Development Officer 2025-2026

Title: Development Officer (Full-Time)
Year: 2025 - 2026 School Year
Supervisor: VP of Advancement
FLSA: Exempt

The Development Officer
The Development Officer works both independently and collaboratively with the Vice President for Advancement and other members of the Advancement Team to manage prospect and donor relationships through the donor life cycle, with comprehensive asks (annual, major, planned gifts), using a moves management system. This position will participate actively in both ongoing fundraising efforts as well as special initiatives/campaigns.

As part of the St. Thomas High School Advancement team, you will be expected to adhere to the AFP guiding principles: As champions of ethical fundraising, fundraising professionals work to increase public trust in charitable giving. We are accountable to our donors and their organizations to perform to the highest standards. We practice courage and integrity in the stewardship of private and public resources.

ST. THOMAS HIGH SCHOOL
St. Thomas High School, an all-boys private, Catholic college-preparatory school for grades 9-12 in Houston, Texas is actively seeking to fill the position of Development Officer. Ranked among the country’s finest college-preparatory schools and founded in 1900, St. Thomas High School continues today to build on its mission: Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge. With an enrollment of approximately 750 students and growing, St. Thomas is committed to providing a multi-dimensional education for young men through a challenging college-preparatory curriculum and an abundance of artistic, athletic, and leadership opportunities. The motivated students, talented faculty and staff, devoted and active parents, a distinguished alumni base, along with an exciting new addition to the beautiful centrally located campus, make St. Thomas one of the most exciting places to work in education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and lead gift prospects to align prospect interests with the strategic campaign objectives of the system and local needs
• Manage a portfolio (approximately 100-125 prospects) with potential for gifts of $25,000 to $100,000+
• Schedule and conduct face-to-face meetings with all prospects assigned to his/her portfolio
• Maintain records of cultivation strategies, prospect evaluations (discovery), solicitations, contact reports, and results of all contacts with prospects
• Participate in prospect pipeline management meetings to review and develop prospect engagement strategies and execute well-thought-out solicitation plans
• Assist in producing prospect-related proposals, supporting documentation, and correspondence
• Support select volunteer solicitors in their prospect engagement, including parents, alumni, and Board members as assigned
• Participate in School and development-related meetings, events, and other special projects as needed

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree or higher is required
• Minimum three (3) years of successful fundraising and major gifts experience

SKILLS

• Demonstrable knowledge of the principles and best practices associated with major gift fundraising, including the practice of moves management
• Demonstrated success in soliciting, negotiating, and closing major gifts
• Strong analytical skills and a strategic approach to problem solving
• Personable presence, demeanor, and the desire to work face-to-face with the external community, including volunteers and donor prospects
• Outstanding commitment to customer service
• Strong attention to detail, with an outstanding ability to multitask
• Initiates and has the ability to work independently
• Willingness and ability to learn and utilize The Raiser’s Edge software
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Command of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Commitment to the mission and values of St. Thomas High School

Physical Requirements
May be required to exert physical effort of a limited nature as needed for events. No excessive lifting.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by individuals in this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of individuals in this job classification. All job classifications may have miscellaneous job duties assigned on an as needed basis. Management, at the appropriate level, retains the right to assign and change the duties of any position at any time.

How to Apply
Please go to the St. Thomas High School website at Submit your application, resume, and cover letter on our website.