National Advancement Summer Institute for Catholic Schools
Two Great Conferences: Select One, Attend Classes from Both
America’s Premier Advancement Experience for Catholic Schools
The National Enrollment Management Conference for Catholic SchoolsTM
Acquire the techniques, tools and strategies to make an immediate impact in your school’s admissions effort. Offering proven strategies exclusively for Catholic schools, this conference is tailored for enrollment professionals to ensure sustainability, affordability and accessibility.
The National Advancement Conference for Catholic SchoolsTM
Experience a strategic, results-oriented, high energy conference designed for both novice and seasoned, Catholic school advancement professionals and leaders who want to take their programs and team performance to the next level.
- Register for the National Enrollment Management Conference for Catholic Schools
- Register for the National Advancement Conference for Catholic Schools
- About the Conference
- The National Enrollment Management Conference for Catholic Schools
- The National Advancement Conference for Catholic Schools
- Keynote Speaker
- The Conference Brochure
- Registration Costs, Deadlines, and Refund Policy
- The Boston Marriott Quincy Hotel
- Additional Information
- How do our alumni describe the value of their conference experience?
- Thank you to our Strategic Partners
- Questions? Contact Us!
Register for the National Enrollment Management Conference for Catholic Schools
Register for the National Advancement Conference for Catholic Schools
Registration for The National Advancement Conference for Catholic Schools is currently full. Please join our waitlist. In past years, several people have moved off the waitlist and had a place in Boston!
ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT IS STILL OPEN! Click here to register for Enrollment Management.
* Required
About the Conference
The Partners in Mission Summer Institute is comprised of two conferences: The National Advancement Conference for Catholic Schools and The National Enrollment Management Conference for Catholic Schools. Register for one and take sessions in both conferences– two for one! All sessions are designed specifically for Catholic schools and led by Partners with deep knowledge of the unique markets you serve and the opportunities and challenges you face. The Institute is also a CFRE-approved provider.
For more than 12 years, our conference participants have told us about the transformational impact this conference has had on their programs and professional development.
We encourage your whole team to attend. Conference participants include diocesan leadership teams; presidents; principals; and directors of admissions, enrollment, advancement, alumni relations, communications, marketing, and athletics. There is truly something for everyone at our Summer Institute. Breakfast and lunch are included – as well as exciting evening events.
The enclosed brochure includes our schedule and program. We encourage early enrollment as we traditionally sell out by May. Please be assured, we are taking every safety precaution and will follow all CDC guidelines. Early bird registration ends March 1
The National Enrollment Management Conference for Catholic Schools
Schedule
SUNDAY, JUNE 25
MONDAY, JUNE 26
MONDAY, JUNE 26
Daily Liturgy
Morning Theme
Enrollment Management 101: “Success is in the Science”
Branding = Identity
- Being a Difference Maker: How to Revive Your Brand with a New Life
General Marketing = Attention
- Developing Marketing Strategies to Meet Goals
- Communications: Personal, Print, Media, Web
- Budgeting / Justifying Expenditures
- Telling Your Story
— Lunch —
Afternoon Theme
Target Marketing = Attraction
- Crafting Your Message for Your Intended Audience
- It’s Just Me, Myself, and I: The Effective One-Person Admissions Office
Boston Harbor Cruise
TUESDAY, JUNE 27
TUESDAY, JUNE 27
Daily Liturgy
— Breakfast —
Morning Theme
Micro Marketing = Relationship
- Establishing a Connection: Securing Your Place in the Prospect’s Mind
- Creating Affordable and Timely Pieces
— Lunch —
Afternoon Theme
Recruitment = Action
- Event-Driven Recruitment
- The Role of the President/Principal in Recruitment
- Cultivating Prospects: Turn “Shoppers” into “Buyers”
- Be Our Guest: Guest-Centered Recruitment
- Five Steps to Increasing your Enrollment
- Building the Relationship via Information Nights, Open Houses, School Tours, and Student Shadow Programs
- Know the Competition: Strategies to Differentiate
- Making an Impact with Social Media
- Student Recruiting during a Pandemic
Boston Red Sox vs. the Detroit Tigers game at Fenway Park
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28
Daily Liturgy
— Breakfast —
Morning Theme
Application = Interest
- The Role of Enrollment Management in Advancement
- The Application: Asking ALL the Right Questions
- Enrollment by the Numbers: Setting Goals-Tracking Results
- Data Drives Strategy: Collection and Implementation
- Attract, Recruit, and Cultivate with Technology Tools
— Lunch —
Afternoon Theme
Acceptance = Invitation
- Be Our Guest: A Welcoming First Impression
- Financial Aid: Maximizing the Return on Investment
- The Role of the President/Principal in Enrollment Management
Enrollment = Decision
- FIT (Freshmen in Transition): Retention Begins at Enrollment
- Opportunities to Engage Parents at Point of Enrollment
- Linking Your Admissions and Business Office for Success
Trolley Tour of Boston and an Irish Party at The Black Rose
THURSDAY, JUNE 29
THURSDAY, JUNE 29
Daily Liturgy
Morning Theme
Retention = Fulfillment
- Retention Agents: Faculty and Staff
- Maintaining a Connection: Capturing Those Who Did Not Enroll
- Lessons Learned from an Experienced Admissions Officer
- Ten Things Catholic Schools are doing right to Leverage Affordability and Tuition Assistance
- Retaining
- It Takes a Village: Strategic Student Retention
Winning Strategies to Take Home
Closing Prayer and Commissioning Ceremony
Conference Evaluations
Conference concludes at 12:00 p.m.
