Major Gifts Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Catholic Diocese of Raleigh is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Major Gifts Officer to forge meaningful relationships that inspire transformative giving and create lasting change in eastern North Carolina. This is a unique opportunity to lead and expand our major gift fundraising efforts, prioritizing annual, mid-level, and leadership gifts that directly support the mission of the Diocese of Raleigh and its life-changing work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of current and prospective major donors with the capacity to give at mid and major gift levels of $10,000 or more.
• Develop and implement effective systems to manage a comprehensive portfolio of major gift donors, ensuring timely and meaningful communication and recognition.
• Lead donor engagement initiatives that deepen relationships and increase long-term affinity and commitment to the Diocese.
• Craft and deliver powerful, high-quality presentations and stories that showcase and successfully relay the impact of giving successes.
• Engage in public speaking in a variety of settings (1:1, small, and large groups) to present impactful and compelling information.
• Travel throughout eastern North Carolina to conduct in-person meetings with prospects.
• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer and Assistant Director of Philanthropy and Engagement to develop innovative donor recognition and stewardship strategies that encourage recurring and increased support.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in Raiser’s Edge (RENXT), tracking all donor activity in Daily.
• Work in conjunction with DataOps team to obtain necessary data to accomplish goals.

Minimum Requirements:

• A proven track record of success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing five and six-figure gifts. ($10,000+)
• Five or more years of professional fundraising experience, with a comprehensive understanding of annual giving best practices and trends.
• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage a diverse portfolio of donors and multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a natural ability to build trust and rapport with a wide range of individuals.
• Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial spirit and leadership mindset.
• A flexible schedule to accommodate evening and weekend meetings and events, as needed. Willingness to travel.
• Professional demeanor reflective of the values and mission of the Diocese of Raleigh.
• Must satisfactorily complete required criminal background and reference checks.
• Must complete Diocese-sponsored Safe Environment Training.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the Catholic Church and Diocese of Raleigh.
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge and RENXT.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

In addition to a competitive salary, the diocese provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, PTO, and a generous 403(b) plan.

About the Diocese:

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh comprises the 54 eastern counties of North Carolina, covering 33,088 square miles with a population of 5,088,389 (based on 2020 census data). The diocese is divided into eight deaneries with a total of 80 parishes, 17 missions, and four centers for campus ministry. The diocese is served by 147 active diocesan and religious order priests. The diocese includes nearly 500,000 Catholics.