Director of Development, Education

Cornelia Connelly Center

Director of Advancement

About Cornelia Connelly Center

Cornelia Connelly Center (CCC) champions under-resourced girls, empowering them to realize their full potential from middle school through college and beyond. CCC offers a thirteen-year program, partnering with each girl and her family from fourth grade to college graduation. Through Connelly Middle School of the Holy Child (CMS), students in grades four through eight receive a joyful, holistic education. Our Graduate Support Program (GSP) serves CMS alumnae, persistently committed to their high school success and college completion. With Cornelia Connelly Center, a young woman learns to shine – transforming her life and our world. 

About the Position

The Advancement Director will be a member of Cornelia Connelly Center’s Leadership Team, working closely with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to ensure the success of CCC’s annual advancement efforts, which raises $2.5 million annually from individuals, events, and institutions, towards CCC’s annual operating budget of approximately $3 million. The Advancement Director reports directly to the Executive Director and manages and mentors the Advancement Associate, Grant Writer and occasional interns.

This role requires visionary leadership, strategic thinking, strong writing skills, attention to detail, and professionalism in all aspects, from daily email to donor and trustee interaction. The ideal candidate is an energetic and affable self-starter with a strong commitment to CCC’s mission to empower every girl to realize her full potential.

Professional Responsibilities:

Designs, coordinates and ensures execution of all fundraising efforts (individuals, foundations, events) to raise at least $2.5 million in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.   Plans and executes all events, including annual benefit dinner which typically nets $600k+, Friendraisers, and stewardship events. Partners with the Executive Director and the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees to develop, execute and continually refine five-year Advancement strategic plan, and develop short-term and long-term fundraising strategy. Partners with the Executive Director and the Communications Committee of the Board of Trustees to enhance communication with our donor base and execute marketing strategies to find new donors and build enrollment of the Connelly Middle School. Works with the Director of Finance to ensure the creation of and adherence to a realistic and detailed budget that allows CCC to further our mission, and to communicate that budget to the Board, staff, and other constituents.  Manages revenue tracking and reporting to the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and Advancement Committee. Leverages connections of Board of Trustees, Junior Advisory Board, staff, and volunteers to maximize fundraising initiatives and brand awareness. Leads donor stewardship, expressing gratitude and offering meaningful opportunities for engagement on a regular basis. Serves as mid-level gift officer, with an emphasis on soliciting gifts up to $10,000 and planned gifts. Oversees development of all CCC branded materials and communications, including but not limited to: newsletters, annual report, annual appeal, Christmas card, e-communications, website, social media platforms, building signage, and marketing collateral. Oversees grant application process, from proposal writing to final report. Serve as a role model for students, graduates, and staff, modeling CCC values in actions and words, and actively participating in the life of the Center.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in nonprofit or independent school fundraising, or equivalent experience, are required. Ideal candidates possess the following strengths:

Seeks excellence – 

Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills High level of integrity and standard of work Outstanding professional judgment and demeanor Highly organized and able to anticipate, plan for and reach deadlines

Collaborative –

Excellent interpersonal/communication skills Discretion and malleability to work with varying constituencies Willingness to learn new skills; values feedback to support individual/team growth and efficiency

Optimistic –

Positive attitude and a strong desire to be a part of a diverse team Demonstrates the resiliency needed to excel Exudes composure, especially under pressure Reflective, proactive, and dedicated to personal growth

Adaptable –

Adept at working within deadlines handling several projects at once Creative thinker who can think beyond status quo Ability to juggle priorities and to maximize resources Takes initiative to anticipate next steps and potential roadblocks

Desired Skills –

High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel Experience with donor database platforms; knowledge of DonorPerfect is preferred  Experience in grant proposal writing preferred

Salary and Benefits

Salary starting at $90,000, commensurate with experience Comprehensive and competitive benefits, including health, retirement, and vacation

Interested candidates should send cover letter, resume, and list of references to 

Brianne Wetzel, Executive Director: careers@connellycenter.org

Proposed Start Date: June 15, 2023