Topics Include:
- Assessing Your Inquiry/Response System
- Communications – Personal, Print, Media, Web
- Engaging Faculty in Recruiting and Retention
- Engaging Your Parents in Admissions
- Expanding Your Applicant Pool
- Facebook, Twitter and More: Social Media Strategies
- Customer Service and Marketing Plans That Work
- Open Houses
- Positioning/Competing with Other Catholic Schools
- President/Principal Role in Enrollment Management
- Recruitment and Retention Plans
- Recruitment of Non-Catholics
- Retention Strategies
- Social Media in Admissions
- Student Shadow Programs
- Using Technology in Admissions
- Welcoming/Engaging Newly Accepted Families
- Your School from the Customer’s Perspective
Who Should Attend:
- Superintendents and Diocesan Leadership Teams
- Presidents, Principals, Assistant Principals
- Pastors and Heads of School
- Administrative Teams
- Directors of Admissions, Enrollment Management, Recruitment, Advancement, Communications, Marketing, Athletics
- Religious Community Leaders
- Board Members
- Business Managers
Why Attend:
- Catholic, Mission-Centered
- Experience and Success Dedicated Exclusively to Catholic Education
- Strategic Solutions for Catholic Schools
- Varied and Targeted Topics
- Instant Network of Friends and Colleagues
- It’s About the Experience
- Ask Any of Our Alumni
- Comprehensive Conference Resource (available for an extra charge)
- Enrollment Plan to Take Home
The National Advancement Conference for Catholic Schools
Schedule
SUNDAY, JUNE 25
MONDAY, JUNE 26
MONDAY, JUNE 26
Daily Liturgy
Morning Theme
Advancement Operations
- Changing the Landscape of Philanthropy
- The Right Team: How Many Do I Need and Who Does What?
- New Advancement Directors: Five Secrets of Successful Newbies
- The President and Director of Advancement Relationship: Setting Expectations
— Lunch —
Afternoon Theme
Annual Fund
- Developing a Leadership Giving Program
- Segmentation Techniques and Strategies
- Making Leadership Gift Personal Solicitations
- Using Challenge Gifts and Matching Gifts
- Team Crowdfunding: Bringing Advancement and Extra-Curricular Programs Together
- One Day Giving Campaigns
Boston Harbor Cruise
TUESDAY, JUNE 27
TUESDAY, JUNE 27
Daily Liturgy
— Breakfast —
Morning Theme
Capital Campaigns & Major Gifts
- Role Playing the Face to Face Ask
- What It Takes to Get a Mega Gift
- What Should be in Place Before You Start a Campaign?
- Is Your Campaign Feasible?
- Cultivating Your Top Prospects
- Family Philanthropy
— Lunch —
Afternoon Theme
Planned Giving and Special Events during a Pandemic
- Build a Legacy Philanthropy Program
- Using Planned Gifts to Build Endowment
- Stories from the Road – (Planned Giving) Vehicles to Get You There
- Best Tips for Auctions, Legacy Galas and Golf Tournaments
- Adding New Elements to Your Event Strategy
Boston Red Sox vs. the Detroit Tigers game at Fenway Park
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28
Daily Liturgy
— Breakfast —
Morning Theme
Constituent Relations
- Social Media Strategic Plan for Engaging Alumni
- Parent and Grandparent Programs
- Class Agent Programs, Out… Affinity Groups, In
- Social Networking
- Alumni Programs
— Lunch —
Afternoon Theme
Communications
- Brand Management for Your School
- Persuasive Development Writing
- Elements of a “Powerful” Magazine/Newsletters
- Rock Your School’s Website
- Effective Writing for Advancement Professionals
- Don’t Be Scared of E-Communications
Trolley Tour of Boston and an Irish Party at The Black Rose
THURSDAY, JUNE 29
THURSDAY, JUNE 29
Daily Liturgy
Morning Theme
Stewardship and Volunteer Management
- 100 Ways to Thank Your Donors
- Engaging Your Board in the Fundraising Process
- Identifying, Recruiting and Managing the “Right” Volunteers
- Like It or Not, It’s Your Job: The Head and Fundraising
Winning Strategies to Take Home
Closing Prayer and Commissioning Ceremony
Conference Evaluations
Conference concludes at 12:00 p.m.
