Senior Development Director — Major Gifts & Strategy

Inside Philanthropy; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision plans

Paid time off

403(b) retirement plan

Free parking

Paid holidays

Job summary

Catholic Charities of Oregon is seeking a Development Director to lead the Development team and fundraising strategy in SE Portland. You will grow revenue through major gifts, grants, bequests, and events, while managing a portfolio and ensuring strong donor engagement.

Reporting to the CEO and serving on the Executive Team, you will steward relationships with donors, funding partners, and the community, guiding overall revenue growth and development initiatives in a mission-driven nonprofit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; minimum of 7 years fundraising experience.
• Minimum 10 years progressive nonprofit fundraising and leadership experience preferred.
• Strong leadership with at least 3 years supervising staff.
• Proven track record securing six-figure gifts ($100,000+) from high-net-worth individuals.
• Experience managing a development program in a $7-10M+ budget preferred.
• Familiarity with Portland philanthropic community and trends.
• Strong relationship builder with excellent verbal and written communication.
• Proficiency with donor databases/CRM systems; Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Serve as thought-partner to design a multi-year development strategy and growth in resources.
• Design and execute a comprehensive plan focusing on major gifts, grants, events, bequests, and contributions.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors; develop tailored strategies to deepen giving.
• Establish and oversee a major gifts program balancing stewardship and cultivation.
• Lead the Development department budget and report to CEO and Finance Director.
• Collaborate with program directors to craft donor narratives and funding rationale.
• Identify new funding opportunities and growth strategies.
• Strengthen donor retention, upgrade, and recognition systems.
• In partnership with CEO, support fundraising efforts and secure major gifts.
• Oversee events strategy and ensure alignment with fundraising goals.
• Coordinate with Communications for messaging and donor engagement.
• Utilize donor research and trends for prospect identification.
• Maintain accurate donor data in DonorPerfect and inform strategy with data.
• Lead and develop Development team; ensure accountability and performance.
• Manage staff, provide feedback, and plan professional development.
• Engage board members in fundraising; staff lead to board committees.
• Represent the agency publicly at events and meetings.
• Maintain detailed records and participate in trainings and policy adherence.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Major gifts

Donor stewardship

Leadership

Budget planning

CRM software

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

DonorPerfect

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Job description

Catholic Charities of Oregon is seeking a Development Director to lead the Development team and fundraising strategy in SE Portland. You will grow revenue through major gifts, grants, bequests, and events, while managing a portfolio and ensuring strong donor engagement.

Reporting to the CEO and serving on the Executive Team, you will steward relationships with donors, funding partners, and the community, guiding overall revenue growth and development initiatives in a mission-driven nonprofit.