relational work of long-term fundraising.
• Energized by the opportunities and challenges of building a sustainable philanthropic culture.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the advancement team, including communications, alumni relations, events, and database management.
• Partner with the president to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Oversee all aspects of the annual fund, major events, and campaigns.
• Promote and expand planned giving opportunities.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for St. Mary’s in the community, engaging alumni, parents, students, and partners.
• Ensure the advancement office operates with excellence in data management, donor relations, and communications.

Key Relationships

• Reports to: President, St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School
• Direct reports: Communications Manager, Alumni Relations Director, Events Coordinator, Database Management
• Close partnerships: Chief Financial Officer, Principal, Admissions Director, Athletic Director, Facilities Director, Board of Directors, alumni leaders, community partners

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $115,000–$125,000
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage. 5% retirement match. Generous PTO, plus organization-wide breaks in the fall, at Christmas, Easter, and spring.
• Fully in-office schedule (average hours 8am–3:30pm). Summer hours are Monday – Thursday.
• Children of staff may attend St. Mary’s tuition free. In addition, St. Mary’s participates in a reciprocal program with a broad network of area Catholic high schools, offering a 50% tuition credit at participating RCAC/RTAC schools.
• Supportive, family-first culture with strong emphasis on professional development.

About St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School

Founded in 1931 by the Christian Brothers and affiliated with the Marianists since 1933, St. Mary’s has a long tradition of academic excellence, faith formation, and community service. In 2023, the school became independent from the Archdiocese of St. Louis and recommitted to its mission to serve young men from across St. Louis, particularly those from families with limited financial means.

Our programs extend beyond the classroom, including a pre-apprenticeship program with local trade unions, internships with SSM Health, and deep partnerships with community organizations. This is a place where the values of faith, service, inclusivity and excellence guide everything we do.