Topics Include:
- Advancement for Presidents and Principals
- Alumni are Forever: How to Keep Them in the Family
- Annual Fund: Build from the Ground Up
- Building a Culture of Philanthropy
- Building Effective Boards for Advancement
- Communications Programs
- Creating the Written Strategic Plan for Advancement
- Donor Stewardship
- Enhancing Your Annual Report
- Establishing a Major Gift Program
- Social Media Strategies
- Ministry of Advancement
- Planned Giving and Bequests Programs
- Planning for a Successful Capital Campaign
- Prospect Identification, Cultivation and Solicitation
- Prospect Research
- Role Playing the Ask
- Special Events During and Post-Pandemic
- Strategic Planning
- Volunteer Management/Governance
Who Should Attend:
- Advancement Directors/Alumni Directors
- Presidents and Principals
- Board Members
- Communications Directors
- Diocesan Education Leaders
- Key Administrators & Volunteers
- Bring your advancement team
- Best results occur when two or more attend from the same school
Why Attend:
- 100% Faith and Mission-Centered Focus on Catholic Schools
- All New Sessions Designed for Today’s Tough Challenges
- Personal, Private Time with our Partners to Address Your Issues
- Huge, Comprehensive Take Home Resource Manual (available for an extra charge)
- A “Best of Boston” Experience
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Marco Clark is the first lay president at Holy Cross College at Notre Dame, Indiana. A product of Holy Cross (Bishop McNamara High School, MD) and Jesuit (College of the Holy Cross and an Ed.D from Creighton University) education, Marco has devoted more than thirty years to Catholic education as a teacher, counselor, coach, admissions director, principal, president, and college professor. He has worked with the Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross for more than 25 years, beginning with service to his alma mater as Principal (1997-2010) and then President (2010-2020), on the faculty at St. Edward's University in Austin, TX (2020-2022), and now at Holy Cross College.
During his time at Bishop McNamara the school doubled in enrollment, did more than $30 million in new capital projects, started its first endowment, and established itself as a leader in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. Marco also served on the Leadership Advisory Board for NCEA and has been a frequent speaker and presenter. At St. Edward’s University (TX), he was the executive director of the Holy Cross Institute providing leadership support for the 120 Holy Cross schools around the world and taught in the Ed.D. program in Leadership and Higher Education.
By serving on the University Planning Council and as a member of the President’s Task Force on Systemic Racism, Dr. Clark was instrumental in helping to align the St. Edward’s University strategic plan initiated by President Montserrat Fuentes with the foundational charism of the Congregation of Holy Cross: to regenerate society, to “bring about a better time” by a constant response to the most pressing needs of the Church and society. Dr. Clark was also an assistant professor at St. Edward’s University in the Ed.D. program in Leadership and Higher Education teaching a course titled Leading in Times of Crisis and Complexity and serving as a dissertation adviser for numerous doctoral students.
Previously, Dr. Clark served as the President & CEO (2010-2020) and Principal (1997-2010) at Bishop McNamara High School, a Holy Cross Brothers school located outside of Washington, DC. During Dr. Clark’s 23-year tenure the school doubled the school's enrollment, established new programs in science, technology, the arts, humanities, and athletics; created an inclusion program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities; initiated and grew the school’s first endowment; launched and saw to completion three strategic plans; and strengthened the school's financial standing through successful fundraising efforts and fiscal responsibility. He was also instrumental in expanding the campus footprint with the addition of new and renovated athletics facilities including locker rooms, strength and fitness room, baseball and softball stadiums, and installed a new turf field and stadium to accommodate football, men's and women's soccer, and men's and women's lacrosse, created new sacred spaces on campus enhancing the school's Catholic identity, and oversaw a number of other facilities renovations and campus enhancements.
In 2015 Dr. Clark completed his doctoral studies at Creighton University. His dissertation research, Leadership Formation for Succession, thrust him into a national spotlight as one of the leading voices on leadership development, effective governance, and strategic planning in Catholic education. He has spoken and published extensively on these and other related topics.
