Director - Major Giving

ccchicagocareers; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago seeks a seasoned Major Gifts Officer to manage a portfolio of 100–150 high‑level donors and prospects. You will design personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans, tracking interactions in Raiser's Edge and meeting annual metrics.

You will also research prospects, lead donor engagement strategies, participate in events, and collaborate with executive leaders to secure new and renewed major gifts, advancing organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts/Sciences; 5+ years relevant experience.
• Preferred Master’s degree; 5+ years relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary relationship manager for a portfolio of 100–150 major gift donors and prospects.
• Develop cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each donor with annual metrics.
• Conduct ongoing research to identify new major gift prospects and refine engagement benchmarks.
• Participate in donor cultivation events and represent Catholic Charities at meetings, events, and communications.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to secure new and renewed major gifts and align to organizational fundraising goals.

Skills

Relationship management

Donor research

Donor cultivation events

Strategic communications

Team collaboration

Education

BA/BS in related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of 100–150 major gift donors and prospects, focusing on individuals capable of giving $10,000 or more. Develop and execute personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each donor, adhering to annual metrics established by Institutional Advancement leadership and maintaining detailed records of all interactions in Raiser’s Edge.
• Conduct ongoing research to identify and qualify new major gift prospects. Establish benchmarks for donor engagement and refine research and cultivation processes to support long‑term growth in giving. Collaborate with colleagues to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to donor development.
• Actively participate in donor cultivation events, sometimes outside of normal business hours, fundraising activities, and community engagement opportunities throughout the assigned territory. Represent Catholic Charities as a visible and trusted presence, building meaningful relationships with donors and prospects through in‑person meetings, events, and strategic communications.
• Collaborate with the VP of Institutional Advancement, Chief Executive Officer, and other stakeholders, to secure new and renewed major gifts. Contribute to the planning and execution of fundraising strategies that support the annual fund, planned giving, and special campaigns, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals and donor engagement efforts.
• Engage in ongoing learning, training, and skill development, seeking and applying feedback to continuously improve performance and contribute to team and organizational success.

PLEASE NOTE: Essential functions include all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling, or standing multiple times a day
• Lift, push, and pull up to 10 lbs

Other Requirements: Comply with program and/or requirements related:

• Background check

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in a related field of study 5+ years relevant experience
• Preferred Master’s degree in a related field of study 5+ years relevant experience

Salary

Pay Transparency

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 (820 ILCS 112/5, et seq.), Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is required to provide the wages and benefits that it reasonably expects in good faith to offer for any specific job positions posted. Please note that the exact compensation package ultimately offered to an applicant may vary based on skills, experience, and location, amongst other permissible factors.