Director of Development

INTERESTED CANDIDATES : Please send resume and brief statement of interest to Abby Cohen at Big Shoulders Fund, View email address on click.appcast.io

Job Title: Director of Development – Andrean High School, Merrillville, IN

Reports to: Principal, Andrean High School

Supported by: Diocese of Gary

Posting Date: Spring 2026

The Diocese of Gary

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.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Andrean High School, a college preparatory Catholic high school committed to faith, learning, leadership, and service, is seeking a motivated and relationship-driven Director of Development to support and grow its fundraising and engagement efforts. This role is ideal for a development professional who excels in donor relations, annual giving, and event-based fundraising, and is eager to contribute to a mission-driven organization during a period of exciting growth.

Andrean has recently completed a 10-year strategic plan and is entering a new phase of advancement work aligned to that vision. In partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Gary and Big Shoulders Fund, bolstered by a historic investment from the Dean & Barbara White Family Foundation, the school is well-positioned to expand its impact. The Director of Development will play a key role in executing fundraising initiatives that support this momentum.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The Director of Development will:

• Execute and manage the school’s annual giving program, including appeals, donor communications, and stewardship efforts.
• Support the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of mid-level and major donors, working closely with the principal and key stakeholders.
• Coordinate and execute fundraising events, including planning, logistics, sponsorships, and follow-up.
• Maintain accurate donor records and reporting using Raiser’s Edge.
• Assist in implementing elements of a future capital campaign, as directed by school leadership and external partners.
• Develop and manage donor communications, including newsletters, impact reports, and campaign materials.
• Support alumni engagement efforts, including outreach, events, and relationship-building initiatives.
• Collaborate with school leadership to align fundraising activities with institutional priorities.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for Andrean High School, promoting its mission to donors, alumni, and the broader community.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the School Administration, limited to duties that are 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 intended to be 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.

QUALITIES OF THE CANDIDATE WE SEEK

• A 3–7 years of experience in fundraising, development, or related field.
• Demonstrated success in annual giving, donor relations, or event fundraising.
• Experience working in or with schools, nonprofits, or faith-based organizations preferred.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with donor databases such as Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Catholic education.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job as someone who works in a standard office and school buildings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is also required to stand, walk and manage stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• This position is primarily an in-person on-site office position. However, the employee must be able to do some traveling and work remotely in order to fulfil their job responsibilities. The employee must be able to drive and provide their own transportation.

COMPETENCIES

• A highly organized self-starter who is able to apply creative problem-solving, make decisions, work under pressure, coordinate project changes as needed and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates excellent writing skills, write in a clear and concise manner, exhibit effective listening, questioning and interpersonal skills.
• An ability to work some nights and weekends for special events or liturgical celebrations.
• Working in a Catholic faith-based professional office setting focused on building missionary discipleship across the Diocese of Gary.
• Builds collaborative relationships with all constituents, works to balance competing demands, and manages time effectively.
• Ability to lead, collaborate and motivate others in a respectful manner.
• The position expects strict confidentiality.

Compensation

1. Competitive Annual Salary of $80,000+ (commensurate with experience)
2. Opportunities for health, dental, vision, and life insurance are available
3. Compensation for mileage
4. Compensation and benefits provided by the Diocese of Gary

For more information the Employee Handbook is available on the Diocese of Gary website.

Why Join Us:

Andrean High School is at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation. With a legacy of academic excellence, strong community support, and a deep commitment to faith-based education, we are launching a bold vision for the future. We are looking for a dynamic advancement leader to help bring that vision to life.

To Apply:

Interested candidates must submit an application on this platform as well as send a resume and cover letter to Abby Cohen at Big Shoulders Fund, View email address on click.appcast.io.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization and the students/schools it serves.

Big Shoulders Fund

Big Shoulders Fund is posting this position at the request of the Catholic Diocese of Gary.

Big Shoulders Fund has a supportive relationship with the Diocese of Gary and is helping to disseminate information about this role by posting it here.

Big Shoulders Fund is an independent tax-exempt charitable organization that provides support to schools with demonstrated need which provide a quality, values-based education for children. We serve 25,000 students and 92 schools in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana regions. Each school is a vital community-based organization and an anchor to its surrounding neighborhoods.