Vice President of Development

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (CRJHS) is a Catholic, Jesuit high school committed to forming young men and women of faith, intellect, and service. Inspired by the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—we provide access to a rigorous college and career preparatory education for students of every culture, faith, and creed who are guided by faith, prepared for life, and always serving others.

Located in the Phillips neighborhood of South Minneapolis, the state-of-the-art campus serves approximately 400 students. Cristo Rey is the only school in the State of Minnesota that fully integrates a rigorous academic program, with four years of professional work experience and dedicated college and alumni counseling, to families of limited economic resources. Our innovative Corporate Work Study model—connects students with 130+ Twin Cities corporate partners— where our students gain the experiences needed to thrive in college, career, and life.

We are seeking a Vice President of Development who is inspired by this mission and eager to help it grow. As CRJHS continues to deliver on its impactful and meaningful mission, this is an exciting opportunity to build upon the strength of the current fundraising operation and take it to the next level.

About the Role

The Vice President of Development is a key member of our Senior Leadership Team and a strategic partner to the President. This leader will guide and energize all fundraising efforts—including major gifts, grants, endowment, and corporate philanthropy—to advance the current annual goal of more than $5 million.

This is more than a fundraising role. It is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, invite others into our mission, and ensure the long-term sustainability of a school that transforms our community—now and into the future.

The Vice President leads a dedicated Development and Communications team and helps cultivate a culture of gratitude, stewardship, and generosity rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. You will lead and mentor a team comprised of a Mid-Level Gift Officer, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager, and Development Assistant.

What You’ll Do

Lead and Inspire Philanthropy

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for major gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Personally manage a portfolio of significant donors and prospects.
• Confidently engage and steward high-net-worth donors and leadership-level supporters.
• Oversee and support growth of signature fundraisingevent.
• Direct and coordinate foundation and grant fundraising efforts.
• Strengthen sustainable fundraising systems aligned with CRJHS’s strategic plan.

Build Community and Partnerships

• Organize meaningful events that connect donors with students, faculty, and school leadership.
• Collaborate with CRJHS’s President and Vice President of Corporate Work Study to align corporate partnerships and philanthropic support.
• Represent CRJHS within the Cristo Rey Network, Jesuit Schools Network, and Midwest Province of Jesuits.

Strengthen Infrastructure and Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and support the professional growth of Development and Communications team members.
• Manage the Development department budget.
• Prepare quarterly Development reports for the Board of Directors and meet regularly with the Board’s Development Committee Chair.
• Uphold the highest standards of integrity and stewardship, handling sensitive information with discretion and deep respect for donor trust.

Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for a seasoned development leader who brings both strategic expertise and a genuine passion for our mission.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• At least 10 years of demonstrated success securing strategic gifts and advancing donor prospects within a not-for-profit organization.
• Demonstrated experience in major and leadership-level giving strategy.
• Commitment to the mission of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with donor database software (Raiser’s Edgepreferred), as well as marketing, communications, and social media…