Director of Mission Advancement

Job Description

JOB TITLE Director of Mission Advancement
DEPARTMENT The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
FLSA STATUS Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Mission Advancement is responsible for leading and executing the Catholic Foundation's fundraising and donor engagement strategies. This individual will cultivate strong relationships with donors, parishes, Catholic institutions, and community partners, ensuring that fundraising efforts align with the mission and values of the Catholic Church.

Working closely with the Director of Development and President Catholic Foundation, the Director of Mission Advancement will lead all major gift initiatives, planned giving, campaigns, and annual appeals to sustain and grow the Foundation's ability to support Catholic ministries, parishes, schools, and charitable works.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy and Leadership
• Develop and implement a comprehensive development plan that includes major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and capital campaigns.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects, including individuals, foundations, and Catholic-aligned businesses.
• Oversee donor recognition and stewardship programs that communicate impact and foster long-term relationships.

Donor Relations and Gift Management
• Maintain a portfolio of key donors and prospects; conduct face-to-face meetings and personal outreach.
• Support the Executive Director, board members, and clergy in their donor engagement efforts.
• Ensure accurate and timely gift processing, acknowledgment, and reporting in the donor database (e.g., Raiser's Edge or equivalent).
Planned Giving and Legacy Gifts
• Promote and manage the Foundation's planned giving program, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, and donor-advised funds.
• Educate donors and advisors about Catholic values-based giving opportunities.

Collaboration and Communication
• Partner with diocesan leaders, parishes, and Catholic institutions to understand funding needs and promote the Foundation's services.
• Work with the communications team to produce high-quality donor materials, newsletters, impact reports, and campaign materials.

Events and Campaigns
• Plan and execute fundraising events, campaign launches, and donor appreciation events.
• Provide leadership for any future capital or special campaign initiatives.

Qualifications
• Practicing Catholic in good standing, with a deep understanding of and commitment to the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of successful fundraising experience, preferably in a faith-based or nonprofit environment.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and developing donor relationships.
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and fundraising best practices.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to inspire and motivate donors.
• Strategic thinker with excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in fundraising databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Ministry Platform, etc.).
• Bachelor's degree required; CFRE or master's degree in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Candidate must successfully pass an FBI Level II Background Screening and complete Safe Environment Training prior to employment.

Work Environment
Office-based with regular travel to meet with donors, parishes, and community partners. Occasional evening and weekend work for donor events and parish engagement.

Supervised by:
Director of Development and President Catholic Foundation

About the Employer

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, founded in 1975, covers the 18 most northwestern counties of the State of Florida. Although the diocese is young, its roots go back to the first European settlement of this region. A fleet of ships carrying 1,500 colonists sailed into what is now Pensacola Bay on August 15, 1559. On behalf of the Spanish crown, Don Tristan de Luna established the first settlement in what was to become the United States of America. The settlement was abandoned in 1561 due to damage from hurricanes that destroyed the settlers' supplies.

Our diocese enjoys the distinction of being a "dual see" diocese. It has two centers from which the bishop governs - Pensacola and Tallahassee.