Chief Advancement Officer

INTERESTED CANDIDATES
:
Please send resume and brief statement of interest to Abby Cohen at Big Shoulders Fund, (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

Job Title:

Chief Advancement Officer – Andrean High School, Merrillville, IN

Reports to:

Principal, Andrean High School

Supported by:

Diocese of Gary

Posting Date:

Spring 2026

The Diocese of Gary serves an estimated 170,000 Catholics in Lake, Porter, LaPorte and Starke counties through 58 parishes, two missions and one Catholic student center. The diocese has 17 parish elementary schools and three diocesan high schools serving 5,985 students. An additional 5,610 students are enrolled in parish Catholic faith formation programs. The diocese is home to two post‑secondary institutions.

More than two million are served by Catholic‑affiliated agencies, including seven Catholic hospitals, residential and daycare facilities for adults and children, and centers for Social Services.

Andrean High School, a college preparatory Catholic high school committed to faith, learning, leadership, and service, is seeking a visionary and experienced Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead its fundraising and relationship‑building efforts. The Chief Advancement Officer will be employed by the school as part of the Diocese of Gary, and report to the principal of Andrean High School. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a storied institution by developing and executing a bold, strategic advancement program that supports Andrean's mission for generations to come.

Andrean is entering a period of exciting growth and expansion. As a school of the Catholic Diocese of Gary, Andrean has just completed a 10‑year strategic plan that calls for a bold redefinition of its fundraising and communications efforts and is seeking a dynamic advancement leader to help bring this vision to life.

Andrean will directly benefit from a partnership between the Diocese and Big Shoulders Fund, through which the Dean & Barbara White Family Foundation recently committed a historic gift of $150 million to help the schools in the diocese to thrive. This transformational gift will strengthen school operations, improve facilities, enhance student support, and expand academic excellence—creating a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity for impact.

• Build and lead a high‑performing advancement department, including the areas of Annual Giving, Major Gifts, Gift Processing, and Alumni Relations.
• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes annual fund campaigns, major and planned gifts, and a successful multi‑million dollar capital campaign.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects, developing long‑term relationships that support Andrean's strategic priorities.
• Oversee alumni engagement efforts, fostering a lifelong connection between graduates and the school.
• Collaborate closely with school leaders and stakeholders to align fundraising goals with school priorities.
• Utilize data‑driven strategies and innovative approaches to maximize fundraising efficiency and donor impact.
• Serve as a passionate advocate for Catholic education and the mission of Andrean High School in all advancement efforts.

• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the School Administration, consistent with the scope of the Chief Advancement Officer role and that directly support the school's advancement strategy and development operations. This description is illustrative and does not encompass all potential duties or responsibilities.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication with students, educators, and families from diverse cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds.
• Demonstrate strong responsive and courteous support
  , ensuring prompt replies to calls and emails.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in advancement/development, with a strong track record in fundraising and relationship management.
• Proven experience successfully managing a multi‑million dollar capital campaign from planning through execution.
• Experience working within or with Catholic schools or faith‑based…