Cathedral Preparatory School, part of Villa Maria Cathedral Preparatory Catholic School System and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie, is seeking a dynamic and driven professional who is passionate about relationship-building and growing sustainable annual support for the schools. The director will be the lead advocate for alumni and provide insights and feedback to leadership. The director will manage the annual fund program to increase the number of annual fund donors and overall annual funds.
Essential Job Functions
- Plan and execute alumni signature events while striving to engage more alumni in the life of the school.
- Work with leadership of the Advancement department, school leadership, faculty, students and the Board of Directors to strengthen alumni relations with all three alumni bases, increase participation and engagement.
- Serve as the project lead on alumni events and work closely with all class agents to market and coordinate the events.
- Lead the development and implementation of an alumni association that fosters meaningful connections among alumni, supports lifelong engagement through events, networking opportunities, and alumni-focused initiatives including volunteering, class visits, and mentorship.
- Create and distribute a bi-monthly alumni e-newsletter, while gathering and curating content such as class notes. Work with the marketing department.
- Identify and recommend alumni for speaking opportunities.
- Work with the Assistant Vice President to define goals, metrics, segmentation, and execution for the annual fund program including strategy development, solicitations, tracking, and reporting.
- Manage the annual fund program and sponsorships for signature events and manage the execution of follow-up sponsorship components.
- Benchmark with peer institutions and communicate industry best practices.
- Track all contact with donors and prospects in Raiser's Edge software.
- Other duties and special projects as assigned.
Minimum Education and Professional Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field
- Cathedral Prep or Villa Maria Academy alumni is a plus
- Three to five years of experience in alumni relations/annual giving or similar fundraising role
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
- Experience with Blackbaud and Canva software a plus
Abilities Required
- Exceptional professionalism and excellent customer service skills with a "service to others" philosophy
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Proven track record as a fundraiser
- Excellent attention to detail and follow-up skills
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments and tasks with minimal supervision
- Self-starter with ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
- Sit for extended periods of time.
- Move throughout the day including, standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing stairs.
- Lift material weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Work with frequent interruptions, occasional travel, and occasional prolonged and irregular hours
Please forward your letter of interest and resume to:
Geri Haines, Human Resources Manager
Villa Maria Cathedral Preparatory Catholic School System
250 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16501
Or via email: geri.haines@cathedralprep.com
