Posted: Mar 20, 2026

Vice President of Advancement

Erie Catholic School System - Erie, PA
Full-time
Salary: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00
Application Deadline: N/A
Education

ERIE CATHOLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM (ECSS)

JOB TITLE: VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT

REPORTS TO: ECSS PRESIDENT

INDIRECT REPORT TO: VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE

POSITION STATUS: FULL TIME, EXEMPT

Position Summary: Oversees all areas of advancement including planning, coordination, implementation, and management of all fundraising activities.  Advises the President and the Administrative Team regarding overall advancement department and organizational goals, programs, policies, and procedures, as they relate to raising funds. 

Implements and manages the ECSS Advancement program with emphasis on the following areas:

  • Major Gifts and Planned Giving
  • Annual Giving
  • Alumni Relations Programs
  • Special Events and Fundraisers

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Five plus years of relevant experience in development, including annual appeals; familiarity with non-profit, faith-based, or education sector preferred.
  • Possess a diverse skill set to effectively lead advancement initiatives.
  • An established track record of success in major gift fundraising.
  • Practicing Catholic.
  • Demonstrated ability to uphold the AFP Donor Bill of Rights and Code of Ethical Standards.
  • Committed to the ECSS mission, vision, and philosophy

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Develop, implement, and evaluate the annual strategic focus for the advancement department in coordination with the ECSS Advancement Committee.
  • Assist in creating and maintaining strong donor and alumni databases and developing appropriate donation acknowledgement communications.
  • Prepare, monitor, and manage the advancement department budget.
  • Identify and apply for appropriate grant opportunities.
  • Contribute to the development of fundraising policies and procedures to implement best practices.
  • Ensure ECSS compliance with legal reporting requirements and diocesan fundraising policies.
  • Coordinate the development of advancement appeal materials.
  • Contribute advancement perspective to the ECSS communication plan and activities.
  • Work collaboratively with the ECSS President and Administrative team to further advancement goals.
  • Document and report on the progress toward goals, strategic focus, and campaign plan, as requested by the President and/or Board of Directors.
  • Coordinate efforts to increase ECSS funds through the Economic Disadvantaged Schools (EDS) component of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC ) scholarship program while collaborating with diocesan offices and the STAR Foundation.
  • Responsible for the identification, development, and use of the wealth screening program while ensuring confidentiality of the data.
  • Responsible for the development and maintenance of accountability procedures to ensure that gifts and grants are used for the purpose intended by the donor, and to provide follow up reports to those making contributions.
  • Act as an advocate for ECSS by engaging with community leaders and developing relationships.
  • Research for available grants, collaborate with identified staff, develop proposals, and submit for funding as appropriate.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by the President.

Performance Factors:

  • Provide regular monthly advancement updates with accurate facts and data to the ECSS President and/or the ECSS Board of Directors.
  • Meet with the Vice President of Finance monthly to ensure correct alignment of funds in financial reports.
  • Develop an innovative, comprehensive fundraising plan, including success factors and procedures to monitor program performance.
  • Strengthen relationships with high-level donors and stakeholders with meaningful engagement.
  • Provide monthly donor engagement reports and track progress toward donor retention and major gifts.
  • Acknowledge all donations within 24 to 48 hours of receipt.
  • Maintain and manage donor and alumni databases.
  • Increase alumni participation in fundraising activities.
  • Act as the single point of contact/supervisor for any and all advancement related activities and events.
  • Plan and execute three fundraising events per year in consultation with the ECSS President and the ECSS Board of Directors.
  • Complete a minimum of three competitive grants per fiscal year.

Competencies:

  • Knowledge of database management, gift processing, and donor relations practices.
  • Knowledge of Pennsylvania laws and regulations governing fundraising for non-profit organizations.
  • Knowledge of best practices for effective event planning.
  • Skill in developing innovative, a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes success factors and procedures to monitor program performance.
  • Skill in building positive, interpersonal relationships with potential donors and strengthening relationships with current donors.
  • Skill in developing and fostering alumni, stakeholder, and community relationships.
  • Skill in active listening and communicating effectively both orally and in writing while utilizing a variety of communication tools and techniques.
  • Skill in articulating the vision of the ECSS.
  • Skill in leading and working collaboratively with teams to develop and coordinate messaging.
  • Skill in developing and presenting information sessions.
  • Skill in prioritizing and completing tasks independently and with efficiency. Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Skill in critical thinking, problem solving, and strategic planning.
  • Skill in data analysis and accurate reporting of data.
  • Skill in researching grant opportunities and completing competitive grants competently.
  • Skill in using Microsoft Office, photo editing software/apps, social media platforms, and other current technologies to support advancement goals and objectives.

Work Conditions:

  • Required to work in a professional office environment as well as hospitality settings to meet with potential donors.
  • Required to work some evenings and weekends.
  • Required travel among school campuses, parishes, and sites outside of the Erie area necessitates the incumbent to have a vehicle and valid driver’s license.
  • Required to manage moderate to high levels of stress.
  • All Erie Catholic positions require on-campus attendance; remote work and flexible scheduling options are not offered.

Property and Confidentiality Requirements:

All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment, actual products, and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the ECSS. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the ECSS upon termination of employment from the ECSS. In addition, the person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about students, faculty, and staff; programs and services; and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of Erie Catholic’s employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.

 

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned or changed at any time with or without notice.

 

ECSS is committed to equal employment opportunity and employs all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age handicap, or any other classification protected by the federal, state, or local laws.