Major Gifts Officer, Diocese of Allentown

Diocese of Allentown • Allentown, PA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Major Gifts Officer works closely with the Executive Director of Stewardship and Development to implement and manage planned giving programs, cultivate major gift opportunities, and support fundraising initiatives that advance the Diocese’s mission and development goals. The Officer also assists diocesan parishes, schools, Catholic Charities, and other ministries in creating programs and efforts to secure local charitable support. The role manages cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for a portfolio of at least 100 significant and potentially significant individual donors.

The position includes developing and implementing planned giving and major-gift strategies; cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors; preparing donor proposals and presentations; organizing donor events; maintaining accurate donor records and reports; and collaborating with diocesan leadership, staff, volunteers, and external professionals. Employees are expected to respect the teachings and discipline of the Catholic Church regarding faith and morals, including maintaining a lifestyle in conformity with those teachings.

This is a full-time position in a normal office environment. Normal hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; meetings outside and beyond those hours, evening and weekend activities, and significant driving throughout the Diocese are essential parts of the role.

Requirements

• At least 3–5 years of fundraising, marketing, or related experience.
• Familiarity with fundraising principles, including annual appeals, major gifts, planned giving, and donor databases.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn and use donor databases and fundraising software.
• High degree of integrity and confidentiality, a strong work ethic, and willingness to continuously learn about the mission of the Diocese of Allentown and its affiliates.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects and prioritize as needed.
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to work with diverse people and personalities under pressure and deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to work with all levels of management, personnel, and donors.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to set priorities; self-assured, independent, and highly motivated self-starter.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Employees must respect the teachings and discipline of the Catholic Church regarding faith and morals, including maintaining a lifestyle in conformity with those teachings.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• Experience with BlackBaud/Raiser’s Edge, Omatic, OneCause, FreeWill, ParishSoft, or similar fundraising software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive planned giving program.
• Identify and cultivate potential planned-gift donors and major-gift prospects.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and proposals to prospective donors.
• Collaborate with legal, financial, and estate-planning professionals to facilitate planned gifts.
• Provide regular updates and reports on planned-giving progress.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of donor interactions and fundraising activities, including in the CRM system.
• Coordinate stewardship activities to recognize and honor planned-gift donors.
• Develop planned-giving marketing materials and communication strategies, and offer giving options tailored to donor interests and financial goals.
• Organize donor recognition events, legacy society gatherings, and donor cultivation events.
• Conduct donor research to identify opportunities, working with administrative staff as needed.
• Manage a portfolio of at least 100 significant and potentially significant individual donors.
• Personally cultivate and solicit major-donor prospects and steward them toward becoming major- or planned-giving donors.
• Develop personalized stewardship plans for major donors and coordinate and execute major-gift solicitations.
• Develop a strategic plan for donor and prospective-donor cultivation and solicitation in consultation with the Executive Director.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Track and report progress toward fundraising goals; prepare ongoing call reports and monthly activity reports reflecting caseload activity and performance.
• Assist the Executive Director in preparing for visits with major- and planned-giving donors and prospects, including preparing strategy memos and reviewing research; accompany staff or volunteers on visits when appropriate.
• Engage in regular donor outreach through phone calls, emails, and face-to-face meetings.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and ethical standards in planned giving and fundraising.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level