Chief Development Officer

Organization Description: Catholic Charities Fort Wayne-South Bend (“CCFWSB”) is dedicated to serving all those in need as Christ calls us to do. Rooted in the love of Christ, we provide hope and transform the lives of the most vulnerable in our society through social services ranging from food security and financial assistance to refugee resettlement and mental health services.   

Catholic Charities seeks a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead the organization’s Development and Marketing department to increase revenue growth and fuel its mission to transform the lives of the most vulnerable in our community. 

Position Summary: The CDO is responsible for leading all development and marketing activities within CCFWSB to raise funds for organizational operations and its programs. The position develops, implements, and monitors a comprehensive fundraising plan to expand philanthropic support of the organization – including identifying and strengthening relationships with community stakeholders, actively pursuing, and managing corporate and individual leads, fostering strong donor and sponsor stewardship, and seeking, applying for, and managing grant funding. Additionally, this position plans and manages CCFWSB fundraising events. 

The CDO plays a key role in building on previous successes to systematize development strategies including a major-donor club, a planned giving society, and an increased cadence of phone and in-person donor cultivation.

 Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Oversee the implementation of the Annual Development Plan, corresponding Marketing strategies, activities and events in support of implementing the Agency’s Building Roads to Hope Strategic Plan.
• Directly supervise the Mission Advancement Associate in Development Services, and the Director of Marketing, while building strong rapport with the Leadership Team and all Team Members
• Effectively partner with the Board Development Committee to achieve key goals and objectives
• Design and implement Key Performance Metrics for the department
• Support the CEO, board of directors, program leaders, and other Catholic Charities stakeholders who have key roles in development. Travel throughout the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese for meetings with donors, major prospects, and relevant events and gatherings. Solicit and cultivate a caseload of 50-100 individual donors
• Facilitate collaboration and a healthy, organization-wide culture of philanthropy amongst all colleagues at Catholic Charities.
  • Oversee Major Gift campaign and Caritas Giving Society
  • Act as primary point of contact for funding, donations, and fundraising event inquiries. Deliver presentations on programs to various community, corporate and church groups as needed.
  • Oversee the Virtuous Donor CRM to record, organize, and maintain a complete and accurate database record of donors and funding received, including a monthly reconciliation with Finance. Creates funding targets for board of directors. 
  • Oversee branding, image, and consistency of messaging in all organization materials. Including ensuring that CCFWSB messaging is updated and accurate in all marketing and outreach materials.
  • Coordinate media events and speak on behalf of the organization with media outlets as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. CFRM or advanced degree preferred.
• Five to eight years of relevant fundraising and nonprofit experience is preferred as well as at least 4 years of management experience
• Experience soliciting major gifts, managing multiple projects, and meeting deadlines.
• Superior personal, verbal, written communication, and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with development management and donor communications strategies throughout the donor pyramid.
• Ability to build strong personal relationships with Catholic Charities staff and prospective and current donors.
• Ability to work both independently, and as a strong team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside Catholic Charities
• High energy and passion for the mission of Catholic Charities is essential
• Must be able to work flexible hours and travel as needed (e.g., at times before 8:00am and after 5:00pm)

Conditions of Employment:

• Valid Driver’s License with clean driving record
• Reliable vehicle with personal vehicle liability insurance 
• Proficient in Internet, word processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail applications (prefer Microsoft Office)

Physical Requirements:

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that we identify the general aptitudes and physical requirement needs to perform the job listed above. Individuals who have the position must be able to perform all essential job functions unaided or with reasonable accommodation.