Director of Donor Relations

Meaningful work * service oriented and respectful work environment * work-life balance * telework opportunities * generous leave, including paid FML * more paid holidays than the federal government, including Christmas week off * free parking as well as free transportation to/from Ballston metro * paid lunch breaks * professional development tuition assistance * tuition assistance for your children enrolled in our diocesan schools after 1 year of employment * medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 403(b) and retirement plans.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Office of Development’s primary purpose is one of service and fundraising. These efforts include working closely with the Bishop, senior diocesan staff, pastors, parishioners, volunteers, and community members to increase giving to the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, Catholic schools, seminarian education, parish initiatives, and other ministries, programs, and special projects throughout the Diocese. The Office also provides professional fundraising consultation and support to diocesan ministries, parishes, schools, institutions, and organizations.
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Donor Relations is responsible for implementing a comprehensive donor relationship program designed to identify, engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors and prospective donors throughout the Diocese.
The Director serves as a frontline fundraising professional responsible for managing a portfolio of donors and prospects through a disciplined moves-management process. Through discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities, the Director works to deepen donor engagement and secure philanthropic support for priority ministries and fundraising initiatives, including Catholic Charities, scholarships for Catholic education, diocesan ministries, endowment funds, seminarian education and vocations initiatives, capital and campaign priorities, and strategic special projects.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
Discovery and Qualification
Identify, research, and qualify prospective donors with the capacity of making major gifts for $25,000 to $100,000 over a three-year period.
Conduct discovery visits to assess philanthropic interests, charitable goals, ministry affinities, and giving capacity.
Develop and maintain an active portfolio of approximately 125-150 major donor prospects and current donors.
Cultivation and Relationship Management
Implement moves-management strategies to advance donors through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Schedule and conduct regular donor visits (a minimum of 20 face-to-face visits each month) throughout the Diocese.
Develop individualized cultivation plans and coordinate interactions with diocesan leadership and clergy.
Major Gift Solicitation
Conduct solicitation visits and secure major gifts in support of Catholic Charities, Catholic education scholarships, diocesan ministries, endowment funds, and special projects.
Prepare donor briefings, cultivation plans, gift agreements, proposals, and cases for support.
Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer, Bishop, pastors, and diocesan leadership.
Donor Stewardship
Ensure timely, meaningful, and personalized stewardship.
Coordinate donor recognition and impact reporting.
Assist with donor cultivation and appreciation events.
Moves Management and Portfolio Administration
Maintain detailed contact reports and donor records.
Track donor activity and progress through the moves-management cycle.
Prepare regular reports regarding portfolio performance and fundraising results.
Maintain annual fundraising, activity, and portfolio growth goals established in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer.
Strategic Collaboration and Special Projects
Collaborate with Development Office staff across Catholic Schools, Catholic Charities, Annual Giving, Planned Giving, and Events.
Participate in campaigns and special fundraising initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY:
Given wide latitude and exercises significant discretion under the general direction of the Chief Development Officer. Responsible for donor relationship strategies, prospect management activities, database documentation, confidentiality, gift processing coordination, and stewardship reporting.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Required to travel regularly throughout the Diocese to visit prospects, donors, parishes, schools, and ministry locations. Occasional evening and weekend work required. Work performed both in and out of the office setting.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Thorough knowledge of relationship-based fundraising and major gift development principles. Excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational and project-management skills. Bachelor’s degree required. Five to seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding charitable gifts. Experience with the Catholic Church or faith-based organizations preferred. Valid driver’s license required.
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in working for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.