POSITION IS REMOTE WITH PRIORITY GIVEN TO CANDIDATES IN SAN DIEGO, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, AND BAY AREA. Must a US Citizen located in the US for this position.
ABOUT THE BENEDICT XVI INSTITUTE
Founded by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, the Benedict XVI Institute for Sacred Music and Divine Worship exists to promote beautiful and reverent liturgy that brings souls to Christ through sacred worship. Our mission is rooted in the conviction that what is classically Catholic still works-and that sacred beauty can renew the Church and evangelize the culture.
Our flagship project, the Mass of the Americas, has been celebrated in over 10 Cathedrals across North America, debuted at #1 on Billboard's classical charts, and has become a symbol of the Catholic Renaissance in sacred music.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Benedict XVI Institute seeks an experienced and mission-driven Director of Development to lead our fundraising efforts and steward relationships that sustain our mission. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the Executive Director and Archbishop Cordileone, the Director of Development will oversee all aspects of fundraising, personally securing at least $1 million annually while overseeing and directing the full raise of a $3 million budget.
This is a key leadership role for a professional who thrives on cultivating donor relationships, executing development systems, and building a strong annual and major gifts program. The successful candidate will combine big-picture strategy with hands-on execution: leading appeals, managing the donor database (Bloomerang), and ensuring the team's time and resources are focused on the Institute's highest development priorities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising Leadership & Donor Relations (50%)
• Develop and execute an integrated fundraising plan aligned with the Institute's mission and growth goals.
• Personally manage a portfolio of 50-75 major donors and prospects, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts of $10,000+.
• Lead the annual fund, monthly giving, and recurring donor programs to grow broad-based support.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit new donor prospects through research, networking, and events.
• Partner with the Executive Director in donor meetings, strategy, and stewardship.
Campaigns, Appeals, & Stewardship (25%)
• Design and oversee all annual giving campaigns, including mailings, digital appeals, and special initiatives.
• Ensure timely and personalized donor stewardship, including acknowledgments, impact updates, and recognition.
• Collaborate with program and communications staff to share compelling stories of mission impact.
Database & Systems Management (15%)
• Oversee the Institute's donor database (Bloomerang), ensuring accurate records, gift entry, reporting, and segmentation.
• Develop and maintain systems for prospect management, moves management, and donor pipeline growth.
• Generate regular fundraising reports to inform leadership and board development committees.
Team Coordination & Support (10%)
• Help manage development resources, including scheduling donor meetings and coordinating follow-ups for the Executive Director.
• Provide leadership and direction to development staff, interns, and volunteers as appropriate.
• Support board members, campaign leaders, and volunteers in their fundraising roles.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Due to the high demand of this position, we are only following up with applicants who meet ALL required qualifications. We will not be interviewing candidates with transferable skills or those who do not meet these qualifications.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, including outreach to prospective donors and direct major gift solicitation.
• Demonstrated success in securing 5-6 figure gifts and personally managing a portfolio of donors.
• Working knowledge of nonprofit fundraising best practices across annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and campaigns.
• Strong organizational skills with experience in CRM/database management (Bloomerang preferred).
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to represent the Institute's Catholic mission with authenticity and conviction.
• Strategic thinker who can also manage details and execution.
• Practicing Catholic in good standing.
• Faith-based or arts organization experience strongly preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
• Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience ($90,000 to $120,000 range anticipated).
• Flexible remote or Carlsbad, CA based office arrangement.
• Health benefits are paid as a stipend. Other benefits will be discussed.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
San Diego, CA 92008
