Senior Director or Major Grants Gifts

CSS AG; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

Health, Dental and Vision

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Catholic Social Services in Columbus, OH seeks a Sr. Director of Major Gifts to lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a donor portfolio, reporting to the VP of Development.

This role collaborates with the President & CEO, board members, parishes, and volunteers to advance fundraising goals and translate impact into compelling donor communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience in fundraising/nonprofit.
• Minimum 5 years in fundraising or relationship management with proven results.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and long-term donor relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with donor databases/CRM systems preferred.
• Commitment to mission and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major gift donors with cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Identify and develop new major gift opportunities to support programs.
• Conduct donor visits and build authentic donor relationships.
• Collaborate with the President & CEO, VP of Development, and volunteers.
• Prepare gift proposals, reports, and donor communications.
• Develop annual strategies to reach quarterly donor goals.
• Maintain donor interactions in the donor database.
• Participate in events to raise awareness and support.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Communication skills

Time management

CRM experience

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Position Summary Since 1945, Catholic Social Services has been a source of compassion, dignity, and hope for those Christ calls us to serve throughout our community. Serving over 12,000 individuals annually, our mission is supported by dedicated volunteers who help seniors find connections, guide families towards a brighter future, and assist people with disabilities find new freedom. Rooted in the belief that every person reflects the image of God, we journey together as neighbors, empowering individuals to shape their own futures with our unwavering support. The Sr. Director of Major Gifts is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships with current and prospective major donors to advance the mission of Catholic Social Services. This position develops meaningful partnerships with individuals, families, foundations, and community leaders who share a commitment to serving those most in need. This role would serve on the Leadership Team, is a part of the Development and Communications Team and reports to the Vice President of Development.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects through personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Identify, qualify, and develop new major gift opportunities to support the programs and priorities of Catholic Social Services.
• Conduct donor visits and build authentic, long-term relationships that deepen donor engagement and inspire charitable investment.
• Collaborate with the President & CEO, VP of Development, board members, parishes, and key volunteers to strengthen donor relationships and advance fundraising goals.
• Prepare gift proposals, stewardship reports, correspondence, and other donor communications that clearly demonstrate the impact of philanthropic support.
• Develop and implement annual strategies to obtain quarterly goals for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions within the donor database.
• Participate in organizational events, parish activities, and community engagements that increase awareness and support for Catholic Social Services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, sales, relationship management, or a related field with demonstrated success in cultivating and securing gifts.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to establish trust and build meaningful relationships with donors and community leaders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with donor databases or customer relationship management (CRM) systems preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Appreciation for and commitment to the mission, values, and ministry of Catholic Social Services and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Working Conditions

• Local travel throughout the Diocese of Columbus is required for donor meetings and events.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours are necessary to support donor cultivation and organizational events.

Organizational Responsibility:

Catholic Social Services is a religious charitable corporation formed to provide social services consistent with the beliefs, principles and charitable purposes of the Roman Catholic Church within the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio (Code of Regulations, Article II). We offer: Excellent Team Environment Full position: Monday - Friday 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan w/match Health, Dental and vision offered Compensation: $90,000- $100,000 depending on qualifications Location: 197 E. Gay St Columbus, OH 43215 CSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. CSS is a drug free workplace.