Director of Development

Position Overview
The Director of Development serves as the primary strategic architect of a comprehensive development program that will advance the mission and goals of Rochester Catholic Schools' and the Lourdes Foundation. The Director of Development will design and implement a comprehensive, results-oriented development plan that includes annual fundraising, major and planned giving, campaigns, endowment, alumni relations and special events. S/he will take a lead role in establishing a vision for fundraising at RCS and Lourdes Foundation-including goals, strategies, benchmarks, and timetables-in order to identify new donors and deepen relationships with alumni, families, corporate, and foundation leaders. The Director of Development reports directly to the President. The Director will work closely with shared services including marketing, communications, and business operations as well as serve on the RCS's leadership team.

Responsibilities
Development Program
In collaboration with the President and Lourdes Foundation, develops annual and long range goals and objectives for development based on the RCS strategic plan
Oversee the creation of marketing materials to keep donors informed of needs, development programs and activities, and opportunities to give
Prepare the annual development plan for the Board of Trustees and determine resources necessary to execute
Manage and evaluate development team members
Serve as the liaison between Lourdes Foundation Board and RCS
Donor Relationships
Identify, cultivate and solicit current and potential donors
Articulate the mission, vision, and strategic plan to potential donors
This includes initiating appointment requests through phone calls and contact letters, scheduling appointments and making the ask.
Identify, cultivate and secure legacy giving donors through wills, life insurance, trusts and retirement plan designations
Prepare individual communication, cultivation, and solicitation plans for each major gift donor/prospect to include gratitude phone calls, personal notes, invitations to special events, timing and approach of next ask
Oversee database maintenance and timely acknowledgement of gifts or donations through thank you letters and yearly contribution reports
Cultivate recurring giving through direct debit processes
Plan and implement advancement events and promote their goals

Qualifications and Skills
An authentic desire to elevate RCS and LFI and to embrace/advance their mission
Familiarity with the mission and values of the Catholic Church and Catholic education; Bachelor's degree in business, communications, or other applicable field
Experience in fundraising, development, marketing, or related field
Ability to learn and navigate donor tracking software
Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written, and superior interpersonal skills with a natural way of connecting with various constituents and audiences
Experience in donor prospecting, in cultivating and developing relationships with key donors, and in achieving success with major gifts
Ability to manage/oversee special events with an eye towards helping donors to connect at a deeper level with the schools, staff and especially the students
Skilled problem-solver and critical, strategic thinker who will meet challenges with creative and effective solutions
A mature understanding of the critical role that development plays in fulfilling RCS's mission, and a relentless commitment to achieving advancement goals
Political savvy to appreciate and navigate a complex, challenging environment, using discretion, diplomacy, enthusiasm, and hospitality to build bridges and create connections among all partners who would support RCS
Familiarity with IRS regulations as they relate to philanthropic giving and industry accounting and reporting standards

To submit an application:
Email the following items to Annemarie Vega at [email protected]
Letter of interest
Resume reflecting educational and professional background
Names and contact information for three professional references (to be contacted only with the applicant's permission)
Include your last name and "Director of Development" in the subject line of your email