Director of Development

Job Description

Reporting to the Executive Director of Catholic Rural Life, the Director of Development is responsible for providing leadership and initiative in raising $1,000,000-$2,000,000 annually in financial resources to support CRL's programming.

The Director is also responsible for leading the implementation of a successful capital campaign.

Primary duties and responsibilities include:
• Significantly increase the number of CRL major donors, gifts > $1,000.
• Significantly increase CRL's donor base and memberships.
• Prepare annual development plan.
• Manage a Development Coordinator that will support both the Executive Director and
the Development Director.
• Lead CRL's Development Committee.
• Oversee research and writing of successful grant proposals.
• Travel regularly (25%-30%) and nationally to meetings with major donors and funders and attend relevant events.

Experience and Qualification Requirements:
A successful candidate for this position will have the following:
• Demonstrated success at closing major donor gifts and securing grants >= $50,000.
• Demonstrated success in planning and executing capital campaigns.
• At least 10 years of successful fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated experience and success working with board members.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in donor database management software; Microsoft Office; Google Works.
• Willingness to travel 25%-30%.
• Undergraduate or higher degree in business or relevant field of study.
Work Venue
The office is located at the University of St. Thomas campus in St. Paul. The professional
chosen will be expected to live in the Twin Cities metro and work in the office.

Terms:
The position is a full-time position. The salary for this position will depend upon
experience. Catholic Rural Life offers a competitive benefits package that includes dental
and medical coverage, a retirement plan and flexible personal time off. To apply, please
send a resume and cover letter outlining your interest and experience to Seth Forster at seth@catholicrurallife.org. CRL will accept applications until October 15, 2026 or until the
position is filled.

About the Employer

Catholic Rural Life (CRL) is a national, Catholic nonprofit organization dedicated to the vitality of the American countryside. Since 1923, we have been promoting Catholic life in rural America.

Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, CRL is a membership-based organization, comprised of dedicated bishops, laity, and religious who are joined in a common effort to serve the rural Church, rural people, and their communities.