Chief Advancement Officer

Position Type:AdministrationDate Posted:1/28/2026Location:Andrean High SchoolPosition Title: Chief Advancement OfficerLocation: Andrean High School - Merrillville, IndianaSalary: $100,000+ (commensurate with experience)Reports to: Principal, Andrean High SchoolPosition Summary:Andrean High School, a college preparatory Catholic high school committed to faith, learning, leadership, and service, is seeking a visionary and experienced Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead its fundraising and relationship-building efforts. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a storied institution by developing and executing a bold, strategic advancement program that supports Andrean's mission for generations to come.Andrean is entering a period of exciting growth and expansion. As a school of the Catholic Diocese of Gary, Andrean has just completed a 10-year strategic plan that calls for a bold redefinition of its fundraising and communications efforts and is seeking a dynamic advancement leader to help bring this vision to life.Andrean will directly benefit from a partnership between the Diocese and Big Shoulders Fund, through which the Dean & Barbara White Family Foundation recently committed a historic gift of $150 Million to help the schools in the diocese to thrive. This transformational gift will strengthen school operations, improve facilities, enhance student support, and expand academic excellence creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity for impact.Key Responsibilities:The Chief Advancement Officer will:Build and lead a high-performing advancement department, including the areas of Annual Giving, Major Gifts, Gift Processing, and Alumni Relations.Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes annual fund campaigns, major and planned gifts, and a successful multi-million dollar capital campaign.Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects, developing long-term relationships that support Andrean's strategic priorities.Oversee alumni engagement efforts, fostering a lifelong connection between graduates and the school.Collaborate closely with school leaders and stakeholders to align fundraising goals with school priorities.Utilize data-driven strategies and innovative approaches to maximize fundraising efficiency and donor impact.Serve as a passionate advocate for Catholic education and the mission of Andrean High School in all advancement efforts.Additional Duties:Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned by the School Administration, limited to duties that are consistent with the scope of the Chief Advancement Officer role and that directly support the school's advancement strategy and development operations. This description is intended to be illustrative and does not encompass all potential duties or responsibilities.Qualifications and Experience:A minimum of 10 years of experience in advancement/development, with a strong track record in fundraising and relationship management.Proven experience successfully managing a multi-million dollar capital campaign from planning through execution.Experience working within or with Catholic schools or faith-based institutions is strongly preferred.Demonstrated leadership ability with experience building or transforming advancement operations into effective, mission-aligned teams.Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse constituencies.Proficient in using Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge donor management software.Strategic thinker with a bold, entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for innovation in philanthropy.A personal commitment to the values of Catholic education and Andrean High School's mission. PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job as someone who works in a standard office and school buildings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is also required to stand, walk and manage stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.This position is primarily an in-person on-site office position. However, the employee must be able to do some traveling and work remotely in order to fulfil their job responsibilities. The employee must be able to drive and provide their own transportation. COMPETENCIESA highly organized self-starter who is able to apply creative problem-solving, make decisions, work under pressure, coordinate project changes as needed and meet deadlines.Demonstrates excellent writing skills, write in a clear and concise manner, exhibit effective listening, questioning and interpersonal skills.An ability to work some nights and weekends for special events or liturgical celebrations.Working in a Catholic faith-based professional office setting focused on building missionary discipleship across the Diocese of Gary.Builds collaborative relationships with all constituents, works to balance competing demands, and manages time effectively.Ability to lead, collaborate and motivate others in a respectful manner.The position expects strict confidentiality.SALARY AND BENEFITSCompetitive Annual Salary of $100,000+ (commensurate with experience)Opportunities for health, dental, vision, and life insurance are availableCompensation for mileageFor more information the Employee Handbook is available on the Diocese of Gary website.Why Join Us: