Director of Annual Giving, Catholic Foundation of West Michigan
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About the Position
Summary
The Director of Annual Giving supports the Catholic Church’s mission by developing, managing, and stewarding charitable contributions to the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan, the Diocese of Grand Rapids, and its parishes, schools, and ministries.
The primary responsibility of this role is to lead the planning, implementation, and growth of the annual Catholic Services Appeal (CSA), a vital diocesan campaign that funds the Church’s ongoing educational, spiritual, and charitable work throughout the region.
This position requires strategic vision and hands-on execution. The Director will build and sustain strong relationships with pastors and deacons, parish and diocesan staff, donors, and lay leaders, fostering a shared commitment to the mission of the Church and its ministries. The ideal candidate will be both mission-driven and results-oriented, capable of guiding parishes through effective campaign practices while inspiring generosity across the diocese.
This is a full-time, paid position offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, parental leave, flexible spending accounts, defined benefit plan, 403 (b), and paid time off.
Job Duties
• Manage the annual appeal for the Diocese of Grand Rapids that encourages donor retention, upgrades donors, and engages an increasing number of participants to reach annual goals.
• Provide leadership in creating, executing, and evaluating strategies and tactics to broaden the donor base of the Foundation for the benefit of the diocese and Catholic organizations.
• Supervise, train, and develop the gift entry and database administration team for the annual appeal to maintain a reliable process of gift acknowledgment, gratitude, and ongoing stewardship contact with donors.
• In partnership with the Diocese of Grand Rapids’ communication department, develop compelling communications and ongoing strategies to inspire contributions from our donors. Prepare print, video, and online resources to promote the annual appeal.
• Collaborate with parish pastors and parish staff to help them develop or implement effective solicitation and stewardship efforts.
• Identify a pipeline of smaller and mid-level donors to cultivate advanced giving opportunities.
• Assist in other diocesan-led fundraising campaigns such as Giving Tuesday.
• Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
• At least five years of experience in appeal management and/or project management.
• Bachelor’s degree required; post graduate work a plus.
• A proven track record of running successful fundraising appeals and/or events. A proven history of meeting and exceeding goals.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel throughout the eleven-county diocese.
• Ability to work with a fully supportive attitude alongside the Catholic Church, her teachings, and her work.
• Strong working knowledge of fundraising principles.
• Strong written/verbal communication while adhering to confidentiality.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a commitment to teamwork.
• Ability to work independently while meeting and exceeding goals.
• Adept at planning, prioritizing, organizing, and following through on a high volume of work.
• Ability to handle several tasks at a time.
• Ability to use appropriate technology (e.g. Microsoft Office, Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge, etc.)
• Commitment to innovate for continual improvement.
• Courteous, analytical, proactive, and organized.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit via email 1) cover letter, 2) a professional resume, and 3) at least two professional references with contact information to dogrhr@grdiocese.org.
About the Organization
The Catholic Foundation of West Michigan is an independent, 501(c)(3) Catholic community foundation endorsed by the Diocese of Grand Rapids and Bishop David J. Walkowiak. Established in 1995 by Bishop Robert J. Rose, the Catholic Foundation manages charitable funds and distributes grants for a variety of Catholic ministries throughout West Michigan.
The Foundation also works in strategic collaboration with the Diocese of Grand Rapids to lead the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA)—an annual campaign that raises more than $7 million to support diocesan ministries in education, evangelization, charity, vocations, and more.
