Director of Annual Giving

Position Type:
Administration/Director

Date Posted:
6/11/2026

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

JOB SUMMARY

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.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• 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.

SKILLS

• 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

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Annual Giving (50% of time)

• 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 motivating and engaging 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 actively engage with school personnel to maintain a thorough understanding of the school.
• Assisting with other responsibilities within the Advancement Office as required.

Major Gift (30%)

• Manage an assigned donor portfolio and implement a moves management process.
• Develop meaningful relationships with the donors in the assigned portfolio to advocate for and solicit support for the needs of the students.

Alumni Relations (20 of time)

• Lead, manage, and direct activities related to engaging our over 19,000 alumni.
• Hosting and marketing alumni events throughout the year including: Young Alumni Return Days, Homecoming weekend, and reunions for milestone reunion years.
• Alumni marketing communications on our website, alumni portal, gathering and promoting alumni stories for social media, monthly newsletter, and annual Compass magazine publication.

Other

• Support other Advancement staff to plan and implement special events as directed including Open House, Memorial Mass, Scholarship Breakfast, and the annual Golf Outing.
• Exhibit a willingness and ability to collaborate with, support, and be a positive contributor to the work of all the departments of the institution.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

COOPERATIVE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations works closely with all members of the Advancement, Marketing, and Admissions staff. This position works with volunteers and those positioned to assist in fundraising and donor engagement. The Director of Annual Giving also works closely with the Chief Enrollment and Advancement Officer and the President.

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA AND JOB HAZARDS

Hours of work are M-F and frequently include evenings and weekends as required for the department's needs or demands. Some overnight travel may be necessary.


PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

• Moderate physical effort required: normally seated with freedom of movement on a regular basis, handling of supplies and materials related to record-keeping.
• Some lifting may be required
• The employee must be able to impart and receive detailed information through verbal and written communication.
• The employee must have the ability to work in situations involving measurable or verifiable criteria: situations dealing with people, performing under stressful situations, and working with set limits, tolerances, or standards.