Chief Development Officer

Ursuline Academy of Dallas seeks a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to start July 1, 2026. The CDO is responsible for all aspects of philanthropic engagement at Ursuline, including fundraising, community engagement, volunteer management, communications and messaging, events, and development services. The CDO ensures the entire development program is based on securing, fostering, and maintaining relationships with constituents. The CDO supervises all Development Office personnel, ensuring that activity is outcome-driven and aligned with the Academy’s mission, core values, and strategic priorities.

Founded in 1874 by the Ursuline Sisters, Ursuline Academy of Dallas is an independent Catholic, college preparatory school for young women. The mission of Ursuline Academy is the total development of the individual student through spiritual formation, intellectual growth, service to others, and building of community. Ursuline Academy educates young women for leadership in a global society.

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Ursuline Academy of Dallas reports to the President who, in turn, reports to the Board of Trustees of the Academy. The CDO collaborates with the officers for the Ursuline Academy of Dallas Foundation, Inc., in their work. The CDO services on the Academy’s senior leadership Campus Administration Team.

MISSION ALIGNED PHILANTHROPY (FUNDRAISING)

• Establishes fundraising goals and priorities in partnership with the President and Academy Board of Trustees.
• Develops and implements strategies for meeting fundraising objectives.
• Develops reporting and analysis that measures progress toward objectives and generates data‑driven insights to support strategies and prioritize activity.
• Manages a portfolio of leadership and major gift prospects, overseeing all steps of the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycle. Prepares and positions President for donor conversations as appropriate.
• Oversees all prospect management activities by supporting fundraising team with prospect identification, portfolio assignments, and annual wealth screening process.
• Builds and implements a comprehensive stewardship program that moves donors toward deeper involvement with the organization through appropriate communications and activity that demonstrate appreciation and impact of support.

GOVERNANCE AND SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

• Interacts regularly with Trustees, presenting development and campaign updates, reports, and key messages to Boards or prepares the President to do so.
• Serves as primary liaison to the Ursuline Academy of Dallas Foundation Board of Trustees and to the Development Committee of the Ursuline Academy Board of Trustees. Partners with volunteer leaders to guide Board/Committee agendas and align activity with strategic priorities. (Ursuline Academy of Dallas and the Ursuline Academy Foundation are separate and distinct 501(c)(3) organizations.)
• Supports the Trusteeship Committees for the Academy and Foundation Boards of Trustees by identifying and researching potential Board members.
• Serves on Campus Administration Team and participates in the development and implementation of campus-wide policy and procedure. Collaborates with department heads and advocates for a cross‑campus culture that supports philanthropic efforts and community engagement.
• Collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure that all procedures related to gift acceptance, processing, documentation, and expenditure of funds meet Generally Acceptable Accounting Principals (GAAP) and IRS requirements.
• Work with the CFO to establish language for donor agreements outlining contribution payments and distribution criteria. Ensure that contributions comply with relevant tax requirements. Collaborate with the CFO to ensure office procedures for contributions and pledges comply with GAAP.
• Prepare and manage annual Development Office budget.

General Management – Development

• Supervises, leads, and offers outstanding mentorship, feedback, support, professional growth, and guidance to the Development Office and its personnel, aligning roles and activity with overarching goals of the Development…