Director of Development

Society of G.K. Chesterton & Chesterton Schools Network; Hopkins (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Society of G.K. Chesterton & Chesterton Schools Network is seeking a Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts as we aim to expand from 100 to 1,000 Catholic high schools worldwide.

You will work closely with the VP, Advancement to identify and solicit major gifts, nurture donor relationships, and strengthen annual giving programs. The role emphasizes donor stewardship, events, and strategic communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in donor prospecting and cultivation with diverse donors.
• Familiarity with fundraising software such as Virtuous or Bloomerang.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of Catholic fundraising principles and donor relations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Frequent travel required (40-60 days per year).
• Strong affinity for the core values of the Society of G.K. Chesterton.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate donors in collaboration with the VP, Advancement.
• Establish and maintain relationships with donors to enhance engagement and stewardship.
• Support growth of donor programs and steward donors at all ranks.
• Provide strategic advice to steward prospects, foundations, and donors.
• Build relationships with major donors ensuring personalized engagement and stewardship.
• Plan and oversee donor events and appreciation activities.
• Develop and implement annual giving programs and campaigns.
• Collaborate with the communications team to produce development-related content.
• Manage donor databases and provide regular progress reports to the VP, Advancement.

Skills

Donor prospecting

Relationship-building

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Nonprofit Management

Tools

Virtuous

Bloomerang

Job description

Director, Development

Reports to the Vice President, Advancement. The Director of Development plays a key role assisting the Vice President of Advancement to fund our amazing mission as we grow from 100 to 1,000 joyfully and faithfully Catholic high schools across the U.S. and the world. Already supporting 107 schools and founding groups in the U.S., Canada, and six foreign countries, the Direct of Development invites partners and benefactors to live and give in the spirit of G.K. Chesterton's gratitude, generosity and common sense.

Responsibilities

Apostolic Identity

• Help ensure ongoing fundraising activity is conducted in keeping with authentic Catholic identity and reflects our mission of evangelization through education.
• Exhibit faithfulness to the Magisterium of the Church in accord with our canonical status as a private association of the Christian faithful.
• Personally exercise and encourage in others an imitation of Christ in the model of G.K. Chesterton’s joy and spirituality.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

• In close collaboration with the VP, Advancement, identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate donors.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential donors to enhance donor engagement and stewardship.
• Support the continued growth of the Knights of the Apostolate of Common Sense, and acquire, retain, and steward donors at all ranks.
• Assist the VP, Advancement with strategic advice to better steward prospects, foundations, and donors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with major donors, ensuring personalized engagement and stewardship.

Event Fundraising

• Support programming and implementation of fundraising events and overall advancement efforts.
• Plan and oversee Knights and other donor appreciation events, including winter pilgrimage and summer conference events.

Year-End And Other Annual Giving Programs

• Develop and implement annual giving programs to engage a broad base of donors and supporters.
• Coordinate campaigns, appeals, and initiatives to drive annual giving contributions.
• Work with finance operations to prepare annual report detailing faithful stewardship of donor resources and engendering trust among our donor base.

Development Communications

• Collaborate with the communications team to create compelling development-related content.
• Ensure consistent and impactful communication to donors, highlighting the impact of their contributions.

Data Management and Analysis

• Manage donor databases and ensure accurate and up-to-date records.
• Analyze fundraising data to track progress, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Provide regular reports to the VP, Advancement on development progress and outcomes.

Membership Retention and Revenue

• Support the Development & Membership Coordinator to ensure he/she is meeting revenue projections and activity goals, with regular reports to the VP, Advancement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in donor prospecting and cultivation, with the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with diverse donors
• Familiarity with fundraising and donor management software such as Virtuous or Bloomerang.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of Catholic fundraising principles and donor relations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Frequent travel required (40-60 days per year)
• Strong affinity for the core values of the Society of G.K. Chesterton, including:
• Faithfulness & Evangelical Zeal
• Chestertonian Joy & Gratitude
• Solidarity & Subsidiarity; and
• Service & Stewardship.