He has also served or currently serves on several Boards and Committees, most notably the International Education Commission for the Congregation of Holy Cross, National Catholic Educational Association’s Leadership Advisory Board, the Prince George’s County (MD) Educational Task Force, the Board of Education in the Archdiocese of Washington, the Board of Visitor’s at Bowie State University (MD), and as a trustee at the University of Holy Cross (LA), A.T. Still Health Sciences University (MO, AZ, CA), and the Consortium of Catholic Academies (DC).
Dr. Clark holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of the Holy Cross (MA), a Master’s in Education in Guidance and Counseling from Bowie State University (MD), and a Doctorate in Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University (NE).
He and his wife Peggy, a Catholic school math teacher, have three grown children and five grandchildren. As a former Division I student-athlete and coach, Marco is also an avid sports fan. He loves to bike, kayak, hike, spend time with his family, travel, relax on the beach, and play golf. Marco and Peggy live in downtown South Bend, Indiana, and are parishioners at Holy Cross Catholic Parish in South Bend.
The Conference Brochure
Registration Costs, Deadlines, and Refund Policy
Registration Fees:
Early Bird Discount: $1,249 (expires March 1, 2023)
Pre-Registration: $1,299 (expires May 1, 2023)
Regular Registration: $1,349 (expires June 1, 2023)
Late Registration: $1,399 (after June 1, 2023)
Each Additional Registration: $1,249
Breakfast and lunch are included in your Registration.
Conference Registration & Fees
The fee includes post-seminar telephone consultation, refreshments, breakfast, lunch, dinner on Sunday and Monday evening and most evening events including event transportation. Accommodations are on your own. A $400 deposit is required for each individual who registers. Balance will be due 45 days prior to the conference. Register early, as previous conferences have sold out.
Refund Policy
Full refund (less a $100 administrative fee) if you cancel in writing 30 days prior to the conference. No refund will be made if your cancellation is received within 30 days of the conference. Partners in Mission reserves the right to change, modify or cancel any program or activity.
The Boston Marriott Quincy Hotel
The Boston Marriott Quincy Hotel
Marriott Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts USA 021691
A special conference rate of $219 per night (single or double occupancy) has been guaranteed at the Boston Marriott Quincy Hotel for rooms booked by June 3, 2023 based on availability. To arrange your stay, please call the hotel at (800) 228-9290 or (617) 472-1000.
Additional Information
Sunday – Thursday, June 25-29, 2023
Registration is from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 25 or Monday, June 26 at 8:00 a.m. Class hours will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Refreshments will be served during the morning and afternoon breaks. Breakfast will be provided on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and lunch will be provided on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Dress
Business casual dress is recommended for day and evening activities. “Layers” are suggested as meeting room temperatures vary.
Boston Area Websites
- Logan Airport Information: www.massport.com
- Mass.Bay Transportation Auth.: www.mbta.com
- General Boston Information: boston.sidewalk.com
- The Boston Globe: www.boston.com
- Boston Red Sox: www.redsox.com
How do our alumni describe the value of their conference experience?
This was my first Partners in Missions conference and I was blown away! The information covered was so helpful and the hospitality was incredible. These guys know how to work hard and play hard. I definitely recommend this conference to any Admissions or Advancement office!
Emma Wilson, Associate Director of Admission, St Thomas Aquinas High School, Dover NH
This was my first experience with Partners in Mission and I was 100% impressed, both with the conference and the Partners in Mission team. All the seminars I attended gave me information that I could use to better my school, increase enrollment and engage our faculty. I cannot wait to begin implementing what I learned at the Partners in Mission Conference. I would definitely attend another one in the future.
Jennifer Hart, Director of Marketing and Admissions, Delone Catholic HS, PA
I can honestly say this conference changed my life and has given me and my team a “real conversation” opportunity for the first time in two years. We have a more targeted plan and we cannot thank you enough!
Paul Gessner, Head of School, St. Joan Antida High School, WI
Your team is truly phenomenal! Best conference I've ever attended! Support staff was wonderful and there wasn't a single detail that was overlooked. Great job!
Susan Hehir, Director of Alumnae and Parent Relations, Ursuline Academy, MA
Partners in Mission provides excellent opportunities for new advancement professionals to build successful advancement operations for our Catholic schools. They provide an invaluable resource in today's competitive marketplace to improve your advancement performance.
Robert Van der Waag, Director for Mission Advancement, Bishop McNamara High School, MD
Thank you to our Strategic Partners
Questions? Contact Us!
LARRY FUREY
Founder and Partner, CFRE, CPA
Partners in Mission
lfurey@partnersinmission.com
781-710-0242
CHRIS HAGERTY
Senior Partner
Partners in Mission
chagerty@partnersinmission.com
814-566-7500