Director of Donor Relations

Catholic Diocese of Arlington; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Catholic Diocese of Arlington's Office of Development seeks a Director of Donor Relations to lead a comprehensive donor relationship program that identifies, engages, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gifts across priority ministries and campaigns.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, you will manage a portfolio of 125–150 donors, conduct regular visits, develop customized cultivation plans, coordinate with diocesan leadership, and ensure donor stewardship and reporting

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of relationship-based fundraising and major gift development principles.
• Excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Discovery, qualification, and moving donors through a disciplined moves-management process.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts across priority ministries and campaigns.
• Maintain donor portfolio and conduct regular visits to deepen engagement and secure gifts.
• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer, Bishop, pastors, and diocesan leadership.

Skills

Donor relations

Major gifts

Fundraising strategy

Portfolio management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge CRM

Job description

The Office of Development's primary purpose is one of service and fundraising. These efforts include working closely with the Bishop, senior diocesan staff, pastors, parishioners, volunteers, and community members to increase giving to the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, Catholic schools, seminarian education, parish initiatives, and other ministries, programs, and special projects throughout the Diocese. The Office also provides professional fundraising consultation and support to diocesan ministries, parishes, schools, institutions, and organizations.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Donor Relations is responsible for implementing a comprehensive donor relationship program designed to identify, engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors and prospective donors throughout the Diocese.

The Director serves as a frontline fundraising professional responsible for managing a portfolio of donors and prospects through a disciplined moves-management process. Through discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities, the Director works to deepen donor engagement and secure philanthropic support for priority ministries and fundraising initiatives, including Catholic Charities, scholarships for Catholic education, diocesan ministries, endowment funds, seminarian education and vocations initiatives, capital and campaign priorities, and strategic special projects.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

Discovery and Qualification

• Identify, research, and qualify prospective donors with the capacity of making major gifts for $25,000 to $100,000 over a three-year period.
• Conduct discovery visits to assess philanthropic interests, charitable goals, ministry affinities, and giving capacity.
• Develop and maintain an active portfolio of approximately 125-150 major donor prospects and current donors.

Cultivation and Relationship Management

• Implement moves-management strategies to advance donors through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Schedule and conduct regular donor visits (a minimum of 20 face-to-face visits each month) throughout the Diocese.
• Develop individualized cultivation plans and coordinate interactions with diocesan leadership and clergy.
• Conduct solicitation visits and secure major gifts in support of Catholic Charities, Catholic education scholarships, diocesan ministries, endowment funds, and special projects.
• Prepare donor briefings, cultivation plans, gift agreements, proposals, and cases for support.
• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer, Bishop, pastors, and diocesan leadership.

Donor Stewardship

• Ensure timely, meaningful, and personalized stewardship.
• Coordinate donor recognition and impact reporting.
• Assist with donor cultivation and appreciation events.

Moves Management and Portfolio Administration

• Maintain detailed contact reports and donor records.
• Track donor activity and progress through the moves-management cycle.
• Prepare regular reports regarding portfolio performance and fundraising results.
• Maintain annual fundraising, activity, and portfolio growth goals established in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer.

Strategic Collaboration and Special Projects

• Collaborate with Development Office staff across Catholic Schools, Catholic Charities, Annual Giving, Planned Giving, and Events.
• Participate in campaigns and special fundraising initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY:

Given wide latitude and exercises significant discretion under the general direction of the Chief Development Officer. Responsible for donor relationship strategies, prospect management activities, database documentation, confidentiality, gift processing coordination, and stewardship reporting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Required to travel regularly throughout the Diocese to visit prospects, donors, parishes, schools, and ministry locations. Occasional evening and weekend work required. Work performed both in and out of the office setting.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Thorough knowledge of relationship-based fundraising and major gift development principles. Excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational and project-management skills. Bachelor's degree required. Five to seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding charitable gifts. Experience with the Catholic Church or faith-based organizations preferred. Valid driver's license required.