Director of Development

Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame; Gaylord (MI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame in Michigan invites applications for a Director of Development to lead a comprehensive donor relations program. You will cultivate major gifts, manage a donor database, and collaborate with Finance and Communications to advance diocesan fundraising goals.

Strong communication, fundraising experience, and a commitment to the Catholic mission are essential. Evening/weekend availability and travel across northern Michigan are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, business, fundraising or related field.
• At least two years of non-event fundraising or related customer services/sales experience; supervisory experience a plus.
• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Experience with donor software and data tools; wealth screening familiarity preferred.
• Excellent writing and compelling speaking skills; ability to build relationships across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of fundraising and donor appreciation plans to meet diocese needs.
• Secure gifts $10,000+ and raise at least $500,000 annually from major giving and foundation solicitations.
• Lead the annual Catholic Services Appeal Campaign.
• Manage donor database and wealth screening tools.
• Provide portfolio development support and donor communications to parishes.
• Lead donor thanking and reporting efforts.
• Negotiate vendor contracts with Finance support as needed.
• Maintain administrator rights to donor software (e.g., Raiser's Edge).
• Prepare and manage grant applications and reporting as applicable.
• Prepare reports using metrics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Donor relations

Communication

Team leadership

Sales experience

LEAN methods

Digital marketing

Writing skills

Public speaking

Video conferencing

Database proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFRM / CFRE certification

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

General Summary

The Director of Development will lead and cultivate a robust development program within the diocese that focuses on donor relationships through effective discovery, cultivation, and stewardship activities. The director is responsible for managing and cultivating relationships with major donors as well as identifying new donors. The director works closely with Finance and Communications teams on projects related to the Catholic Services Appeal and other diocesan fundraising efforts.

Successful Candidate

• Ability to empathize with donors and clearly communicate the mission of the Church.
• Energize team members, persuade prospects, and persevere to the end.
• Self-starter driven by results.
• Agile problem solver who is open to learning new strategies.
• Passionate about the mission of the Catholic Church.

Job Duties

• In a team environment, lead the development of fundraising and donor appreciation plans to meet both annual and long-term needs of the diocese.
• Secure gifts $10,000+ with the goal of raising at least $500,000 annually from major giving and foundation solicitations.
• Lead the annual Catholic Services Appeal Campaign.
• Manage systems and software to track and cultivate donors and prospects, including donor database and wealth screening tools.
• Make direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assist parishes with the solicitation (e.g., provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications).
• Lead donor thanking and reporting efforts.
• Negotiate vendor contracts with the assistance of Director of Finance as needed.
• Maintain diocesan administrator rights to Blackbaud
• Prepare and manage grant applications and reporting as applicable to the diocese.
• Prepare reports using specific metrics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, business, fundraising or related field.
• Certification as a Certified Fund Raising Manager (CFRM) or Certified Fund Raising Executive (CRFE) a plus.
• At least two (2) years of non-event fundraising or related customer services/sales experience. Supervisory experience is a plus.
• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Track record of providing excellent customer service and valuing the generosity of others.
• Working knowledge in digital marketing.
• Excellent writing and compelling speaking skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies. Comfort with video conferencing a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and familiarity with LEAN methods a plus.
• Proficient in using a database. Experience in donor software, particularly Raiser's Edge, a plus.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver's license, with current auto insurance and the ability to travel throughout northern Michigan.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.

Physical Demands

• Periods of prolonged sitting and working with hands in repetitive motion tasks.
• Requires some lifting, standing, stooping, kneeling, and bending.
• This position will require travel.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.