Advancement Director

Job Description

Everest Academy, an independent Catholic school in Lemont, IL, is seeking a mission-driven and experienced Advancement Director to lead our development, donor relations, and enrollment efforts. In this role, you will play a key part in fostering relationships with current and prospective donors, promoting the school's values, and growing our student enrollment, ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of our school community.

Key Responsibilities:
• Advancement Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for advancement, including annual giving, major gifts, grants, capital campaigns, and events.
• Enrollment Oversight: Lead the school's enrollment management efforts, including attracting prospective families, coordinating school tours, managing applications, and ensuring effective communication with prospective students and parents.
• Donor Relations & Fundraising: Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, alumni, and the local community to secure financial support for Everest Academy's mission and growth.
• Marketing & Communications: Oversee marketing initiatives that enhance both fundraising and enrollment efforts, including digital marketing, print materials, social media, and outreach campaigns to both prospective families and donors.
• Event Coordination: Plan and execute key school events, such as fundraising galas, open houses, and other community-building initiatives that promote the school's mission and encourage participation from both families and benefactors.
• Data Management & Reporting: Maintain accurate records of donor engagement and enrollment trends. Generate reports to assess the effectiveness of both advancement and enrollment efforts.

Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in advancement, fundraising, or enrollment management, ideally in a Catholic or independent school setting.
• Skills:
- Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Proven track record in successful fundraising and student enrollment growth.
- Familiarity with donor management systems and enrollment CRM software.
- Ability to work collaboratively with school leadership, volunteers, and families.
- Commitment to the mission and values of Catholic education.

Why Everest Academy?
At Everest Academy, we are passionate about providing an exceptional Catholic education that forms both the minds and hearts of our students. You will join a faith-filled community where your contributions will directly impact both the growth of our school and the lives of the students and families we serve.

How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to principal@evereslemont.com with the subject line "Advancement and Enrollment Director Application - [Your Name]". Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About the Employer

Everest Academy is an independent Roman Catholic PK3-8 school located in Lemont, Illinois. It is part of the RC Education international system of schools and is in its 26th year of Catholic educational and formative excellence. Everest is proud of its strong Catholic identity and its mission of developing Catholic leaders through its focus on the Integral Formation of each student: academic, character, faith, and apostolate.