Director of Institutional Advancement

Director of Institutional Advancement Academy of the Sacred Heart, established in 1851, is Michigan’s oldest independent school, offering a Catholic, college-preparatory education to girls (infant-Grade 12) and boys (infant-Grade 8) of many cultures and faiths. As part of an international network of schools, we are committed to a set of principles shared by all Sacred Heart Schools.

Known as the Goals and Criteria, these principles articulate the core components of a Sacred Heart education and charge our community with a unified educational mission. At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that each child possesses unique gifts. Our job is to unearth those gifts, nurture them, and empower each child of the Sacred Heart to share those gifts with the global community.

Academy of the Sacred Heart is committed to being an equitable and inclusive community and seeks candidates who connect to our Mission and Goals.

Position Overview

The Director of Institutional Advancement is a mission-driven and strategic leader responsible for advancing the visibility, vitality, and long-term sustainability of the Academy of the Sacred Heart through philanthropy and constituent engagement. As a key member of the Leadership Team, the Director oversees fundraising, marketing and institutional advancement, ensuring that these efforts are integrated, mission-aligned, and community-centered.

This role is responsible for strengthening the culture of philanthropy and stewardship across all constituencies and growing revenue to support a flourishing future.

Key Responsibilities

Philanthropy Strategy & Fundraising Lead the design and implementation of all fundraising initiatives, including the Annual Fund, major gifts, planned giving, foundation grants, and campaigns. Develop and manage a major gift pipeline, actively cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donor relationships with alumnae, parents, grandparents, and friends.

Collaborate with the Head of School and Trustees to identify and engage new prospective donors and build long-term donor loyalty. Ensure effective donor engagement strategies, robust database management, and comprehensive reporting systems. Align fundraising goals with institutional priorities and strategic vision. Marketing, Communications & Brand Identity Oversee institutional messaging and brand management across all communications platforms.

Ensure that the Academy’s mission, values, and value proposition are clearly articulated and consistently communicated to all constituencies. Collaborate with leadership to share success stories, student outcomes, and the transformational power of a Sacred Heart education. Support Advancement events and campaigns with creative content, compelling storytelling, and cross-platform promotion.

Constituent Relations & Community Engagement Lead efforts to strengthen relationships across all constituencies: current families, alumnae, past parents, grandparents, faculty, and local partners. Develop and support programming that builds long-term engagement and institutional pride, including alumni reunions, stewardship events, and donor recognition.

Serve as the point person for volunteer leadership, including Advancement Committee, Benefit Chairs, and class agents. Leadership, Management & Integration Supervise the Advancement and Communications teams; provide leadership, coaching, and accountability to staff. Serve as a thought partner to the Head of School and Leadership Team, bringing forward ideas, data, and opportunities to expand the Academy’s impact.

Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, transparency, and mission alignment across departments. Coordinate cross-functional planning to ensure that advancement and communications are fully integrated into institutional strategy. Familiarity with fundraising CRM.

Preferred Qualifications

and Skills Bachelor’s required and master’s degree preferred 5+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector and fundraising required School experience Demonstrated leadership experience Proven success in directly soliciting and closing charitable gifts Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with all the school’s constituents while maintaining strict confidentiality Excellent verbal and written communication skills Strategic thinker Outstanding knowledge of fundraising data software and database management software (Raiser’s Edge) Experience working with and motivating volunteers and staff members Familiarity with the local community The School Network Academy of the Sacred Heart is one of 25 schools in the U.

S. and Canada Network of Sacred Heart Schools and is affiliated with a network of over 200 Sacred Heart schools worldwide. The school's mission is to cultivate in our students a personal and active faith in God and to lay the foundation for a meaningful life. The Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, disability, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, partisan consideration, or any other class protected by State or Federal law in the administration of its educational policies, employment practices, admission policies, scholarship or tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Archdiocese of Detroit The Archdiocese of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer that does not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, height, weight, genetic information, marital or other legally protected status. For consideration, please email your resume and cover letter to Human Resources at: hr@ashmi.

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