Dean of Advancement

Position Available July 1

The Dean of Advancement is a full-time position at St. Edward Central Catholic High School. The Dean provides strategic leadership in institutional advancement, enrollment management, development, communications, and marketing to ensure the school’s long-term sustainability and mission fulfillment.

The Dean oversees fundraising, alumni relations, donor stewardship, marketing, and enrollment strategies, working in alignment with the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS).

Catholic Identity

• Exercises leadership to ensure the mission and vision are lived out in daily operations.

• Promotes and strengthens the Catholic identity of the school.

• Cultivates parent/guardian partnerships to advance the mission of Catholic education.

• Promotes a culture of dignity, respect, and Gospel-centered values.

• Acts consistently with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Models lived Gospel values through personal faith and example.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Institutional Advancement & Development (NSBECS 13.3)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive advancement plan.

• Lead major fundraising initiatives including annual fund, Green Wave Day, capital campaigns, planned giving, and endowment growth.

• Oversee alumni engagement and philanthropic support strategies.

• Partner with the Business Office for financial reporting and tracking.

• Identify and apply for grant opportunities.

• Serve as liaison to the Advancement Committee of the Board.

2. Enrollment Management & Retention (NSBECS 13.2)

• Execute a strategic enrollment management plan focused on recruitment and retention.

• Analyze demographic, financial, and retention data to inform strategy.

• Develop partnerships with parishes, feeder schools, and community organizations.

• Support tuition assistance and scholarship programs.

• Ensure a customer-service oriented admissions process.

3. Communications & Marketing (NSBECS 13.1)

• Direct brand management, marketing, and public relations efforts.

• Ensure consistent messaging across digital, print, and social media.

• Implement data-driven marketing strategies.

• Oversee production of promotional materials and publications.

• Increase school visibility through community and media partnerships.

4. Financial Stewardship & Strategic Planning (NSBECS 10.1–10.8)

• Participate in long-range financial planning with the Principal and Business Manager.

• Provide transparent communication about cost per student and fundraising priorities.

• Ensure ethical fundraising practices aligned with diocesan policies.

• Engage board members, alumni, and community leaders in advancement efforts.

5. Advancement Office Leadership & Team Development (NSBECS 11.2)

• Supervise advancement and admissions staff with accountability and goal setting.

• Foster a culture of philanthropy within the school community.

• Collaborate with academic, student life, campus ministry, and athletics.

• Utilize CRM and donor management systems effectively.

Comprehensive benefits package available through the Diocese of Rockford.

View Diocese of Rockford Summary of Benefits  

  POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Practicing Catholic in good standing committed to Catholic education.

• Master’s degree preferred (Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field).

• Minimum three years leadership experience in advancement, enrollment, or marketing.

• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor stewardship.

• Strong strategic thinking and relationship-building skills.

• Proficiency with CRM, donor software, and marketing tools.

• Working knowledge and planned incorporation of NSBECS standards.