Gesu
University Hts., Ohio
Gesu Parish Director of Development and Communications Job Description Summary: The person in this position will create an atmosphere that promotes meaningful involvement on the part of parishioners and school parents in Gesu’s mission and vision for the future through fundraising. She/he will nurture relationships with Gesu’s current network of funding sources and implement development strategies to expand on that network in order to ensure the long-term viability of the parish and school. This position includes the planning and implementation of campaigns for the annual Gesu Sunday Offering, School’s Annual Giving Program, Scholarship Funds, Endowment Funds, the Fund for Gesu, and Planned Giving in addition to oversight of all Parish publications and social media.
Job Responsibilities: • Plan, implement and execute annual comprehensive fundraising program for the Parish. The plan’s primary programs include the following: Gesu Sunday Offering, School Annual Giving, Gesu School Raffle, #wegiveCatholic, Mardi Gras/special event and planned giving. • Responsible for the parish and school fundraising calendar to ensure the solicitations are coordinated respectfully. Ex. Boosters, PTO, Women’s Guild and Outreach shares their 2 fundraising programs with the Director to make sure they are “approved” and put on the Gesu Master Fundraising Calendar. • Plan, implement, and/or oversee all aspects of the Gesu Sunday Offering program, coordinating the GSO mailing, bulletin announcements, marketing materials, weekend details and follow up. GSO is the parish’s largest fundraising program. • Plan, implement, and/or oversee the Gesu Catholic School’s Annual Giving program, preparing annual letter and pledge form, creating any marketing materials and speaking to school families on the importance of AG program. The AG program helps offset the difference in tuition and the actual cost of educating a child. • Project coordinator for all other fundraising programs including #wegiveCatholic, Gesu School Raffle, planned giving, Angel Scholarship and special projects. • Prepare (and ensure) meaningful donor correspondence, annual tax statements and updates in PDS. • Grow Major Gifts Program - Identify, engage, cultivate and solicit prospective donors including parishioners, alumni, school families and friends of Gesu. • Schedule donor appointments, gatherings, dinners, etc. as needed. • Oversee and plan events and mailings for Madonna della Strada Society, Florida Gathering and various alumni events. • Write and research grant proposals (occasionally). • Manage and maintain a development budget. • Monitor results, analyze data and report findings and suggestions to the Pastor. • Represents Development and Communication for Finance Council, Endowment Committee and Administration Commission. Provide reports as needed. • Supervise the Development Assistant and Graphic Designer/Communications Coordinator. Provide support for Volunteers as needed. • Oversee the following Communication Program and publications: a. Gesu News & Views newsletter (printed 3 times a year for parishioners, alumni and friends of Gesu). b. Gesu Parish directory (publication is produced annually and includes updated information for all the Gesu programs and committees). c. Review and update the Gesu Brand Book as needed. d. Serve as staff resource for the Communications Committee. e. Supervises the Graphic Designer & Communications Coordinator (this position’s primary responsibilities include the weekly bulletin, the Thursday e-news, the website, fliers and posters as needed, social media content, etc.) Special Note: Gesu Parish and School are currently in the quiet phase of a capital and endowment campaign titled The Gesu Century. The Development Director will play a vital role in this important fundraising campaign.
Qualifications: • Active member of a Roman Catholic faith community or willingness to function in a manner consistent with the mission of the Catholic Church. Should possess a working knowledge of the Catholic faith. • Strong knowledge, understanding and experience in the field of Development/Advancement/Business specifically with annual giving, major gifts and planned giving. Comfortable with gift solicitation and working with confidential information. • Willing to be an integral part of visioning and strategic planning for the parish and school. • Excellent planning and fundraising abilities with proficient written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to build and maintain relationships with parishioners, donors and volunteers. • Working knowledge of databases for entering data and running reports. • Must be detail-oriented and organized and have the ability to multi-task. • Bachelor's degree in a related field is required This is a fulltime position with an annual salary range of $70,000-$75,000. Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to humanresources@churchofthegesu.org.