Advancement Leader: Major Gifts & Campaign Strategy

Archdiocese of Miami; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL seeks a mission-driven Director of Advancement to lead major gifts and annual giving campaigns, strengthen stewardship, and coordinate advancement communications.

The role leads a small advancement team and collaborates with Marketing, Finance, Athletics, and Campus Ministry, reporting to the Executive Director or the President. This 11-month schedule runs August through June with July off; compensation is competitive and eligible for a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent senior-level experience.
• Proven success in relationship-based fundraising (major gifts and/or annual giving).
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
• Strong project-management and cross-team coordination.
• Working knowledge of CRM/donor systems (Raiser’s Edge preferred).
• Willingness to work evenings/weekends for events.
• Autonomy with accountability and strong ownership mindset.
• Creative storyteller able to translate priorities into donor messaging.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors; cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts.
• Build a disciplined major-gift pipeline to support campaign planning.
• Own the annual fund strategy and execution (fall appeal, segmentation, calendar).
• Collaborate with Marketing on donor communications and timely delivery.
• Lead Giving Day planning, donor cultivation, and post-event stewardship.
• Plan donor engagement events and alumni gatherings.
• Drive corporate sponsorship strategy and sponsor recognition.
• Ensure compliant donor operations and audit-ready records.
• Maintain CRM discipline and data-driven reporting.
• Represent the school in tours and constituent engagement.
• Lead and coach the advancement team with clear priorities.

Skills

Major gifts

Annual giving

CRM experience

Project management

Communication

Donor relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL seeks a mission-driven Director of Advancement to lead major gifts and annual giving campaigns, strengthen stewardship, and coordinate advancement communications.

The role leads a small advancement team and collaborates with Marketing, Finance, Athletics, and Campus Ministry, reporting to the Executive Director or the President. This 11-month schedule runs August through June with July off; compensation is competitive and eligible for a