Role Overview 

The Director of Institutional Advancement manages development, public relations, alumni relations, and events for Archmere Academy. Reporting to the Head of School and serving on the Head of School's Council, the Director supports and facilitates the Head of School's engagement with donors, alumni, foundations, corporations, and friends of the Academy. This role presents a unique opportunity to help shape the roles and responsibilities of Advancement staff.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Fundraising

• Partner with the Head of School, Principal, and Board Advancement Committee to create and implement a comprehensive advancement plan aligned with the Academy's mission and strategic plan.
• Actively cultivate, solicit, and steward donors alongside board members, senior administrators, and volunteers.
• Oversee the Annual Archmere Fund, Planned Giving, and Major Gifts programs.
• Prepare foundation and corporate grant requests; manage capital campaign planning with Board approval.
• Maintain the donor database and develop appropriate donor recognition activities.

Public Relations & Communications

• Collaborate with school leadership and the Marketing Manager to develop and execute a public relations plan.
• Provide regular fundraising updates to alumni, parents, grandparents, and other constituencies via the Archmerean and other channels.
• Produce an annual report covering the state of the school and a full accounting of advancement activities.

Events

• Plan and oversee advancement-related events, including donor recognition, reunion, and homecoming activities.
• Coordinate with relevant staff to ensure events align with the Academy's mission and advancement goals.

Alumni Relations

• Oversee the Associate Director's liaison role with the Alumni Council.
• Ensure the alumni database is current and contribute to the school archives.

Office Management

• Hire, manage, and support Institutional Advancement staff; ensure ongoing professional development.
• Develop, present, and monitor the annual Advancement Office budget.

Qualifications

• Proven, compensated fundraising track record with demonstrated success in donor cultivation and giving
• Management experience with strong collaborative skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in fundraising software, databases, and standard office applications
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven
• Connection to or experience with Archmere or similar-sized, mission-driven Catholic institutions is desired

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resumé to advancement@archmereacademy.com

About Archmere Academy

Archmere Academy is a Catholic, Norbertine, college preparatory school, grades 9 through 12, valuing community, respect, zeal, reverence, and wisdom. Nurturing body and soul, mind and heart, Archmere focuses on the whole person through academic excellence, faith reflection, social development, and service to others. Archmere’s 38-acre collegiate-style campus located in Claymont, Delaware, is the former estate of John J. and Helena Raskob, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Norbertine Fathers purchased the property on the Delaware River in 1932, and established a boarding and day school for boys. In 1975, the Academy transitioned into a co-educational day school. Fifty years later, Archmere's more than 500 students continue to create impressive resumés for matriculation to highly competitive and diverse colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad. With challenging and relevant academic offerings, including 23 advancement placement courses and 25 honors courses, a competitive and mission-focused athletic program sustaining 24 Varsity athletic teams, a robust visual and performing arts program incorporated into the academic curriculum, and more than 40 co-cur...ricular clubs and activities, Archmere prepares students for college and beyond. Inspired by its heritage, Archmere cultivates empathetic leaders – young men and women "prepared for every good work" (2Timothy 3:17).

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Connections working at Archmere Academy