Director of Advancement

Villanova Preparatory School, an exceptional co-ed, college preparatory school in beautiful Ojai, California, seeks an experienced and successful director of advancement.

Founded by Augustinian Friars and ranked as one of the best Catholic schools in America, VPS was visited several times by Pope Leo when he was head of the worldwide Order of Saint Augustine.

Serving boarding and day students in grades six through twelve, Villanova offers a rigorous education rooted in a rich intellectual tradition that dates back to the founding of the Augustinians in 1244.

Surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest and 30 miles east of Santa Barbara, Villanova is accredited by the Western Catholic Education Association and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The director of advancement is a member of Villanova’s senior leadership team and reports to the president.

The director is responsible for developing and maintaining active and productive relationships with alumni, parents, grandparents, volunteers, friends and other VPS stakeholders.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Plan activities that cultivate relationships with stakeholders and secure gifts to the Annual Fund and other fundraising initiatives determined by the president.
• Develop and implement strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Manage a portfolio of active and prospective donors.
• Manage an associate director of advancement and a coordinator of alumni and parent relations.
• With the director of admissions, co-manage Villanova’s coordinator of marketing and communications.
• Work with the associate director of advancement and freelance grant-writer to draft proposals to philanthropic foundations and corporations.
• Assist in raising funds to enhance the School’s endowment.
• Create and administer a planned giving program.
• Identify, recruit, train and motivate volunteers to support the School’s advancement efforts.

• 7+ years of experience in advancement, development, or a related field.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and donor engagement.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience managing a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a high level of organization and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, practices, and trends.
• Experience with donor databases and fundraising software.