Director of Donor Engagement

Job Description

NEWMAN CATHOLIC STUDENT CENTER

POSITION: Director of Donor Engagement
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt, Full Time, Salary with benefits
REPORTS TO: Director of Operations

GENERAL SUMMARY
The Director of Donor Engagement is responsible for the strategic development and coordination of all donor-facing fundraising activities, including campaigns, special events, and communications in support of the Newman Center's mission.
This role focuses on building and strengthening relationships with current donors while broadening and diversifying the donor base. The Director will create and implement a comprehensive fundraising and marketing plan designed to increase awareness, deepen community engagement, broaden donor base, and generate sustainable financial support. This includes cultivating donor relationships through personal visits with current and prospective donors and developing a strategic calendar of activities and events that advance fundraising and outreach goals.
The Director of Donor Engagement develops and manages the department budget and provides leadership, direction, and oversight to the Development Associate and Development Assistant, ensuring alignment with best practices and organizational priorities.
All staff are considered part of the missionary team of the Newman Catholic Student Center for the purpose of making disciples for the Church and the world. In all our diversity of background and responsibility, we strive to be UNITED IN CHRIST and call upon the Holy Spirit to aide us in becoming: Bold, Loving, and Unstoppable in our mission.

MISSION EXPECTATIONS

• Be an inviting/welcoming presence to the students and community.
• Be a supporting/contributing/collaborating member of the ministry team.
• Contribute to the planning and mission of the Newman Center.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information in a discreet, professional manner.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Fundraising Responsibilities:
• Assist with creation of annual development calendar for all fund development activities including donor and alumni outreach and events.
• Responsible for the management, oversight, and execution of all special events and communications.
• Facilitate the movement of major gift prospects by building relationships with current benefactors and potential benefactors to advance the mission and fundraising goals of the organization.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit potential/current donors, closing gifts in timely manner.
• Conduct a minimum of 15-20 visits (in-person, Zoom, phone) monthly with potential benefactors in the form of Discovery, Cultivation, Solicitation or Stewardship meetings.
• Develop and implement specific campaigns or communications for planned giving, charitable trusts, endowments, and other development projects (i.e., FOCUS funding).
• Identify donors and accounts needing special attention, coordinates calls or visits with Director of Operations or Priest Director.
• Contact individuals, businesses, and organizations for networking/collaboration purposes.
• Maintain weekly communication with Priest Director and Director of Operations regarding fundraising challenges and opportunities.
Communications Duties:
• Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of the Newman Center and its funding priorities; communicate the stories and impact of all ministry program areas to donors.
• Develop a comprehensive communication plan to promote the organization to its donors and maximize public awareness of the fundraising activities of the organization.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement the design, printing, and distribution of cost-effective marketing and communication materials for development efforts.
• Oversee creation, editing, and production of print and social media content, videos; annual Honor roll, Outreach newsletters; donor development mailings including life-event recognitions.

Administrative Duties:
• Provide and monitor annual budget numbers for development revenue and expenses.
• Assist bookkeeper on monthly reconciliation of Quick Books with donor database.
• Conduct research, analyze data, and compile reports on current or prospective donors.
• Assist the Priest Director, Director of Operations, and Board of Directors in other duties as requested.

Supervision/Stewardship Duties:
• Hire/Supervise/Review the full time Development Associate and part time Development Assistant
• Supervise the stewardship process, including recognition of gifts in a timely manner and year-end giving statements.
• Recruit and oversees volunteers for office tasks and event activities.
• Oversee management of and updates to donor database of all donors and funds.
• Assist Director of Operations with management of and update of VANCO e-giving site.
• Oversee tracking of contacts, gifts, and other pertinent data entry into donor software

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability necessary to fill this position:

• Practicing Catholic that supports and upholds the Catholic Church's teachings on faith and morals in the family, workplace and in public
• Bachelor's degree or 2 years previous experience in fundraising, communications and marketing, event planning, or equivalent experience
• Self-starter who can organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks concurrently.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts.
• Proficiency in computer technology to include Microsoft Office Suite, graphic arts software, and donor management software.

How to Apply:
Applicants are asked to submit a resume and reference list to Kristie Wert, Director of Operations via email kristie@newman-ic.org. Applications deadline is March 31, 2026. For a full job description please visit our website at www.iowacatholic.org.

About the Employer

The Newman Catholic Student Center exists for The University of Iowa students to know Jesus and His Church and to make him known to others. We prepare students to be Catholic disciples for the Church and the world.