Vice President of Advancement

Mercy High School - Omaha; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy High School - Omaha is seeking a Vice President of Advancement to lead all fundraising, marketing, alumnae and community engagement efforts. This executive will cultivate philanthropy, strengthen donor relationships, and guide strategic campaigns to advance Mercy’s mission.

The role requires vision, strategic planning, and the ability to work with the President and Board to secure resources for long-term goals and Catholic independent education excellence in Omaha.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in advancement, development, or nonprofit leadership.
• Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising and campaign leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to inspire and lead others.
• Maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with the school’s mission.
• Lead fundraising programs including major gifts, annual fund, and campaigns.
• Oversee alumnae relations, parent engagement, and community outreach.
• Manage marketing, branding, and external communications to strengthen enrollment and philanthropy.
• Direct advancement operations, budgeting, and compliance with nonprofit standards.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Major gift fundraising

Communication skills

Relationship building

Strategic thinking & leadership

Integrity & confidentiality

Job description

Position Type: Full-Time (12 month), Exempt

Reports To: President

About Mercy High School

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.

Position Summary

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

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• 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 fund, 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.

Alumnae & Community Engagement

• 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.

Marketing & Communications

• 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.

Advancement Operations

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.