OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY
The Senior Director of Development, Leadership Gifts is responsible for creating and executing development strategy that leverages the mission for the Diocese of Bridgeport as well as enhancing donor relationships through Diocesan programs and technology. The Senior Director will also lead Diocesan efforts for leadership gifts to the Diocese, including engaging with prospective donors as well as achieving associated goals, collaborating across Diocesan entities, leveraging volunteers and managing associated systems.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Ensure that all messaging and material presented by the Development Office is consistent with the vision of the Bishop of Bridgeport.
- Adhere to the U.S.C.C.B. Charter for Safe Environments Policy for Virtus compliance and adhere to the civil laws and reporting procedures.
- Partner with the CDO to develop short and long-term strategies, including setting and achieving associated measurable goals for leadership gifts, which include gifts for immediate need and planned gifts.
- Research capabilities of Raiser’s Edge (NXT) and implement selected modules/functions to leverage system capabilities consistently to target, interface and steward our donors.
- Manage the Major Gifts Officer.
- Manage a portfolio of leadership and major gift prospects ($10,000+); Develop and implement fundraising strategies to identify, research and engage new prospective donors; cultivate and solicit prospects for gifts of significance for micro-campaigns.
- Collaborate with all areas within the DOB, including parishes, schools, foundations, cemeteries and other institutions, such as Catholic Charities.
- Partner with the CDO regarding strategy for any future diocesan capital campaigns.
- Assist with communications strategies and plans for outreach to donors and the community.
- Create materials, proposals, prospectuses and stewardship reports to present to current and prospective donors. These materials can include written, digital, social and video elements.
- Engage volunteers in the development process, especially regarding prospect identification and the solicitation cycle.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education/Qualifications/Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Five years of significant and diversified fundraising experience in development, leadership and major gifts, preferably in a not-for-profit setting.
- Demonstrated success in securing visits with donors/prospects as well as proven track record of personally cultivating relationships and closing leadership and major gifts.
- Experience and familiarity with planned giving, capital campaigns and endowments.
- Deep knowledge of Catholic faith and teachings.
- It is essential that the individual be courteous, articulate, and reliable, have a strong attention to detail and be able to multi-task in a busy, professional environment.
- Ability to efficiently organize work, work under pressure and to effectively manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent organizational, written/verbal communication and interpersonal and relationship skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills include the ability to interact and collaborate with a variety of people.
- Working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or equivalent fundraising software/database system.
- Ability to embrace and work collaboratively in a highly challenging and visible work environment, and the ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Active member of a parish/faith community in good standing with the Church.
