Director of Philanthropy

Description: The St. John Paul II Foundation is a national Catholic apostolate proclaiming the Good News about life and family through education and formation. We accomplish our mission through hallmark initiatives – Together in Holiness, Converging Roads, Clergy Initiatives. The Director of Philanthropy will be responsible for development and fundraising efforts with particular focus on cities outside of Houston where the Foundation mission is present.

Foundation’s Philosophy of Philanthropy: We believe that prospective and current donors are persons who deserve to be treated as persons. We emphasize the importance of cultivation, an apostolate of friendship, and “becoming an expert in the humanity” of the donor. Donors and prospective donors deserve to encounter a development director committed to extending the right invitation at the right time to the right donor. Cultivation and extending invitations to prospective donors requires boldness, patience, and persistence. It is essential that development activities encourage, rather than discourage, care for the soul, growth in faith, and deepening of family and professional life of the donor. In addition, the Director agrees to teach, advocate, encourage, counsel, and witness in keeping with the beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith and teachings.

Major Duties:

• Communicate with, meet with, and invite financial support from individuals, foundations and corporations across the country
• Cultivate, invite, close, and steward new members for the Foundation's “Founders’ Circle” major gift community of support
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with major donors in cities where the Foundation works outside of Houston
• Create and execute a strategy for a large sustained base of annual individual donors outside of Houston
• Research and identify qualified donors from current constituents and prospects
• Direct the research, creation, and submission of applications for grant funding and requests throughout the year outside of Houston
• Oversee and collaboratively grow the Foundation’s “Legacy Circle” community of support
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to prospective donors, donors, and Foundation staff
• Collaboratively oversee Foundation donor database
• Use effective and appropriate supervision and management skills to maximize employee and volunteer morale and effectiveness
• Contribute to the professional environment and Catholic culture of the St. John Paul II Foundation
• Participate in staff meetings and other projects connected with the Foundation and perform other duties as assigned by the President

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in fundraising and/or transferable experience and skills in business development, sales, or financial advising.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite
• Strong organizational and project management skills, as well as excellent attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

Strong Candidates will:

• Manifest a passion for the Church’s teaching on the Gospel of the Family and the Gospel of Life.
• Demonstrate an ability to manage several high-level projects simultaneously and with great attention to detail.
• Exhibit an ability to independently move projects forward, prioritize tasks, and meet various deadlines across multiple projects.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in working with Church officials, staff, partners, and benefactors.
• Possess knowledge of how to implement and execute a successful fundraising strategy.

This position is located in the Greater Houston area. The ideal candidate will be in the area or willing to relocate. Compensation is commensurate with education and experience.