Position Title:  Chief Advancement Officer

Date Modified:  February 2023

FLSA Classification:  Exempt

Reports to:  Head of School

About St. John’s

St. John’s is an independent, coeducational Episcopal school serving up to 500 students in pre-k through eighth grade. Located in a park-like setting on 10 acres in East Dallas, the School offers its employees and students a supportive esprit de corps fueled by a common mission – one dedicated to a program of academic excellence designed to train the mind, strengthen the character, and enrich the spirit of each student in a Christian environment. We think of St. John’s not only as a School, but also as a very special kind of community. We seek to employ people who – regardless of the role they play in the School – understand that they impact the lives of our students, families, and colleagues. The St. John’s Code calls us to model honesty and respectfulness in our relationships, responsibility in the performance of our assignments, and a caring attitude that extends to all members of our community. Do you dream of the freedom to innovate and set trends in your field? Of coming to work each day with a sense of mastery, belonging, and purpose? Of working with fun, collegial, collaborative, growth-minded professionals? If so, you could thrive at St. John’s.

Position Purpose

The Chief Advancement Officer works closely with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees to build a strong culture of philanthropy throughout all constituencies. Supported by a small advancement and auxiliary staff, the primary goal of the Chief Advancement Officer is to design and lead creative programs that attract maximum financial support for St. John’s Episcopal School.

Key Accountabilities

Development

• Establish and execute a forward-thinking development strategy that will grow annual, major, and capital campaigns; legacy gifts; and planned-giving.
• Oversee all aspects of the development program, including fundraising, leading the annual giving program, guiding a future capital campaign, soliciting corporate and foundation grant funding, creating a strong alumni engagement program, leading ongoing donor stewardship, and hosting special advancement events.
• Identify, research, and spearhead the implementation of a diverse and multifaceted fundraising program to support the School’s strategic vision while cultivating a culture of giving that transcends socioeconomic categories.
• Nurture and maintain a highly collaborative relationship with the Head of School, the Development Committee Chair, and board members, supporting them in all their fundraising responsibilities, and accompanying them on donor visits when appropriate.
• Personally, solicit and steward donors to the School.

• Collaborate with the Enrollment Management office on PR initiatives and the Marketing and Communications office to create/produce fundraising-related communication materials to expand and enhance the School’s visibility and reputation.
• Identify corporate and foundation funding opportunities, draft grant proposals and applications.

Alumni

• Oversee the work of strengthening relationships with the School’s alumni and alumni families, and support the further development of the alumni community.
• Support the enhancement of existing relationships while building new relationships, systems, and programs that further tap into the generosity and resources of the alumni community.

Auxiliary Programs

• Lead a team of two directors and staff who provide innovative camp, after-care, and enrichment programs for St. John’s students and area residents.
• Oversee the operations of the Spirit Store.

Parent Association and Booster Club

• Supported by the Director of Development, continue the evolution of the Parent Association and Booster Club to allow them to embrace their role in supporting the operational and strategic initiatives as articulated by the administration.

Administrative

• Maintain a database of all contributors and provide development reports as required.

• Manage advancement budget which includes development, alumni and auxiliary programs and ensure the department operates in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Supervise, mentor, and nurture the advancement and auxiliary program staff.
• Model the St. John’s Code of respect, responsibility, honesty, and care.
• Embrace the School’s Episcopal identity, ethos, and commitment to respecting the dignity of each individual.

Opportunities and Challenges

• As a member of the School’s Leadership Team, the Chief Advancement Officer plays a pivotal role in advancing the School’s mission alongside highly capable and supportive teammates.
• An outward facing role, the CAO will need to seek and foster relationships both in and out of the School and enjoy that personal journey.
• With a small staff, the CAO will be fully engaged and in the trenches. He/she will act as the lead mentor to the community in developing habits, skills, and attitudes toward volunteerism, giving and philanthropy.

Growth Mindset

• Collaborate with colleagues on the development of advancement strategies.
• Leverage the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the faculty, staff, administration, parents, and alumni in support of the School’s philanthropic goals.
• Pursue growth in relevant technology skills and leadership development.
• Network with peers at other local and national independent and Episcopal schools.
• Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth.
• Exhibit the ability to meaningfully receive, reflect on, and apply feedback to one’s professional growth.
• Attend conferences and professional meetings to remain current with advancement strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector or fundraising, independent school experience preferred.
• 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 with a “can-do” style.
• Passionate about working with a wide range of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Outstanding knowledge of fundraising and database management software (Raisers Edge).
• Experience working with and motivating volunteers and staff members.
• Familiarity with the local community.
• Must meet minimum technology proficiency standards, including the ability to work in online Student Information and Financial Management Systems, to schedule and conduct meetings via Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and to effectively use the Microsoft 365 suite.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly works in standard office conditions and climate.
• Regularly works at a computer screen for extended periods of time.
• Works at a desk for extended periods of time and occasionally moves around campus.
• Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 30 lbs. across the campus/office.
• Regularly works in a stressful environment, effectively dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts.
• Stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions.
• Ability to periodically work flexible hours to meet deadlines and support before and after school or weekend events.

How to Apply

For questions, more information, or to submit your letter of interest and resume in PDF format, please contact:

Mrs. Chris Patterson, Chief of Staff
cpatterson@stjohnsschool.org
214-328-9131

In our commitment to diversity and equity, St. John’s Episcopal School does not discriminate regarding race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, marital status, religion, military status, and/or any protected category. This commitment extends to our employment, educational, admission, and financial-aid policies, and other school-administered programs.

About St. John's Episcopal School

St. John’s is an independent, coeducational Episcopal school serving up to 500 students in grades pre-k through eight. Located in a park-like setting on 10 acres in East Dallas, the School offers its employees and students a supportive esprit de corps fueled by a common mission – one dedicated to a program of academic excellence designed to train the mind, strengthen the character, and enrich the spirit of each student in a Christian environment. We think of St. John’s not only as a School, but also as a very special kind of community. We seek to employ people who – regardless of the role they play in the School – understand that they impact the lives of our students, families, and colleagues. The St. John’s Code calls us to model honesty and respectfulness in our relationships, responsibility in the performance of our assignments, and a caring attitude that extends to all members of our community. Do you dream of becoming the best educator you can be? Of coming to work each day with a sense of mastery, belonging, and purpose? Of working with fun, collegial, collaborative, growth-minded professionals? If so, you could thrive at St. John’s. In our commitment to diversity and equi...ty, St. John’s Episcopal School does not discriminate regarding race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, marital status, religion, military status, and/or any protected category. This commitment extends to our employment, educational, admission, and financial-aid policies, and other school-administered programs.

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Connections working at St. John's Episcopal School