Director of Annual Giving

Location:

Carmel Catholic High School - Mundelein

Date Available:

08/03/2026

Position Title: Director of Annual Giving

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: Chief Enrollment and Advancement Officer

Department: Office of Advancement

The Director of Annual Giving plays a crucial role in fostering meaningful relationships with potential and existing donors, including Alumni, to garner support for Carmel Catholic High School students. This involves actively identifying and cultivating prospects and implementing strategies to retain, grow, and re-engage annual donors. Additionally, the Director collaborates with the Director of Philanthropy to identify donors with substantial giving potential.

Moreover, the position entails leading and coordinating Alumni Relations, including the Alumni Celebration Weekend.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and able to pass the requirements for a criminal background clearance.
• Demonstrated understanding and alignment with the mission and values of Carmel Catholic High School.
• Knowledge of Catholicism and Catholic schools is beneficial.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in fundraising, student relations, or a related field.
• Professional or volunteer experience in event planning.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising plans.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to build and nurture meaningful relationships, fostering a connection to Carmel Catholic High School.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including alumni, donors, faculty, and staff.
• Proficient in multitasking and prioritizing work for optimal results.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Google, PowerPoint, and fundraising tracking software (Veracross preferred).
• Understanding and appreciation for data‑driven decision‑making in fundraising efforts.

• Ability and willingness to solicit donors
• Must exhibit confidence and professionalism
• Ability to work collaboratively and multitask
• Ability to develop meaningful relationships
• Ability to strategize, plan, and execute multi‑channel marketing campaigns.
• Demonstrated flexibility
• Maintain confidentiality
• Ability to articulate and support the mission of the school
• Self‑motivated
• Ability to think creatively

• Design and execute a successful yearly Annual Giving program, including identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting targeted donors and prospects to maximize giving and participation rates for all constituencies.
• Collaborate with the Chief Enrollment and Advancement Officer to manage and oversee Annual Giving activities, such as individual personalized solicitation plans and phonathons.
• Initiate and strengthen relationships with donors, creating individualized plans to increase the number of leadership donors.
• Implement programs to educate potential donors about the needs of Carmel Catholic students and motivate and engage current and potential donors to support the students.
• Execute multiple Annual Fund appeal campaigns utilizing direct mail, email, text, and social media throughout the year, including Giving Tuesday and Corsair Day.
• Manage vendor relationships and marketing communications sent from external platforms, including Boost My School and Double the Donation.
• Work with the Chief Enrollment and Advancement Officer and the Director of Philanthropy to support the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of leadership and major gift donors.
• Coordinate stewardship and donor recognition activities related to Annual Giving in conjunction with the Advancement Team, including in‑person meetings, phone calls, and personalized written communication to ensure proper stewardship for all constituents.
• Track development activity and donor interactions by accurately entering key interactions and strategies into the fundraising database.
• Develop a strong working knowledge of the Veracross system, including data extraction and analysis to identify new potential opportunities.
• Stay updated with school happenings and…