Major Gifts Manager

Description

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Director Annual Appeals, the Major Gifts Manager will identify, cultivate, solicit, and manage a portfolio of 100+ accounts from individuals, parishes, corporations, and foundations. The Major Gifts Manager will maintain a personal portfolio of donors and prospects who have the capacity to make annual gifts of $10,000 or more. This position will cultivate and solicit gifts for the Bishop’s Annual Catholic Services Appeal, the Seminarian Appeal, Foundation Endowments and other funds related to diocesan ministries and initiatives. The Major Gifts Manager will work collaboratively with appropriate diocesan entities to support the philanthropic needs of the Catholic community. 

Ministerial Character

The Bishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church (the diocese) entrusted to him. In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ’s mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them. 

Each position employed in the Diocese of Austin helps to extend the ministry of the Bishop in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Bishop in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church. 

Essential Job Duties:

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Manage a portfolio of current major donors and primary major gift prospects. 
• Research and qualify potential major gift prospects. 
• Participate in all aspects of the moves management cycle.
• Initiate contacts with potential major gift donors. 
• Develop appropriate cultivation strategies for donors. 
• Move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation.      
• Keep the Associate Director Annual Appeals and the Director of Development appraised of all activity leading to solicitation opportunities. 
• Make solicitations when appropriate. 
• Focus on retention and upgrading of donors.
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Director Annual Appeals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of the principles of Catholic Stewardship.
• Knowledge of Catholic Community.
• Proficiency in establishing trust with potential donors.
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of major gifts donors to develop relationships between them and the diocese.
• Successful experience in making cold calls as well as developing cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and a demonstrated record of completing assignments.
• A knowledge of how best to utilize, maximize, and analyze prospect research.
• Be well-versed in fundraising analytics and systems management. 
• Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively with staff, clergy, religious and laity.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and utilize effective time management techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.

Experience:

• Successful experience in major gift fundraising, sales, or a similar job. 
• Years of experience may be substituted for the educational requirement at a ratio of two (2) years of full time wage earning experience equals one (1) year of education, with a substitution of eight (8) years' experience equals a bachelor's degree.
• Excellent computer skills required (Excel, MS Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Adobe Acrobat).

Language Requirement:

• English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).

Catholic Requirement:

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

 Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Diocese of Austin are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Bishop in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 
• The Diocese of Austin is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Diocese of Austin are tobacco-free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations. 
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes, and conduct standards.
• May be required to use personal or diocesan vehicles to drive to parishes or other off-site locations.
• Traveling within and outside the diocese to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.