Executive Director of Foundation and Advancement Hastings Catholic Schools

JOB DESCRIPTION

Full-time Position

Reports to:  Chief Administrative Office, Hastings Catholic Schools in conjunction with the Hastings Catholic Schools Foundation Board

July 2026

BASIC FUNCTION:   The position serves as the chief fundraising officer of Hastings Catholic Schools (HCS) and the Hastings Catholic Schools Foundation (HCSF).  The Executive Director builds and sustains relationships with the community and donors, leads fundraising efforts, engages donors and alumni, promotes stewardship, leads endowment growth opportunities and planned-giving opportunities, and Foundation operations in support of Hastings Catholic Schools mission and strategic priorities.  

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES include but are not limited to:

This description intends to describe the general nature and level of work performed by those assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties, responsibilities and qualification. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Strategic Leadership:

·  Perform all job duties with the highest level of donor confidentially.

·  Lead the Foundation in alignment with the mission, priorities and strategic plan of HCS.

·  Execute comprehensive yearly fundraising and advancement strategies for HCS.

·  Serve as the lead staff for the Foundation Board of Directors.

·  Work closely with CAO and HCS administration to align fundraising with school needs.

·  Provide clear reporting to the Foundation Board and Unity Board on fundraising results, donor activity, endowment support, and Foundation operations.

·  Lead the efforts with CAO in meeting annual targets and fundraising goals

·  Assist in aspects of key fundraising efforts of HCS through strategic marketing development, planning, and communication, as well as building relationships with current and potential donors.

·  Identify potential donors and planned-giving prospects and secure financial support.

·  Develop a positive rapport with individual benefactors, major donors, corporate/business donors/sponsors. Assist in the cultivation of donor relationships at all levels.

·  Coordinate grant/foundation requests/proposals.

·  Oversee HCS fundraising calendar.

·  Attend committee meetings as needed or upon request.

Board Governance and Engagement:

·  Support the Foundation Board in fulfilling its fiduciary, governance, fundraising, advising, scholarship management and ambassadorial responsibilities.

·  Partner with the Board Chair on meeting agendas, committee work, board materials, board engagement.

·  Help identify, recruit, onboard and engage Foundation Board members.

·  Ensure transparent communication between the Foundation Board, Unity Board, Administration and key stakeholders.

·  Organize, attend and present report at the four (4) quarterly Foundation Board of Directors Meetings (January, April/May, July, October).

·  Attend and present Foundation report at monthly Unity Board meeting.

Alumni, Community and External Relations:

·  Oversee alumni engagement and Foundation outreach.

·  Work in conjunction with Fundraising Activities Coordinator and Director of Marketing and Events on planning major fundraisers.

·  Build relationships with a wide range of alumni, donors, parents, parishioners, friends, businesses, foundations, and community leaders to advance the goals of HCS. A large portion of time will be out of the office for community relationship building.

·  Provide updates to donors on school activities and events.

·  Assist in giving class reunion tours and community school tours.

·  Collaborate with Director of Marketing and Events on donor, alumni and stakeholder communications.

·  Coordinate and deliver formal presentations and speeches to stakeholders and others.

·  Oversee in the coordination of efforts to increase student and stakeholder understanding of the Alumni Association and Foundation.

Operations, Finance and Team Development

·  Complete projected budgets, reports, analysis and present final budget for yearly fundraisers.

·  Oversee the process of gift acknowledgments and pledge reminders.

·  Work with CAO, Business Manager, Finance Committee, and investment advisors on budgets, scholarships, endowment and other reporting.

·  Ensure strong internal controls, accurate records, effective donor database use and ethical fundraising practices.

·   Lead with clear goals, accountability and professional standards.

·  Follow-up with all written/email/telephone correspondence.

General Duties Including, but not limited to:

·  Learn to use/operate any new job-related programs and equipment.

·  Work collaboratively and positively to support other team members.

·  Participate in designated meetings and mandatory trainings.

·  Consistently model the highest degree of customer service, student and donor focus.

·  Professionally represent Hastings Catholic schools at all times.

·  Some travel may be required.

·  All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The incumbent must have an understanding and passion for the Catholic mission and possess an ability to articulate basic teachings of the Catholic Church as appropriate for this position, especially when representing the mission of Hastings Catholic Schools to the general public. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are essential in order to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential. The incumbent must be able to understand and execute basic financial functions associated with budgets, goals, and revenue results. A bachelor’s in communication, Nonprofit management, business, or related field is strongly preferred. At least five years of related experience in non-profit fundraising is preferred. Must possess a valid driver’s license to attend meetings and conferences as well as assist at school-related functions as requested.   

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

·       Must be able to stoop, sit, stand, push, pull, and stretch consistent with an office environment;

·       Must be able to drive to various locations as required;

·       Must be able to use standard office equipment such as computers, telephone, etc. in conjunction with administrative duties;

·       Non-traditional work hours are required: nights, weekends – all as appropriate to the task at hand.