Major Gift Officer
Location: St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish
Classi cation: Full-Time, Salary Exempt
Salary range: $70,000-$90,000
Reports To: Pastor
About the Position
St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish is seeking a mission-driven Major Gift Officer to personally engage with donors to support the vibrant Catholic Center serving parishioners, university students, alumni, and benefactors. This role plays a critical part in communicating the joyful mission of the parish and University Ministry, strengthening relationships, and securing financial resources to sustain programs, staff, and facilities. The Major Gift Officer collaborates closely with the Pastor and parish leadership regarding the long-term development and marketing strategy of the Catholic Center.
Primary Duties
Cultivate strong relationships with benefactors, parents, alumni, and parishioners.
Solicit donations across all giving levels, with a particular care for donors who exceed $5,000 in annual giving.
Support Parish and University Ministry in achieving annual fund goals.
Collaborate with other staff members regarding other marketing, communications and events.
Specific Responsibilities
Donor Relations & Stewardship
Clearly communicate the mission, reach, and financial needs of the University Parish.
Conduct a minimum of 15 face-to-face donor visits each month. Including discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship meetings.
Manage donor relationships through the moves management process.
Impact on revenue: First year at least $100,000 in new revenue.
Steward benefactors through emails, calls, handwritten notes, invitations, and other touches.
Make thank-you calls and send personalized appreciation notes.
Complete call reports documenting all donor interactions within our existing systems.
Data & Gift Management
Collaborate with the Advancement Team on donor research and database upkeep.
Maintain accurate donor records, call lists, and demographic data using database software.
Coordinate with the Business Manager on deposits and gift processing.
Collaborate in the processing of physical and online donations with accuracy and confidentiality.
Collaborate in donor acknowledgment processes, including year-end statements.
Monitor pledges and electronic giving; follow up with lapsed donors.
Assist parishioners and benefactors with all donations or online giving questions.
Financial & Strategic Responsibilities
Meet regularly with the Pastor to review development goals and donor strategies.
Provide progress updates to the Pastor, Operations Manager, and Finance Council.
Collaborate in analyzing monthly and annual giving trends.
Grow and steward the Planned Giving Program.
Oversee the Senior Class Gift program, including events, solicitations, and follow-up.
Marketing & Communications
Collaborate with content and proofread all newsletters, bulletins, mailings, and mass emails.
Collaboration with tracking and compiling statistics for marketing materials and annual reports.
Qualifications
Experience in fundraising, development, nonprofit advancement, or related fields.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Ability to meet deadlines and maintain confidentiality.
Commitment to the Catholic faith and the mission of St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish.
Be a fully initiated Catholic in the communion of the Catholic Church and intentionally living out the five precepts of the Church (CCC 2041-2043).
Experience with donor databases is preferred, specifically Bloomerang and ParishSoft.
Willingness to propose gift solicitations and receive rejections on a routine basis.
Communicate clearly and effectively in written, verbal, and presentation formats, ensuring accurate documentation and timely project updates.
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage options
Virtual care with MyCatholicDoctor.com
Alternative Care coverage options for Chiropractic/Acupuncture/Spiritual Care/Massage Therapy/Naturopathy.
Natural Family Planning up to $500 per year for education, supplies, and materials.
Generous Paid Time off: 22 days starting (accrued) + 18 paid holidays (including the full week between Christmas and New Year's.
Maternity Management Program Guidance and educational materials
Retirement Plan: Annual Employer Contribution of 6% of salary to retirement plan plus employee deferrals.
Employer-Paid Life Insurance, and Short & Long-term disability
Anticipation of hire date: May 1, 2026
Application Deadline April 17, 2026
