Executive Director

Job Description

Job Title: Executive Director
Agency: Catholic Education Foundation (CEF)
Reports To: Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Position: Full-time, Benefited, Exempt

JOB SUMMARY
The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) of the Diocese of Joliet seeks a mission-driven, results-oriented Executive Director to lead fundraising efforts that provide scholarships for students seeking a Catholic education. Reporting to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, the Executive Director will set the strategic direction for major gifts, annual appeals, endowed giving, and donor cultivation from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop and execute a visionary, data-driven strategic plan in collaboration with the CEF Board and diocesan leadership.
• Build strong relationships with major gift donors, foundations and corporate partners to grow the Foundation's scholarship resources.
• Support the CEF board committees and advise on best practices and opportunities.
• Cultivate the level of relationships necessary to provide leadership to all Catholic Education Foundation fundraising initiatives and related board programs.
• Lead brand awareness, communications, and events to engage donors and promote the value of Catholic education.
• Oversee operational, financial and compliance functions to ensure fiscal responsibility and mission alignment.

QUALIFICATIONS
We are looking for a leader who is:
• A practicing Catholic with deep respect for and commitment to Catholic education.
• A proven fundraiser with 6+ years of success in major gifts, annual giving and donor cultivation.
• Experienced communicator and skilled in strategic planning, financial management and leadership.
• Candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree; a Master's degree is preferred. CFRE and/or CAP certification a plus, as is bilingual fluency. Familiarity with foundation relations and grant writing is advantageous.

SALARY RANGE
Salary range is $80,000 - $110,000 annual, depending on experience.

BENEFITS
We offer a competitive benefits package that includes:
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, Basic Life and AD & D, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Defined Pension Plan funded by Diocese of Joliet, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Paid Personal Leave Days, and Paid Holidays based on holiday schedule approved for Blanchette Catholic Center.
• Voluntary benefits of Short-Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Permanent Life Insurance.
WORK SCHEDULE
• Full-time, exempt, benefited
• Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
o Evening and weekend hours as needed or required.
• Occasional travel within the Diocese of Joliet for events or meetings.

To apply for this outstanding opportunity, please send a cover letter and resume to humanresources@dioceseofjoliet.org. Please reference CEF Executive Director in the subject line of your email. No phone calls, please!

About the Employer

The Diocese of Joliet encompasses 7 counties of northern Illinois and has a Catholic population of more than 658,000.