Visitation School is seeking an experienced and motivated Chief Advancement Officer to lead our overall advancement activities and constituent relations programs. Reporting directly to Visitation’s Head of School, this role has full responsibility for donor engagement, capital, major and planned gift programs, annual fund, special project fundraising, alumnae affairs, special events, stewardship Parents' Association, corporate and foundation relations, and management of the day-to-day functions of the Visitation Advancement Team. The Director, in concert with the Head of School and Board of Trustees, plays a leadership role in the development of strategic plans to strengthen financial resources and advance the mission of the school. Additionally, the Director will provide support to the Visitation Board of Trustees’ Development Committee, whose responsibility is to foster and enhance overall giving.

Visitation is an independent Catholic day school with a culture permeated by Salesian Spirituality.  We offer a unique combination of learning experiences with an onsite daycare, coed Lower School (Montessori preschool through grade 5), an all-girls Middle School (grades 6-8), and an all-girls Upper School (grades 9-12).  A member of NAIS and accredited by ISACS, we are located on a beautiful 60-acre campus in Mendota Heights, just south of St. Paul, Minnesota.  Please visit our website at https://www.visitation.net for more information.

The ideal candidate should have:

• Demonstrated proficiency in current advancement practices and procedures.
• Experience designing and implementing short-term and long-term strategic plans.
• Experience working with Board Trustees and managing an Advancement Committee.
• A proven track record with successful fundraising and annual giving programs.
• Experience leading successful capital campaigns.
• Ability to solicit and secure gifts ranging from cold calls to major gift renewals.
• Good judgment with an aptitude to motivate and inspire people, set priorities, analyze data, prepare conclusions and handle multiple assignments with tight deadlines.
• Excellent, clear and compelling written and oral communications and experience providing credible and authentic presentations to external audiences.
• Advanced working knowledge of data and database management, as well as computer and software applications such as Raiser’s Edge and RE-NXT.
• Be a self-starter who takes initiative in addressing the needs of the school.
• Models the highest qualities of integrity and professionalism for staff.
• Proven effectiveness leading staff and building effective teams.
• A strong desire to contribute actively to a community where students are known, loved, and challenged.
• A commitment to Visitation School’s mission and values.
• Can demonstrate and model the philosophies and spirit of Visitation School.  “Salesian Spirituality” reflects gentle strength, dignity, patience and Christian humanism.

Preference will be given to candidates that possess a bachelor’s degree in a related area with at least five years of experience in comparable educational or non-profit development and five or more years of experience in team management.  An advanced degree with experience in an independent school is preferred. 

Qualified candidates are asked to send a letter of interest and resume, including three references to recruitment@vischool.org. Visitation School is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

About Visitation School

We are an independent Catholic school founded in 1873 by the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary. We educate girls in grades six to twelve and boys and girls from Montessori preschool through grade five.

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