Senior Director or Major Grants Gifts

Catholic Social Services of Columbus; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan w/match

Health, Dental and vision

Excellent Team Environment

Monday - Friday work week

Job summary

Catholic Social Services of Columbus is seeking a Sr. Director of Major Gifts to cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors.

This leadership role reports to the VP of Development and works with the Leadership Team to advance our mission through strategic donor engagement. The position requires at least 5 years in fundraising or related fields, strong communication, and the ability to travel locally for donor meetings and events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, business, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, sales, relationship management, or 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 ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with donor databases or CRM systems preferred.
• Commitment to mission and values of Catholic Social Services.

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 programs and priorities.
• Conduct donor visits and build authentic, long-term relationships that deepen donor engagement and inspire philanthropic investment.
• Collaborate with President & CEO, VP of Development, board members, parishes, and volunteers to strengthen donor relationships and advance fundraising goals.
• Prepare gift proposals, stewardship reports, and donor communications that demonstrate impact of support.
• Develop and implement annual strategies to meet quarterly donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship goals.
• Maintain accurate donor interaction records in the donor database.
• Participate in organizational events, parish activities, and community engagements to raise awareness and support.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Communication

Organizational skills

Local travel

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

Job description

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.

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.