Ursuline Academy seeks a Development Officer-Scholarship Benefit & Volunteer Relations to join the Office of Development.  The successful candidate has a track record of planning and executing high-touch, multi-faceted events; has demonstrated experience in strategically engaging and managing volunteers; is an excellent communicator; and possesses a passion for education.

Founded in 1874, Ursuline Academy of Dallas is an independent Catholic, college preparatory school for young women, with enrollment of 850+ in grades 9-12. The Academy is the oldest continuously operating school in Dallas and with a distinguished tradition of academic excellence, innovation, and service, Ursuline educates young women for leadership in a global society. The mission of Ursuline Academy is the total development of the individual student through spiritual formation, intellectual growth, service to others, and building of community. Ursuline seeks faculty and staff who meet a high standard of professional and personal excellence in their work. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Ursuline will end a significant and successful comprehensive campaign in June 2023, which has focused on financial support for its endowment, operational priorities, and transformational enhancements to its physical campus. During the 2023-2024 academic year, Ursuline will celebrate its sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary. As we look to the future, it will be critical to continue elevating our giving and engagement programs in the most strategic and purposeful manner. This position will play an important role in meeting this objective.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the Development Officer-Scholarship Benefit & Volunteer Relations  is a key member of the fundraising team.  This position collaborates internally to set priorities and devise strategies for meeting department-wide objectives, participates in departmental goal setting and budget planning, and mobilizes numerous volunteers to effectively execute annual operating plans. The following is a summary of responsibilities:

Scholarship Benefit

• Plan and execute Mardi Gras Gala, in support of scholarships, as part of our annual fundraising program, inclusive of strategy, event production (logistics, budget, communication, vendors and auction software platforms), and volunteer support.
• Oversee recruitment and ongoing management of volunteer committee to successfully meet fundraising objectives for this event.
• Plan and execute underwriting solicitations, fulfillment of benefits and donor stewardship, in partnership with annual giving colleagues.
• Facilitate proactive and timely communications between volunteers, event vendors and internal staff members.
• Prioritize guest experience and ensure the interaction with the Academy is seamless and consistent with the highest level of professionalism.
• Facilitate RSVPs for the event.
• In partnership with members of the communications team, develop a strategic communications plan that promotes the fundraising event and volunteer involvement. Regularly contribute content for inclusion in existing print pieces, emails, and social media.
• Participate in Alumnae Board meetings as appropriate, with presentations on the Gala.

Volunteer Engagement

• In partnership with fundraising colleagues, plan and execute annual New Dad’s Breakfast, to ensure a strategic and thoughtful introduction to Parent Campaign and overarching Annual Giving opportunities.
• Partner closely with faculty and staff members who have responsibility for managing various volunteer groups to ensure that the volunteer experience fosters relationships with the school and enhances affinity for the Academy. Liaise with school administrators as appropriate for ongoing logistical needs.
• Regularly review development volunteer opportunities to ensure they remain impactful and meaningful and that all related communications, regardless of source, are proactive, timely and keep volunteers well-informed about their roles and responsibilities.
• Serve as primary development liaison, working in partnership with school faculty and staff, for Mothers and Dads Clubs, focused on relationship opportunities.
  • Work closely with the leadership of each group to streamline activity, enhance communications, and reduce redundancies.
  • Ensure activities remain focused on strategic priorities as established by the Academy and effectively utilizes staff and financial resources toward the achievement of outlined objectives.
• Plan and execute Development-related portion of New Family Welcome Party.
• Serve as Development liaison for coordinating volunteer opportunities (ex: Mail Team) as needed by the Academy. Incorporate other school colleagues as it relates to non-Development projects and needs.

Other

• Accountable for the documentation of all constituent interactions, volunteer involvement and event invitations/participation in appropriate database.
• Serve on internal giving strategy team to ensure the highest level of collaboration for all areas of fundraising.
• Adhere to best practices for community engagement.
• Generate regular reporting as ongoing measurement for programs and events and related analysis.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, with demonstrated professional experience in a multi-channel fundraising environment.
• Proven track record with planning and executing benefit events and with significant volunteer support.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit and close annual gifts.
• Proven ability to recruit, motivate and support leadership volunteers.
• Experience in or familiarity with independent school or education fundraising a plus.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or an equivalent database.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
• Proven skills and ability to successfully manage multi-phase projects from inception to completion and balance concurrent priorities.
• Ability to develop and foster relationships with people at all levels of an organization, and to collaborate and influence at a high level.
• Sound judgement, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail; the ability to think strategically and act decisively.
• Self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Some evening/weekend work will be required.

Ursuline Academy of Dallas is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment. It is the policy of Ursuline Academy to make employment decisions on the basis of qualifications for the specific job without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law, except where such is a bona-fide occupational qualification.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to employment@ursulinedallas.org.