Major Gifts Officer

Job Summary

St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School is seeking a Major Gifts Officer that fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by developing relationships with potential donors interested in supporting Holy Family Catholic School and St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School. The Major Gifts Officer will also support the planning and evaluation of fundraising campaigns and activities for both schools. The Major Gifts Officer has decision making responsibilities within essential job functions, in keeping with school policies. The position is hired and evaluated by the President. The position collaborates with both school Principals and with other development staff. 

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ’s mission present and enduring in the schools. In order to fulfill Christ’s mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ’s mission and entrusting to them various responsibilities.

Positions employed in this School help extend the ministry of the School leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description. The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists School leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church. 

Essential Job Functions

• Support and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Support and adhere to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Maintain confidentiality regarding school matters
• Collaborate with the President to cultivate and solicit donors in keeping with school needs, the Strategic Plan, and budget objectives
• Adhere to stewardship best practices
• Serve as the primary research officer for advancement, identifying prospective donors and their interests
• Help draft or review solicitation, cultivation, or collateral materials, including newsletters and annual reports
• Monitor progress of fundraising; implement strategies and adjustments as needed
• Support the planning for donor acknowledgement events and updating of donor recognition plaques as needed
• Support the management of advancement website pages to identify fundraising goals and progress, events, sponsorships, and highlights
• Work with Advancement Services Coordinator to ensure accuracy in database entries, and facilitate the corporate matching gift program
• Create process for grant applications by identifying opportunities and interested parties, and submitting grant applications
• Demonstrate gains in advancement goals and objectives that are in keeping with the schools’ strategic plan and budget objectives, and a willingness to respond to program needs
• Support the Events Coordinator in auction planning by helping to identify sponsors, volunteers, friends and donors that can support auction activities  
• Collaborate effectively with the principals, school personnel, parent associations, committee chairs and volunteers
• Ensure effective work practices in financial accounting and reconciliation, database management, gift recording, donor acknowledgement and stewardship
• Ensure that practices are in compliance with school, Diocesan, city, county and state regulations
• Communicate effectively with the faculty and staff and keep them informed of upcoming development activities and grant opportunities
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits

Minimal Qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree 

Experience:

• Fundraising experience preferred

Certifications and Training:

• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 30 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.
• Must meet staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese and school administration

Important Job Functions

• Collaborate with others to enhance the work environment
• Conference with others upon request and respond to messages in a timely manner
• Attend and participate as needed in faculty meetings as well as professional and community organizations

Employee Certification

All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin. Texas is an “at-will” employment state. Letters of employment are not contracts, nor do they bind the employer or the employee to a predetermined time or guarantee of employment.