Lead Gifts Director

Archdiocese of Chicago•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards. The Director, Lead Gifts will lead the effort, in partnership with the Chief Development Officer and the Lead Gifts Team, for the Archdiocese to reach its fundraising goals through identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors who have the capacity and interest to qualify for Cardinal Cupich’s portfolio of donors. Work in partnership with Cardinal and Stewardship and Development senior staff to create a cadence of meetings for Cardinal with potential donors. Prepare detailed donor proposals for these meetings that align the respective donors’ interests with the most important initiatives for the Archdiocese. Prepare impact statements for donors to provide details and specifics on the use of donated funds. Manage logistics and details for meetings between Cardinal and donors. Provide Cardinal with detailed briefings on donors prior to these meetings. This position will lead Operations Meetings along with Stewardship and Development senior staff to update Cardinal on donor solicitations and development initiatives. The Director, Lead Gifts will contribute to the development of performance metrics for the Major Gifts team and will assist in the development and execution of strategy for the broader Stewardship and Development Department. The Director, Lead Gifts will receive regular updates from the centralized development team lead for Planned Giving, Stewardship and the Annual Catholic Appeal in order to be equipped to provide counsel and advice to his/her assigned parishes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution of higher education.
5+ years of institutional fundraising experience
Willingness to mentor junior staff
Conversant in tax advantages to charitable giving
Strong presentation skills
Organizational and time management skills
Knowledgeable in latest computer technology with proficient skills.
Professional demeanor
An empathy with the ethos of the Catholic Church.
Affinity with the overall mission of the Archdiocese of Chicago

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or CFRE preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the effort, in partnership with the Chief Development Officer and the Lead Gifts Team, for the Archdiocese to reach its fundraising goals through identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors who have the capacity and interest to qualify for Cardinal Cupich’s portfolio of donors.
Work in partnership with Cardinal and Stewardship and Development senior staff to create a cadence of meetings for Cardinal with potential donors.
Prepare detailed donor proposals for these meetings that align the respective donors’ interests with the most important initiatives for the Archdiocese.
Prepare impact statements for donors to provide details and specifics on the use of donated funds.
Manage logistics and details for meetings between Cardinal and donors.
Provide Cardinal with detailed briefings on donors prior to these meetings.
Lead Operations Meetings along with Stewardship and Development senior staff to update Cardinal on donor solicitations and development initiatives.
Contribute to the development of performance metrics for the Major Gifts team and will assist in the development and execution of strategy for the broader Stewardship and Development Department.
Receive regular updates from the centralized development team lead for Planned Giving, Stewardship and the Annual Catholic Appeal in order to be equipped to provide counsel and advice to his/her assigned parishes.