Director of Development

Diocese of Gaylord; Gaylord (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Diocese of Gaylord seeks a Director of Development to cultivate donor relationships, lead fundraising campaigns, and raise annual gifts for diocesan programs.

The role requires strategic leadership, writing and speaking skills, and experience with donor databases and fundraising ethics. Occasional travel within northern Michigan and evening/weekend work are expected.

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.
• Excellent writing and compelling speaking skills.
• Proficient with donor software and databases, preferably Raiser’s Edge.
• Willingness to travel throughout northern Michigan and work evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Donor relations

Communication

Fundraising

Relationship building

Public speaking

Team leadership

LEAN methods

Video conferencing

Writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, business, fundraising or related field

CFRM certification

CFRE certification

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Donor database

Wealth screening tools

Job description

Position: Director of Development

Diocese of Gaylord

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: Gaylord, MI

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.
• 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.