Fundraising & Donor Relations Lead

Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, Inc.; Bridgeport (CT); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, Inc. is seeking a full-time Development Officer to promote the Thomas Merton Family Center and Catholic Charities within the community.

You will develop and implement fundraising strategies to ensure long-term sustainability, while cultivating relationships with individual donors, corporations, and foundations. The role requires occasional evening and weekend work and close collaboration with the philanthropy team to expand the donor base and support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Nonprofit fundraising experience preferred or comparable sales and business development experience.
• Experience cultivating relationships with corporate, civic, religious, or community organizations.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with current donors while cultivating new supporters.
• Manage annual giving efforts, stewardship strategies, major gifts, planned giving, and campaigns.
• Sell sponsorships and tickets for fundraising events and assist with planning and management.
• Support annual appeals and other fundraising initiatives throughout the year.
• Represent the Center at community events, conferences, and fundraisers.
• Research, write, submit, and report on grant opportunities.

Skills

Organizational skills

Verbal communication

Public speaking

Relationship building

Analytical thinking

Multitasking

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

The Thomas Merton Family Center, a program of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, is seeking a full-time Development Officer. Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy and working closely with the Director of the Thomas Merton Family Center, this benefits eligible position is responsible for promoting the Thomas Merton Family Center and Catholic Charities throughout the community while developing and implementing fundraising strategies that ensure long-term sustainability and growth.

The Development Officer will cultivate relationships with donors, corporations, foundations, civic organizations, religious organizations, and community partners. This individual will work closely with the Thomas Merton Family Center Advisory Council and the Catholic Charities Philanthropy Team to expand the donor base and support fundraising initiatives. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with current donors while cultivating new individual and corporate supporters.
• Manage annual giving efforts, stewardship strategies, major gifts, planned giving, and special fundraising campaigns.
• Sell sponsorships and tickets for fundraising events while assisting with event planning and management.
• Support annual appeals and other fundraising initiatives throughout the year.
• Represent the Thomas Merton Family Center at community events, conferences, and fundraisers.
• Research, write, submit, and report on private and government grant opportunities.
• Conduct market research to identify fundraising and development trends.
• Lead tours for prospective donors and community organizations.
• Participate in weekly Philanthropy Team meetings and cross-functional training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Nonprofit fundraising experience preferred or comparable sales and business development experience.
• Experience cultivating relationships with corporate, civic, religious, or community organizations.
• Experience building partnerships with external stakeholders.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal, written, and public speaking skills.
• Customer focused with strong relationship building abilities.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365, Raiser's Edge, and other technology platforms.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information.
• Committed to the mission of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County and the Thomas Merton Family Center.
• Understanding and appreciation for the needs of underserved populations.

How to Apply

Catholic Charities of Fairfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.