Chief Advancement Officer

Catholic Diocese of Nashville; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The Catholic Diocese of Nashville seeks a Chief Advancement Officer & Executive Director to unite strategy with hands-on leadership in philanthropy, major gifts, donor relations, and operations. This leader will inherit a small development team and work closely with the Bishop and Chief Administrative Officer to advance diocesan giving goals.

The role focuses on growing major gifts, estate planning endowments, and legacy gifts while collaborating with financial professionals and CRM systems.

Qualifications

• Senior development leader with proven track record in major gifts.
• Experience coordinating with bishops and executive leadership.
• Experience with Catholic fundraising, clergy, and CRM systems is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Lead major gift cultivation and solicitation.
• Develop and implement development strategy and operations.
• Manage and mentor the development team.
• Serve as Executive Director of the Catholic Legacy Foundation.

Skills

Major gifts

Donor relationships

Strategic direction

Team leadership

Development operations

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

About the Chief Advancement Officer & Executive Director, Catholic Legacy Foundation Opportunity

The Chief Advancement Officer will serve as the Diocese of Nashville's senior development leader, responsible for providing strategic direction and hands-on leadership for the Diocese's philanthropic efforts. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer and working closely with the Bishop, the Chief Advancement Officer will lead efforts to strengthen major giving, develop donor relationships, improve development operations, and position the Diocese for continued philanthropic growth. This person will manage a small team to multiply impact and develop new development professionals in service to the diocese.

This is a significant opportunity for an accomplished development professional who is energized by both building strategy and personally cultivating relationships. The Chief Advancement Officer will inherit an existing development team, including the Director of Annual Giving and gift officers, and will serve as a true "player-coach": developing and empowering the team while personally spearheading major gift cultivation and solicitation.

The Chief Advancement Officer will also serve as Executive Director of the Catholic Legacy Foundation and spearhead the diocesan platform for long-term philanthropy. With roughly $50 million under management, this person will manage the donors, families, financial professionals, that contribute to diocesan legacy giving efforts. The Foundation seeks to help Catholic individuals and organizations with permanent endowments, legacy gifts, and estate planning.

The successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience growing major gifts, developing development strategy, managing and coaching teams, and collaborating effectively with executive leadership. Experience with Catholic fundraising, clergy, and development technology and CRM systems is particularly valuable. Above all, the Chief Advancement Officer must be excited to serve and support the Bishop's mission for the Diocese and advance the work of the Church.