Development Officer

Job Description

The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Lansing is accepting applications for a Development Officer. The position reports to the President of the Catholic Foundation and has direct supervision over the data management and donor services staff. The is a full-time, exempt position.

The Development Officer serves in the ministry of the Catholic Foundation and its mission of serving the Church through the development and stewardship of charitable contributions for the benefit of the Diocese of Lansing, its parishes and ministries. The primary focus of this position is the creation and implementation of strategies and tactics to enhance charitable financial support for Catholic ministries with emphasis on the Diocese of Lansing's annual appeal. To do this well, the Development Officer must build relationships with relevant constituencies including pastors and clergy, parish and diocesan staff, parishioners, and others interested in supporting the mission of Catholic organizations in the Diocese of Lansing.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Run a world-class annual appeal for the Diocese of Lansing that engages an increasing number of participants as well as increasing annual contributions.
Develop compelling communications and ongoing strategies to inspire contributions from our donors. In partnership with the Diocese of Lansing Communications team, prepare print, video, and online resources for promotion of the annual appeal.
Successfully implement and manage pledge redemption for a multi-million-dollar capital campaign and achieve over ninety percent in successful pledge redemptions.
Supervise, train, and develop the donor services and database administration team.
Maintain existing donor database with existing automation and develop new strategies to increase data health. Expand current fundraising efforts with emphasis on recurring and online giving.
Identify and implement new fundraising strategies to broaden the donor base of the Foundation for the benefit of the diocese and Catholic organizations.
Maintain and further develop the Catholic Foundation website with strategies that will be used to inform and deepen relationships with donors and inspire ongoing financial support.
Collaborate with parish pastors and parish staff to help them develop or implement effective stewardship efforts.
Identify a pipeline of smaller and mid-level donors to cultivate for advance giving opportunities.
Continue to procure and advance knowledge of best practices through local and national fundraising conferences and webinars.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Education: Bachelor's degree required; post graduate work a preferred..

Experience: At least two years of experience in fundraising/stewardship and/or project management. A proven track record of running successful fundraising appeals and/or events. A proven history of meeting and exceeding goals. Excellence in communication skills, written and oral. Experience working with and developing staff and volunteers. Experience with the Microsoft Office Suite required. Experience with Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge software preferred.

Require: Adept at planning, prioritizing, organizing, and following through on a high volume of complex work. Must have a valid driver's license. Travel throughout the diocese is required. Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a fully supportive and energetic attitude toward the Catholic Church, her teachings, and her work.

Physical Demands: While performing duties, employee has to sit for long periods of time, use hands in repetitive motion tasks, and answer telephone calls. Must be able to drive a car and give oral presentations. Must be able to lift and move up to 40 pounds. Employee is expected to work primarily onsite, Monday through Friday.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.

About the Employer

The Diocese of Lansing gives glory to God, and preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of souls. Employees of the Diocese should pray daily for persons in our Diocese. Grateful for the opportunity to serve, employees demonstrate intelligence, collegiality, patience, courage, prudence, and charity in all dealings with fellow employees, and with those whom the Church serves.