Director of Mission Advancement - GWU and Howard Univ

Job Description

This position is a combined role with both development and administrative responsibilities. The Director of Mission Advancement is responsible for promoting the mission and vision of the Newman Center at The George Washington University and Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Student Center at Howard University (the "Centers") and engaging the community at large, including alumni, staff, faculty, parishes, families, and other stakeholders. This includes maintaining administrative oversight of financial support from donors.

Principal Expectations
Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church and its traditions
Have an understanding and appreciation of the Black Catholic community
Maintains a personal prayer life
Able to develop and implement programming that meets fundraising needs consistent with the mission of the Centers
Able to find, meet, and follow up with supporters
Participate in weekly meetings with the Chaplain, Campus Ministers, and other development team members

Director of Mission Advancement
The Director's primary task is to maintain and increase the current donor base and implement fundraising practices that support the mission of the Centers. Responsibilities include finding, meeting, and following up with donors and alumni through one-on-one engagements or events that support the development plan. Student leaders who are part of the Student Finance Committee of GW Catholics and the Student Executive Board at Howard work directly with the Director on events and activities that promote the Centers and fundraising.
Key Duties
Raise awareness and support for the ongoing needs, mission, and vision of the Centers
Assist the Chaplain in planning the financial vision of the Centers
Create and maintain donor databases: tracking donations, updating information, etc.
Utilize data entry and analysis skills (or willingness to learn)
Generate and implement regular communications (hard copy, digital, social media) per development goals
Prepare and distribute personalized donor letters, emails, and other communications using mail merge or similar tools
Plan and carry out donor events that support the mission and community of the Centers
Meet with potential donors to invite them to partner with the Centers
Develop and build relationships with alumni of GW and Howard with local and affiliated parishes
Follow up with current donors to maintain sustainability and relationships
Work with the Student Finance Committee of GW Catholics and Executive Board at Howard on promotion and fundraising
Seek opportunities to learn more about best practices in development

Job Qualifications
Educational Background
Bachelor's degree required
Master's degree/certification in administration, development, fundraising, or related fields strongly preferred
Skills
Reliable, organized, and an effective time manager
Maintain discretion in confidential matters
Work effectively as a team member; communicate clearly with co-workers and others
Personable and knowledgeable about the Centers
Comfortable using computers, internet, and various application systems
Experience in Excel, Word, and mail merge processes
Experience in finance software (Parish Soft preferred or similar) or willingness to learn
Experience in donor database software (Flocknote Fundit preferred, or similar) or willingness to learn
Familiar with social networking tools
Project a kind and welcoming atmosphere, have a friendly and engaging personality to callers and donors, and provide warm hospitality to visitors
Experience
Two years of related administrative experience, or a combination of education, training, and experience
Two years of fundraising experience preferred, or equivalent in practice

Compensation
The Director of Mission Advancement role provides a professional and competitive salary that reflects the candidate's experience, education, and proven skills in fundraising and administrative leadership.

About the Employer

https://adw.org/ The Archdiocese of Washington is the headquarters of the Catholic Church in Washington DC and five surrounding counties in Maryland. We are home to 140 parishes and 90 schools and thrive under the leadership of Cardinal Robert McElroy.