Major Gifts Officer, Diocese of Allentown

Diocese of Allentown • Allentown, PA

12d • 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 developing 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 develops and implements planned giving and major gifts programs, builds relationships with prospective and current donors, coordinates solicitations and stewardship, prepares proposals and reports, and works with diocesan leadership, staff, volunteers, and external professionals. The employee is expected to respect the teachings and discipline of the Catholic Church regarding faith and morals, including maintaining a lifestyle in conformity with those teachings.

The position is based in a normal office environment, with regular hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Officer must also meet with constituencies outside and beyond normal work hours, participate in evening and weekend activities, and drive extensively throughout the Diocese’s five-county area. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume by email or mail to the listed Human Resources address.

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, strong work ethic, and willingness to quickly and 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, highly motivated self-starter.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must respect the teachings and discipline of the Catholic Church regarding matters of faith and morals and maintain a lifestyle in conformity with those teachings.
• Ability to meet with constituencies outside normal work hours, participate in evening and weekend activities, and drive throughout the Diocese.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• Experience or familiarity 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 program progress.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of donor interactions and planned giving activities, including in the CRM system.
• Coordinate stewardship activities to recognize and honor planned gift donors.
• Develop marketing materials and communication strategies for planned giving.
• Offer tailored giving options aligned with donor interests and financial goals.
• Organize donor recognition events, legacy society gatherings, and donor cultivation events.
• Conduct donor research to identify new opportunities.
• Develop and implement personalized stewardship plans for major donors.
• Manage a portfolio of at least 100 significant and potentially significant individual donors; personally cultivate and solicit major donor prospects and steward them toward major and planned gifts.
• Coordinate and execute major gift solicitations.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Track and report progress toward fundraising goals.
• Conduct regular donor outreach, including phone calls, emails, and face-to-face meetings.
• Develop, in consultation with the Executive Director, a strategic plan for donor and prospective-donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Create 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.
• Prepare strategy memos and review research before donor visits.
• Accompany other staff members or volunteers on visits when appropriate.
• Work with administrative staff to research donors and prospective donors as needed.
• Ensure fundraising activities comply with relevant regulations and ethical standards.
• Assist diocesan parishes, schools, Catholic Charities, and other ministries in creating programs and efforts to secure local charitable support.

What This Job Offers

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