Assistant Director of Development

Archspm; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 72,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis is seeking an Assistant Director of Development to lead strategic philanthropy and fundraising for the Mission Advancement team. This senior role shapes annual giving, donor stewardship, and engagement strategies aligned with the Basilica’s Catholic identity and community mission.

You will collaborate with clergy, staff, and volunteers to advance campaigns, manage communications, and plan donor-centered events that deepen ties to The Basilica Landmark

Responsibilities

• Strategize and lead annual giving plans and appeal strategies for multiple designation areas.
• Collaborate with leaders to align fundraising strategy with organizational goals and long-term vision.
• Guide donor experience, communications, and mission advancement to support philanthropy.
• Provide oversight for fundraising events and development communications.

Job description

Department: Mission Advancement

Supervisor: Managing Director of Mission Advancement

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

HoursSchedule: 40hours/week

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Assistant Director of Development is a senior leader within The Basilica's Mission Advancement team, responsible for shaping and advancing a culture of philanthropy in support of The Basilica Landmark and The Basilica of Saint Mary.

SCOPE OF POSITION

This role is focused on setting development strategy for appeal and fundraising plans, stewardship programs, development communications, and events with the goal to increase philanthropy, enhance donor stewardship, and deepen community engagement. The Assistant Director will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, guiding long-term fundraising initiatives and donor experience strategies that align with The Basilica's vision, Catholic identity, and historic role in the city of Minneapolis.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR ACTIVITIES

A. Strategic Leadership & Philanthropic Culture

• Serve as a key strategist within the Mission Advancement team, co-creating and implementing plans that drive sustainable philanthropic growth; accountable for establishing annual giving plans and appeal strategies for multiple designation areas.
• Partner with the Managing Director of Mission Advancement, Gift Officers, Director of Marketing and Communications and other leaders to align fundraising strategy with organizational goals, campaign priorities, and long-term vision.
• Contribute to leadership-level decision-making and cross-functional planning related to donor experience, communications, and mission advancement.
• Manage the Development Communications and Events Coordinator and provide strategic oversight for fundraising events and communications.

B. Stewardship & Donor Experience Strategy

• Design and lead a robust, mission-driven stewardship strategy that strengthens donor relationships and reflects the values of gratitude, transparency, and impact.
• Develop multi-tiered stewardship frameworks and recognition programs for various giving levels, including legacy donors, campaign supporters, and long-term benefactors.
• Integrate donor storytelling, personalized outreach, and faith-informed gratitude practices into all touchpoints with supporters.

C. Internal & External Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Mission Advancement team to ensure successful delivery and implementation of appeals, acknowledgements, and all other prospect and donor activities.
• Collaborate with the Mission Advancement team to ensure data, reporting and technology adequately support fundraising, engagement and analysis needs.
• Build strong partnerships with clergy, ministry leaders, and internal teams to integrate philanthropy into the broader life of the parish and The Basilica Landmark.
• Serve as a thought leader and advocate for a culture of giving within The Basilica community.

D. Brand Alignment & Impact Messaging

• Collaborate with communications staff to ensure consistent, compelling messaging around The Basilica Landmark, The Basilica of Saint Mary and St Vincent de Paul missions and fundraising messaging.
• Guide the development of key donor-facing materials and ensure alignment with The Basilica's Catholic brand, identity and architectural heritage and mission.

E. Organizational Presence & Representation

• Represent The Basilica Landmark and The Basilica of Saint Mary at key events, donor gatherings, and community partnerships to elevate visibility and philanthropic support.
• Participate in Basilica-wide initiatives and ensure that fundraising strategies reflect and support the broader spiritual and community mission of The Basilica of Saint Mary.
• Partner with volunteers and committees to build a culture of philanthropy within The Basilica community.

Other Duties

• Serve on internal committees and task forces as needed to advance institutional priorities.
• Support an inclusive, mission-driven workplace that reflects the values and traditions of the Catholic Church.
• Other strategic responsibilities as assigned by the Managing Director of Mission Advancement

Exempt

Be ready to work and complete all assigned responsibilities and accept additional responsibilities identified (as needed) by your supervisor.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $72,000-$76,000 annually. All full-time employees of The Basilica of Saint Mary receive access to the following benefits: medical/dental/vision insurance, FSA & HSA plans, minimum 3 weeks of paid time off, sick leave, paid holidays, floating holidays, parental leave, 403b, 403b matching up to 3%, life insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), short-term disability, long-term disability, and other supplemental insurance options.

Designation of Essential Functions

Employment in and by the Church is substantially different from secular employment. Church employees/volunteers must conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. This position does not require that the employee/volunteer be a Catholic. However, as a parish community rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, employees/volunteers are expected to be knowledgeable of core tenets and respectful of the mission, purpose, and teachings of the Catholic faith.