Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations

Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations

About Sacred Heart School of Halifax

A top independent school in Atlantic Canada, and one of Nova Scotia's only Catholic schools, Sacred Heart School of Halifax has been teaching the whole child - mind, body, and spirit - for over 176 years. Our iconic campus in the heart of Halifax offers a diamond model of education: co-ed in JP-Grade 6, single-gender in Grades 7-9, and co-ed in Grades 10-12. With a network of schools around the world, a rich and proud history, and a strong and unique set of core values, we offer not just an education but an experience that is unparalleled in this region. Sacred Heart School of Halifax is proudly accredited by Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Sacred Heart Commission on Goals (SHCOG). Visit us at www.shsh.ca.

About the Role

We are searching for a dynamic and strategic Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations. The successful candidate will be a primary driver of philanthropic participation and success through fundraising, relationship-building, community engagement, special events, and donor stewardship, advancing the School's mission and living and sharing our School's vision of excellence in education, as embodied in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education. Reporting to the Head of the School, this position is part of the School's Leadership Team and is responsible for supervising one direct employee.

Primary Duties

Fundraising and Development

• Lead all philanthropic initiatives for the School (including Annual and Planned Giving, Bursary Fund, Big Heart Bursary Benefit, Major Gifts, Capital Campaigns (as necessary), special events, and Grant/Foundation applications).
• Research, identify, and cultivate new prospects, including individuals, foundations, and companies.
• Oversee all Advancement initiatives, ensuring all budgeting and reporting are done accurately and on time.

Donor and Community Relations

• Build positive and meaningful relationships with key constituents, including donors (current, past, and prospective), alumni, parents, employees, the broader Sacred Heart community, and outside partners, while strengthening affiliation with Sacred Heart that encourages a pattern of continuous and increasing financial support.
• Manage donor stewardship and recognition, and oversee timely and accurate gift tracking and processing, database management, data analysis, and reporting.
• Foster community relations, including prospective, past, and current families, employees, and all other Sacred Heart constituents and friends, Religious of the Sacred Heart, students, vendors, etc.
• Be present at various school and community events to nurture and cultivate relationships.

Alumni Relations

• Oversee and cultivate lasting connections between Sacred Heart and its graduates, promoting a sense of community and belonging.
• Working with the Advancement and Alumni Relations Officer, ensure the alumni database is efficiently maintained.
• Manage alumni communications through various channels and platforms.
• Oversee the planning and execution of annual events like the Wine & Cheese, Alum Day, and reunions.
• Plan and oversee fundraising efforts, fostering volunteerism and mentorship, and creating engaging programs to build a strong, lifelong community for both alumni and students.

Special Events

• Lead all fundraising and/or advancement events undertaken by the School and the Parents' Guild, including two annual alumni events, the Big Hearts Bursary Benefit, and the Christmas Fair, among others. This includes ensuring fundraising goals are met, the School's Mission is advanced, and its reputation for warm and welcoming hospitality is elevated.

Strategic Leadership

• Work closely as part of the School's Leadership Team and as part of the Institutional Advancement Team on the strategic direction and enrollment growth of the School.
• Work with the Engagement Committee of the Board on advancement initiatives.
• Work closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications to ensure timely, accurate, engaging, and relevant communications.

Staff and Volunteer Supervision

• Manage the Advancement and Alumni Relations Officer, who is primarily responsible for all Advancement administration.
• Act as the liaison for the Parents' Guild and other volunteer committees, and is the primary Advancement lead on special events.
• Manage the School's Archive with the support of volunteers.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• A minimum of five years of fundraising/advancement experience. Experience in independent schools or higher education would be an asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including a positive, collaborative approach to work and relationship-building that fosters meaningful connections.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to think strategically.
• Unflinching integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to handle confidential information sensitively.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines and goals.
• Google Suite proficiency and Blackbaud experience. Familiarity with fundraising and relational database software is a plus, as is the willingness to learn new systems/tools.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational capabilities.
• Comfort in taking part in non-advancement school functions as a means of building community and engagement.
• Flexibility to organize and attend events and communicate with constituents outside of traditional business hours.
• A clear and active commitment to the Sacred Heart goals, criteria, and educational philosophy is essential. This role is one of the School's primary ambassadors and requires a positive, warm, and outgoing person.

Interested applicants should send their résumé accompanied by a cover letter to [email protected]. The deadline to apply is November 21, 2025. Applications will be reviewed as they come in. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We offer:

• We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including a parking spot, health and dental insurance, and a wonderful work environment.

We encourage applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, and other racially visible persons, persons with disabilities, and women. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify in your cover letter or resume.

Conditions of Employment:

• The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Background Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Clearance, in addition to a reference check.