Sr. Director of Development

Diocese of Dallas

Dallas, TX

Job ID#:
15137173987
Posted:
March 6, 2026
Expires:
May 5, 2026
Category:
Fundraising
Terms:
Full-Time Employee
Experience:
10+ Years
Education:
Undergraduate Degree
Base Pay:
Salary
Send applications or inquiries to:
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Job Description

General Summary of the Position

As a member of the Diocesan leadership team, leadership in the church is both a privilege and a sacred responsibility. The Senior Director of Development must uphold the mission of the Diocese to bring the people to Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ to the people.

This position will play a key role in strengthening and expanding the philanthropic culture within the diocese and broader community, with a strong focus on donor relations.

Directs, plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates all philanthropic activities for the support and benefit of the organizations comprising the Diocese of Dallas. Responsible for grant applications, management of fund-raising programs, and the establishment of organizational endowments. Ensures all activities are conducted in support of the mission, philosophy, and values of the Diocese.

The components of the Development Office include the administration and sourcing of funds through Diocesan capital campaigns, the Bishop's Annual Appeal, the Bishop's Invitational Golf Tournament, and the planned giving program. Develops advancement principles and policies with the various Diocesan entities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Position

• Lead, manage, and administer significant fundraising campaigns ($100M+).
• Develops and maintains a clear understanding of the fundraising priorities of the Diocese and oversees Diocesan fundraising initiatives.
• Manages daily operational standards, procedures, and responsibilities for all Diocesan capital campaigns, annual appeals, golf tournament and monitors parish campaigns.
• Works closely with the Business Office to ensure adherence to all audit standards.
• Develops and implements a strategic plan for all Diocesan advancement initiatives.
• Develops appropriate advancement principles.
• Oversees the Bishop's Annual Appeal and the Bishop's Invitational Golf Tournament and evaluates continued opportunities to increase revenue.
• Oversee Diocesan Sunday collections including frequency, coordination with parishes and management of special or emergency collections when needed.
• Identifies, engages, cultivates, and solicits prospective donors.
• Seeks philanthropic support through annual giving, direct mail, memorials, grants, special events, capital campaigns, and planned giving programs.
• Serves as a resource to local estate and tax professionals for consultation in the areas of planned giving.
• Monitors and evaluates effectiveness of fundraising programs.
• Reviews and recommends all fundraising activities for the Diocese.
• Participates in public relations activities with various groups to encourage their support.
• Works with groups such as advisory groups and boards for planning, organizing, and evaluating programs for which funds are needed.
• Establishes and maintains high visibility in the Diocese and community at large, in order to promote and to be associated with the Office of Development.
• Works with staff of Diocesan organizations to develop fundraising and grantsmanship techniques.
• Monitors and acts in response to activities at the local, state, and federal level which may affect fundraising programs or the not-for-profit status of the Diocese.
• Prepares and obtains approval for an annual budget that is based on specific annual goals.
• Selects appropriate staff and manages human capital in a manner which ensures maximum utilization and creates a sense of respect and loyalty; manages financial resources prudently and effectively; plans and organizes all tasks and resources in a manner which results in achievement of strategic goals and objectives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Ministerial Responsibilities:
• Acts as a fundraising and grantsmanship consultant to pastors, boards, principals, presidents, and directors as needed.
• Develops advancement principles and policies with the various Diocesan entities including parishes and schools.

Position Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to forge relationships by using strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and manage change.
• Strong sense of purpose and vision.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must have the ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine a proper course of action.
• Ability to ask prospective donors for their support and handle multiple opportunities successfully.

Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree; Master's degree and/or CFRE designation, a plus
• Eight to ten years of top advancement experience; including 3 - 5 years as a front-line fundraiser or gift officer.
• Experience in the use of Blackbaud products such as Raiser's Edge and working knowledge of data retrieval and analysis; optimizing the fundraising potential within the Diocese's donor database.
• Expert knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, standards, and solicitation strategies
• Experience in the use of personal computer and related Microsoft software, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access

Special Requirements:
• Ability to work additional and flexible hours
• Practicing Catholic
• Ability to tell a story, frame the need, and make a compelling request
Physical Requirements Specific to the Job:
• N/A

DO NOT REMOVE
This Position Description is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The duties and responsibilities of the position may be changed at the sole discretion of the Diocese of Dallas Pastoral Center, which reserves the right to modify this Position Description without notice to the employee. This Position Description is not a contract and does not alter the employee's at-will employment status.
Send applications or inquiries to:

About the Employer

The Catholic Diocese of Dallas promotes the love of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ in our local community and beyond. We strive to foster spiritual growth, encourage active participation in the sacramental life of the Church, and support the development of strong, loving relationships among our members.