Director of Advancement, Enrollment & Marketing
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School – Greenville, South Carolina
Reports To: Principal
Purpose of the Position
The Director of Advancement, Enrollment & Marketing is the steward of the school’s growth, outreach, and sustainability. Under the direction of the principal and working closely with the Fund Development Committee (FDC) of the School Advisory Council, and the parish community, the director will develop and execute comprehensive strategies that advance the Catholic mission of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School. The role focuses on cultivating vibrant donor relationships, attracting and retaining mission-aligned families, and promoting the school’s vision of Catholic liberal education to the wider Greenville community.
This role is essential in helping the principal advance the school’s mission. Its focus is on serving as the school’s chief goodwill officer, allowing the principal to lead effectively as an executive while dedicating time to his roles as lead missionary disciple, chief learner, and primary culture builder. In this dynamic position, the role works closely with the principal and his leadership team, supporting the school as it renews its purpose according to the mind of the Church.
Key Responsibilities
Advancement & Fundraising
- Strategic Partnership – Partner with the FDC of the School Advisory Council to coordinate the overall fundraising strategy and ensure alignment with shared goals.
- Grant Management – Coordinate the writing and submission of grant proposals, leveraging volunteer support to identify opportunities, prepare applications, and ensure compliance with donor requirements.
- Goodwill Officer & Strategy Development – Act as the chief goodwill officer to the parish and wider community, cultivating relationships with local businesses, foundations, and individuals while developing and executing fundraising strategies to support the school’s operations and growth.
- Annual Fundraising Events – In collaboration with the principal, lead the planning, promotion, and execution of flagship annual events (Giving Tuesday, Catholic Schools Week, Spring Gala) to drive donor engagement and revenue.
- Donor Stewardship – Manage donor relations through stewardship communications, acknowledgments, reporting, and personalized outreach to build long-term support and loyalty.
Enrollment Management
- Recruitment & Retention Strategy – Plan, manage, and implement marketing, recruitment, and retention strategies for students that highlight the school’s Catholic identity, academic excellence, and spiritual formation.
- Campus Outreach – Organize and oversee events such as open houses, campus visits, and family engagement activities to showcase the school’s welcoming environment, values, and programs.
- Admissions Process – Oversee the entire admissions workflow, from initial inquiry to final enrollment, ensuring a smooth, inclusive, and compliant process that reflects the school’s commitment to Catholic education.
- Communication with Prospective Families – Handle application procedures and provide timely, accurate communication with prospective families, addressing inquiries, guiding them through the process, and emphasizing the school’s faith-centered approach.
- Financial Aid Coordination – Oversee the FACTS Grant & Aid program, collaborating with the admissions team to assess eligibility, award assistance, and align with school policies on affordability and accessibility.
Marketing & Communications
- Marketing Initiatives – Develop and implement integrated marketing campaigns, including digital, print, and social media content, to promote the school’s vision, achievements, and enrollment opportunities.
- Social Media & Digital Outreach – Manage the school’s social media platforms and digital outreach efforts to foster engagement, build community, and share stories that reflect Catholic values and school life.
- Marketing Materials – Create and produce promotional materials such as brochures, newsletters, and flyers that effectively communicate the school’s identity and mission.
- Website Management – Oversee the school’s WordPress website, ensuring content is up-to-date, user-friendly, accessible, and aligned with the Catholic ethos of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School.
Qualifications
- Education – bachelor’s degree in Classical Liberal Arts, Philosophy, Advertising, Marketing, Non-Profit Management, Education, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
- Experience – Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in advancement, enrollment management, fundraising, or marketing, preferably within a Catholic or faith-based educational institution. Demonstrated success in growing enrollment, securing funding, and executing marketing campaigns.
- Skills – Strategic planning, project management, data analysis for enrollment and fundraising metrics; excellent written and verbal communication; proficiency in digital tools (WordPress, social media, email marketing, graphic design); familiarity with grant writing, financial aid systems like FACTS, and event coordination.
- Personal Attributes – Must be a practicing Catholic eager to carry out the mission of the Church through Catholic liberal education; collaborative, relational mindset; creative problem-solver; high ethical standards; servant-leadership approach rooted in the Gospel.
Competencies
- Mission-Driven Leadership – Integrates Catholic teachings and the school’s evangelizing mission into all advancement, enrollment, and marketing efforts.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Builds and nurtures relationships with parents, donors, parishioners, alumni, volunteers, and community partners.
- Strategic Vision – Develops and executes long-term plans that balance financial sustainability, enrollment growth, and brand visibility while upholding Catholic principles.
- Ethical Integrity & Innovation – Maintains transparency, accountability, and stewardship; innovates creatively within the bounds of Church teachings to meet contemporary challenges.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply and submit the following:
- a handwritten cover letter, explaining how your background, skills, and commitment to Catholic education align with the mission of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School
- resume/CV
In your handwritten cover letter, explain how your background, skills, and commitment to Catholic education align with the mission of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School.