Dean of Advancement

St. Sebastian's School; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Sebastian’s School is seeking a Dean of Advancement to lead fundraising and engagement efforts. This role involves developing strategies for donor cultivation and managing a team to enhance alumni relations. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in advancement, strong communication skills, and a commitment to the school's mission. The position requires strategic thinking and the ability to foster collaboration within the Advancement organization.

Qualifications

• Seven years of advancement experience, preferably in an independent school.
• Clarity of communication, both verbal and written.
• Management/leadership experience for at least five years.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising and alumni engagement efforts.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 50 major donors.
• Develop annual fund goals with the Head of School.

Skills

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Data Analytics

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Raiser’s Edge NXT

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

St. Sebastian’s seeks a Dean of Advancement to lead the school’s fundraising and engagement efforts. With longtime faculty member and administrator Brendan Sullivan wrapping up his first year as Head of School, a recently completed strategic plan, and a soon to be completed campus master plan, the new Advancement leader will be well-positioned to build upon the school’s 30+ year history of sustained fundraising growth.

St. Sebastian’s alumni lead purpose driven lives, reflecting the school’s mission of the pursuit of truth through faith and reason. Similarly, this spirit of St. Sebastian’s ensures a deep affinity for the school from current and past parents, whose involvement further enriches the school community.

Reporting to the Head of School and a member of the school’s senior leadership team, the Dean of Advancement develops and implements all strategic fundraising and alumni and parent engagement efforts for the school.

Leading a team of 10 and in keeping with St. Sebastian’s mission-driven culture, the incumbent will foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the Advancement organization. S/he will be a highly visible representative of the school, building upon St. Sebastian’s strengths to galvanize others in support of an even stronger future.

The Dean is responsible for driving overall fundraising growth by:

• Providing counsel to the Head of School on solicitation strategies, including briefing and staffing the Head for meetings with existing and prospective major donors
• Managing a portfolio of approximately 50 existing and prospective major donors; developing strategies to ensure their cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship so that St. Sebastian’s remains among their philanthropic priorities
• Building on the St. Sebastian’s 2024 strategic plan, working with the Head of School, senior leadership team, and select Board members, planning and executing the school’s next campaign(s)
• Serving as the primary staff liaison to any committee supporting campaign efforts, in both quiet and public phases
• Providing regular updates to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders on fundraising progress
• In collaboration with the Head of School and Director of Finance, developing annual fund goals, ensuring support for the school’s operating needs

Alumni & Family Engagement

Additionally, the Dean is responsible for fostering increased and meaningful engagement from St. Sebastian’s alumni and parents by:

• Ensuring diverse pathways for engagement informed by life-stages, interests, and experiences
• Developing data-informed approaches to measure the efficacy of engagement efforts, beyond participation in giving
• Implementing innovative programs that strengthen the St. Sebastian’s community and foster a lifelong relationship with the school
• Developing content and ideas for Communications Department – magazines, news and social media
• Create and manage fundraising materials including case statements, grant proposals and donor communications

Operations

Finally, the Dean will also ensure best practices in all aspects of Advancement operations by:

• Establishing strong annual planning practices, including setting clearly defined and measurable goals; establishing metrics to assess performance
• Using data analytics and other technology-enabled tools to measure efficacy of fundraising and engagement efforts, to understand when those efforts might need to be recalibrated, and to establish a roadmap for future success
• Maintaining best practices in gift processing, acknowledgement, and stewardship; date integrity and management
• Ensuring opportunities for ongoing staff professional development
• Staying abreast of fundraising best practices and trends along with relevant regulations and law changes

Qualifications

• Commitment to the mission and values of St. Sebastian’s
• Seven years or more of advancement experience, preferably within an independent school setting, with at least five of those years including management/leadership experience
• Clarity of communication, both verbally and in writing
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans
• Familiarity and comfort in working with high-net-worth individuals and families
• Understanding of different gift vehicles and how they can be used to maximize philanthropy
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, Raiser’s Edge NXT or similar advancement CRM
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, including travel

To apply:

Required cover letter and resume should be addressed to Brendan Sullivan, Head of School.

Please submit to Linda Panetta at [e-mail].

No phone calls please.

Deadline for submissions – May 30

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Education and Training

• Industries

  Primary and Secondary Education

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