Development Director for Catholic Schools

Diocese Of Charlotte•Charlotte, NC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Development Director for Catholic Schools provides strategic leadership and support to advance development efforts across Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte. Working closely with school leaders, pastors, advancement teams, and diocesan leadership, this role helps strengthen a culture of philanthropy rooted in the mission of Catholic education. This position partners with schools to support fundraising, donor engagement, and development planning while helping build long-term capacity for sustainable growth. Through collaboration, coaching, and strategic guidance, the Development Director will help advance the vitality and future success of Catholic education throughout the Diocese.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in development and/or fundraising.
Strong understanding of Catholic school mission, advancement, stewardship, and relationship-based fundraising.
Self-motivated and able to plan, organize, and coordinate development activities in a timely manner.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Work effectively to build trust with staff, volunteers, donors, and the public.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience with annual fund growth, donor relations, major gifts, planned giving, or campaign support.
Knowledge of fundraising database software and Canva experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Plans and directs quarterly regional or systemwide workshops for school presidents, principals, development staff, or key school fund development volunteer leaders.
Meets on site regularly with each of the 20 individual schools to assess needs, set annual giving goals, and strategize for continued growth.
Works closely with schools as they develop and carry out annual school fund development plans, aligning with school operations, advancement strategy, and systemwide Catholic school priorities.
Works with schools to focus on both major gifts and planned gifts.
Provides training for staff and volunteers regarding the solicitation of gifts.
Provides strategic direction in data reporting for optimal use of donor database management systems.
Gives direction on expanding the donor base and increasing donor engagement.
Creates templates for school marketing, such as annual fund brochure and giving guide.
Gathers key annual fund data from each school on a quarterly basis for systemwide analysis.
Designs and facilitates professional development and peer learning opportunities.
Leads Diocese of Charlotte participation for #iGiveCatholic.
Meets regularly with Development Office staff and Catholic Schools Office staff with reports on the individual schools’ activities and results.
Attends staff meetings as requested.
Supports Catholic schools in carrying out fund development efforts in other ways as needed.
Performs other duties as required by the Deputy Director of Development and requested by the Superintendent of Schools.
Coordinate work closely with the Director of Advancement for Catholic Schools on school-facing advancement priorities.