Staff VP Creative Services

Archdiocese of Omaha; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Archdiocese of Omaha seeks a VP of Advancement to lead Mercy High School’s fundraising, donor relations, and external affairs. This executive will cultivate philanthropy, oversee campaigns, and collaborate with school leadership to align with Mercy’s mission and strategic goals.

The role requires strategic vision, a track record in major gifts, and strong collaboration with stakeholders across the Omaha community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 3–5 years in advancement, development, or nonprofit leadership.
• Proven success in major gift fundraising and campaign leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for advancement, fundraising, and external relations.
• Lead long-range planning for campaigns and endowment efforts.
• Oversee major gifts, annual funds, planned giving, and events.
• Strengthen Mercy’s visibility and community engagement in Omaha.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Donor CRM system

Job description

Location Name of Facility : Mercy High School

Address

1501 South 48 Street

Omaha, Nebraska

68106

Submitted By Name : Donna Maxey

Email: [e-mail]

Description Department: Advancement

Reports to: Mary Gibb, President

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Mercy High School is an all-girls Catholic high school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. Rooted in the Gospel and the Mercy charism, Mercy forms young women to become compassionate leaders who embody faith, knowledge, integrity, and service. We are a vibrant, diverse learning community committed to academic excellence and transformational education.

The Vice President of Advancement is the chief development and external relations officer of Mercy High School. The Vice President of Advancement provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for all philanthropic, marketing, alumnae and community engagement efforts. This leader will cultivate a culture of philanthropy, strengthen relationships with donors and stakeholders, and secure the resources necessary to advance Mercy’s mission and long-term strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities are strategic leadership & planning; fundraising & development; alumnae & community engagement; marketing & communications & advancement operations.

Requirements Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year advancement strategy aligned with Mercy’s strategic plan and mission.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the President and Board of Directors on advancement, fundraising, and external relations.
• Lead long-range planning for capital, endowment, and comprehensive campaigns.
• Oversee all fundraising programs including major gifts, annual funds, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, special events, and campaigns.
• Manage a portfolio of major and leadership donors and prospects.
• Create and sustain a strong culture of philanthropy across faculty, staff, students, parents, alumnae, and the broader Omaha community.
• Oversees the database coordinator to ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and stewardship of all gifts is done accurately and timely.
• Provide leadership for alumnae relations and parent engagement programs.
• Strengthen Mercy’s visibility, reputation, and relationships throughout the Omaha community and Catholic community.
• Oversees the operation of the Spirit Store including ordering and evaluating personnel.
• Partner with school leadership to build meaningful connections between alumnae, families, donors, and students.
• Oversee all marketing, branding, digital communications, publications, and media relations.
• Ensure consistent, mission-centered messaging that strengthens enrollment and philanthropy.
• Promote Mercy’s story, successes, and impact.
• Manage, mentor, and evaluate the advancement team.
• Develop and manage the advancement budget.
• Ensure compliance with all ethical and legal standards for nonprofit fundraising and data management.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
• Required 3-5 years of progressive experience in advancement, development, or nonprofit leadership, preferably in Catholic or independent education.
• Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising and campaign leadership.
• Must exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to inspire, organize, and lead others.
• Maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality.