Major Gifts Officer

Job Description

Job Title: Major Gifts Officer
Location: Diocese of Peoria, Spalding Pastoral Center
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role
Major Gifts Officer ("MGO") is an exciting new role within the Diocese. The MGO will own, oversee and execute all major responsibilities related to identifying, cultivating and managing relations with high-capacity donors. Developing fundraising strategies and securing significant contributions to support the Diocese's mission. This position requires an energetic and highly organized professional with a passion for people and a passion to support the mission of the Diocese.
What You Will Do:
• Relationship Management: cultivate and maintain a portfolio of relationships with existing major donors while identifying and engaging new prospects capable of making substantial contributions.
• Fundraising Strategies: Develop and implement strategies for soliciting major gifts, including personalized outreach and communication plans tailored to individual donor interests and capacities.
• Meet regularly with donors and prospects to build and maintain relationships.
• Prospect Research: Conduct thorough research to identify potential major gift donors and assess their giving capacity and philanthropic interests.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other members of the fundraising team and Diocesan departments to align fundraising efforts with Diocesan goals.
• Donor Stewardship: Ensure that donors feel appreciated and informed about the impact of their contributions, including providing updates on funded projects and initiatives.
Education and Experience:
• Associate's degree or higher, and/or
• 3 to 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven track record of securing major gifts

What You Need:
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Strong relationships skills with a focus on understanding donor motivations
• Experience running virtual events (preferred not required)
• Organizational Skills: Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple donor relationships and fundraising initiatives simultaneously.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with donor databases and research tools to track interactions and manage donor information effectively.
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
• Creative thinking demonstrated by past successes
• Proven ability to work effectively in teams
Preferred Qualifications:
• Fundraising Experience
• Public speaking
• Social Media experience
• Sales Experience (a plus but not required)
• Marketing Experience (a plus but not required)
• Familiarity with the Catholic faith, catholic parish/diocesan and nonprofit structures
Physical and Work Requirements:
• 8:30 to 4:30 pm Office Hours with occasional event specific requirements for nights and weekends
• Travel throughout Diocese required for Donor Relations
What You Will Get:
• Salary Range: $65,000 to $75,000
• Opportunities for growth and incentives
• On job training
• Medical, dental, prescription, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Retirement Savings: A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Long-term disability coverage
• Life Insurance

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Catholic Diocese of Peoria is committed to ensuring that all recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment-related programs are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis. As such, the Diocese prohibits discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation of any kind against an applicant or employee on the basis of their actual or perceived race or traits associated with race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, disability or association with a disabled person, military or veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, order of protection status, or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic.

How to Apply
• Submit your application through https://www.applitrack.com/cdop/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?FromAdmin=true&AppliTrackJobId=749 by May 1, 2026

About the Employer

The mission of the Diocese of Peoria is rooted in the command of Christ: "Go Make Disciples." Rooted in Catholic tradition, the Diocese proclaims the Gospel, celebrates the Sacraments, and serves others in the name of Jesus Christ. Under the leadership of Bishop Louis Tylka, the Diocese is actively working to become an even more vibrant, mission-driven, and sustainable Church.