Senior Director or Major Grants Gifts

Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Columbus; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan w/match

Health, Dental and Vision

Excellent Team Environment

Job summary

Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Columbus is seeking a Senior Director of Major Gifts to lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors in central Ohio. This role sits on the Leadership Team and reports to the VP of Development, guiding partnerships with individuals, foundations, parishes, and volunteers to advance CSS's mission.

You'll manage a donor portfolio, develop new opportunities, prepare proposals, and collaborate with senior leaders to meet annual fundraising

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in fundraising or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of fundraising or donor relations experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and cultivate donor relationships.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience with donor databases or CRM systems preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Commitment to CSS mission and Catholic Church teachings.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects.
• Identify and develop new major gift opportunities.
• Conduct donor visits to deepen engagement.
• Collaborate with leadership, board, and volunteers to advance fundraising.
• Prepare gift proposals and stewardship reports.
• Develop annual strategies to meet quarterly goals.
• Maintain accurate donor records in the donor database.
• Participate in events and community engagements.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Verbal communication

Donor relations

CRM experience

Time management

Confidentiality

Nonprofit fundraising

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Career opportunities with CSS are exciting and connect you with meaningful work that transforms lives every day. We are committed to diversity, celebrating successes together, and working collaboratively to better our community. Our focus is always on quality and integrity, no matter what.

Below you’ll find a list of available opportunities.

Position:Senior Director or Major Grants Gifts

Location: Columbus, OH

Job Id:208

# of Openings:1

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.

• 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

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.