Director of Development

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan (403(b) with 2% match)

Generous PTO and 11 paid holidays

Flexible work environment

Professional development

Job summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in southeastern Wisconsin seeks a Director of Development to lead fundraising strategy, deepen donor engagement, and expand major gifts and planned giving.

This senior role partners with parishes, clergy, and corporate sponsors to drive revenue while advancing mission impact across social services; strong leadership, data analytics, and relationship-building are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or fundraising certification preferred.
• Proven success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts of $10,000 or more.
• Experience with relationship development through sales leadership or non-profit development.
• Strong relationship-building with donors, clergy, parish leaders, volunteers, board members, and partners.
• Ability to use donor databases, analytics, reporting tools, and moves management to guide strategy.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Highly organized, strategic, and able to manage multiple priorities with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate new major donors with capacity to give $10k+ annually.
• Grow existing major donor relationships through personalized engagement.
• Coordinate fundraising strategies connected to CSA and LOA.
• Advance planned giving through education, cultivation, and stewardship.
• Plan and execute high-impact major donor events with leadership.
• Develop corporate partnerships for sponsorships and support.
• Strengthen data management, analytics, and reporting.
• Engage parishes to expand awareness and support.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Donor relationship building

Moves management

Data analytics

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Fundraising certification

Tools

CRM / Donor database

Job description

Are you passionate about advancing a mission that strengthens communities and serves those in need? Catholic Charities is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Director of Development to lead and grow philanthropic support for our social services across southeastern Wisconsin. This senior advancement role is responsible for cultivating major donor relationships, expanding planned giving, strengthening parish engagement, and using data-informed strategies to increase revenue and donor impact.

Our Vision

All people live with dignity in their lives and hope in their hearts, knowing that they are loved by God and their neighbors.

Our Mission

We walk with our vulnerable neighbors who are suffering, lonely or in need, providing compassion, effective human services, and a restoration of hope.

Who We Are

Catholic Charities has been serving individuals and families across southeast Wisconsin since 1920. Inspired by Catholic social teaching, we believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. Our programs provide professional, compassionate human services to children, families, and adults who are seeking support, stability, and hope in the midst of life's challenges. Join an organization where mission, professionalism, and service come together to make a difference in people’s lives. Catholic Charities has been recognized by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as a Top Workplace annually since 2020.

What You'll Do

As the Director of Development, you will provide strategic leadership for Catholic Charities' fundraising priorities and serve as a key relationship-builder with donors, parishes, and clergy. This role will focus on growing philanthropic revenue, deepening donor engagement, and ensuring development activity is aligned with agency goals and mission impact.

• Cultivate New Major Donors: Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward new donors with capacity to give $10,000 or more annually, building a strong pipeline of major gift prospects.
• Grow Existing Major Donor Relationships: Strengthen relationships with current donors giving $10,000 or more through personalized engagement, stewardship plans, mission-centered communications, and strategic asks.
• Interface with CSA and LOA Development Efforts: Support and coordinate fundraising strategies connected to the Catholic Stewardship Appeal (CSA) and Love One Another (LOA).
• Advance Planned Giving: Develop and implement strategies to identify, educate, cultivate, and steward planned giving prospects and legacy donors.
• Plan Major Donor Events: Lead planning and execution of high-impact major donor gatherings, including Mass and dinner events with the Archbishop, to deepen engagement and inspire philanthropic commitment.
• Develop Corporate Partnerships: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with corporate partners to secure event sponsorships and other philanthropic support, creating meaningful opportunities for businesses to engage with and advance Catholic Charities mission.
• Strengthen Data Management, Analytics, and Reporting: Develop and improve prospect tracking, moves management, dashboards, reporting, and analysis to guide fundraising decisions and measure progress toward goals.
• Engage Parishes: Build and maintain strong relationships with parishes, pastors, parish staff to expand awareness, participation, and support for Catholic Charities' mission.

Qualifications

• ​Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or fundraising certification preferred.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts of $10,000 or more.
• Experience with relationship development through sales leadership or non-profit development.
• Strong relationship-building skills with clients, prospects, donors, clergy, parish leaders, volunteers, board members, and community partners.
• Ability to use donor databases, analytics, reporting tools, and moves management practices to guide development strategy.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Highly organized, strategic, and able to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and donor relationships with discretion and professionalism.

Why Join Us?

At Catholic Charities, your leadership will directly advance a mission that makes a real difference in people’s lives. You will have the opportunity to build meaningful philanthropic partnerships, strengthen parish and community support, and help ensure long‑term sustainability for programs that serve individuals and families across southeastern Wisconsin. We foster a collaborative, supportive team environment where mission, professionalism, and service guide our work.

Salary & Benefits

• $70,000-$100,000 DOE
• Ongoing professional development and mentorship
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a 2% match and 4% annual contribution
• Generous PTO and 11 paid holidays
• Flexible work environment, business casual attire, and casual Fridays!

Work Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings or weekends for donor meetings, parish engagement, and major donor events.