Principal Gift Fundraiser

Job Description

The Catholic Initiative is building something bold; restoring sacred spaces, strengthening vibrant Catholic communities, and creating perpetual endowments that will sustain faith for generations.

At the heart of our Detroit work is the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit; one of the oldest and most historic Catholic parishes in the United States, serving a richly diverse and faithful community. Today, Ste. Anne stands as both a symbol of the Church's legacy and a powerful answer to its future: a parish full of life, but in need of long-term sustainability.

This is the "why."
We are not simply restoring buildings; we are ensuring that places like Ste. Anne remain beacons of faith, beauty, and community for generations to come.

We are seeking a Principal Gift Fundraiser to lead and grow transformational giving efforts in Detroit, centered around the Basilica of Ste. Anne and the expansion of our mission.

This is not a maintenance role. This is an opportunity to build, inspire, and secure $50K-$1M+ gifts that will have a lasting impact on the future of the Church.

Please note: this role requires the candidate to live in the Detroit area in order to build strong local relationships and engage meaningfully with donors, parish leadership, and the community.

What you'll do:

Build and grow a portfolio of major and principal gift donors from the ground up

Cultivate, solicit, and steward transformational gifts

Serve as a compelling ambassador for The Catholic Initiative and our mission

Lead meaningful donor conversations rooted in purpose, vision, and impact

Execute an ambitious fundraising strategy with clear goals and accountability

What we're looking for:

Experience (or strong capability) in securing $50K-$1M+ gifts

Knowledge of and connections within the Detroit philanthropic community

Must live in the Detroit area

Entrepreneurial mindset; you build, not inherit

Exceptional relationship-builder, communicator, and storyteller

Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and drive

Who you are:
Warm, authentic, and easy to connect with, yet confident in asking for transformative support. You are fearless, driven to succeed, and motivated by mission. You think strategically, act decisively, and continuously refine your approach. Low ego, high ownership.

About the Employer

Our Vision
We see a world where the Catholic faith and its parishes and schools are available to and in service of vibrant communities for generations.
Our Mission
The Catholic Initiative invests in and partners with vibrant, but under-resourced parishes and schools to restore sacred places, amplify ministries, sustaining them for generations.