Executive Director of Institutional Advancement in Louisville, Kentucky at Saint Xavier High School

Founded in 1864, Saint Xavier High School is a Catholic college preparatory school sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers and serving boys in grades 9-12. In addition to academic excellence, St. X has established itself as an athletic powerhouse in the region. Our 54-acre campus is located in the heart of Louisville.

St. X is proud to be the only Kentucky high school to have earned the US Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon Award five times and is consistently ranked among the "Best Catholic Schools" in America by Niche, the largest website for researching K-12 schools.

Saint Xavier High School is excited to announce an opportunity for a dedicated and dynamic leader to join us as our Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, leading efforts to advance philanthropy, engagement, and institutional impact.

Summary

The Executive Director of Institutional Advancement (IA) reports directly to the President and provides strategic leadership and oversight of the IA team. This role leads efforts to streamline and integrate key advancement functions, including donor stewardship, data governance, and compliance, while ensuring strong operational performance and alignment between donor intent and institutional priorities. Serving as a key advisor to the President, the Executive Director also guides advancement strategy, supports major gift cultivation and solicitation, strengthens donor relationships, and leads fundraising efforts that advance the school’s mission and long-term growth strategies.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for IA functions, including advancement services, fund management, stewardship, prospect research, donor engagement alumni relations, and fundraising initiatives to support the school’s mission.
• Lead and develop Institutional Advancement staff across advancement services, alumni engagement, annual giving, and advancement communications to ensure professional growth and accountability.
• Guide advancement planning for major initiatives and campaigns, including strategies for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding significant philanthropic gifts in conjunction with IA’s moves management systems.
• Maintain a portfolio of no less than 100 prospects, including individuals with the capacity to make five to seven-figure gifts.
• Establish clear yearly cash goals for all annual, capital, and endowment gifts as well as planned gift intentions.
• Lead the execution of Institutional Advancement initiatives while promoting best practices that ensure fundraising efforts are strategic, coordinated, and effective.
• Oversee the Institutional Advancement budget, including forecasting, monitoring, and financial reporting, serving as the primary liaison with the Business Office on IA-related financial matters.
• Direct the administration and optimization of the Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT database, ensuring data integrity, effective system utilization, reporting accuracy and staff training.
• Ensure accurate fund documentation, gift agreements, and memoranda of understanding for restricted gifts, while maintaining compliance with IRS regulations, CASE standards, and institutional gift acceptance policies.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and enforcement of gift processing policies and procedures to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant acknowledgement and administration of all contributions.
• Develops reports and provides regular dashboards and analytics for Executive Leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Represent the school in donor, alumni, and community engagement activities that strengthen relationships, build trust, and support long-term philanthropic growth.
• Serve as a supervisor, mentor, and strategic resource for IA staff by providing guidance on fundraising strategy, donor engagement, operational effectiveness, and professional development.
• Support high-priority fundraising initiatives and major gift opportunities, including capital projects, special campaigns, and complex planned gifts such as charitable trust, gift annuities, and other transformational giving arrangements, in coordination with the Senior Vice President of Special Initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

This job description is not designated to cover of contain a full listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, nonprofit management, or related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in institutional advancement, fund management, or development services in a nonprofit or education setting.
• Database expertise is required with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge/NXT experience preferred.
• Proven ability to identify, cultivate, solicit, and close leadership-level gifts.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Detail oriented with a demonstrated ability to manage people, projects, and special events.
• High level of professionalism in communication with donors, board members, committee members, and other key volunteers.
• Willing and able to travel periodically and work on weekends and evenings as needed.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
• Technically proficient.

This position requires a background check, and the employee must complete the Safe Environment Training course offered through the Archdiocese of Louisville. The course must be completed within 30 days of employment.

St. X is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. St. X encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Vacation
• 14 annual paid holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + Company Match of 6%
• Free Lunch on Full School Days
• Tuition Remission for son's attending St. X and for daughters attending local girl's Catholic high schools
• Short-term & Long-Term Disability at no cost to employee
• Medical & Dependent Care FSAs
• $50,000 Group Life Insurance at no cost & Supplement Life Available