OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIY
The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is responsible for representing key diocesan initiatives to both current and prospective donors for the Diocese of Bridgeport (DOB) to raise funds. Develop and maintain relationships with donors to meet DOB goals. Reports to the Chief Development Officer.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Cultivate, manage, solicit and steward a portfolio of 150 diocesan donors.
- Partner with all areas to develop proposals and close commitments with donors, including those within the DOB such as the Office of the Bishop, the Institute for Catholic Formation, the JP II Communications Center, finance, legal, vocations, parishes and schools and independent organizations such as Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, the Seton Collaborative, Foundations in Faith and Foundations in Education.
- Articulate the Bishop’s vision, for example The One, and its impact in drawing individuals closer to God, in order to secure contributions.
- Assist with creation of communications strategies and plans for outreach to all constituencies including Pastors, parish staff, donors and internal diocesan employees regarding all necessary stewardship.
- Attend numerous diocesan events, many of which are in the evening or on weekends.
- Utilize the prospect management system and associated reporting for the Development Office including use of associated fundraising database software.
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
- Three to five years of significant and diversified fundraising experience in development, preferably in a not for profit setting; prior demonstrated success in securing contributions preferred.
- Demonstrated success in personally cultivating and stewarding relationships with major donors.
- Deep knowledge of Catholic faith and teachings.
- It is essential that the individual becourteous, articulate, and reliable, have a strong attention to detail and be able to multi-task in a busy, professional environment.
- Ability to efficiently organize work, work under pressure and to effectively manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent organizational, written/verbal communication and interpersonal and relationship skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as a member of a team.
- Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to interact and collaborate with a variety of people.
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Access) with strong computer skills.
- Working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or equivalent fundraising software/database system preferred.
- Ability to embrace and work collaboratively in a highly challenging and visible work environment, and the ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Active member of a parish/faith community in good standing with the Church preferred.
