Director Major and Planned Gifts

Position OverviewTitle: Director, Major and Planned GiftsStatus: Full-time, ExemptReports to: Executive Director, Stewardship and DevelopmentSupervises:Catholic Philanthropic Advisor (5 Full Time)Potential future staff: United Catholic Appeal Advisor (Full Time)Primary FunctionsAs a practicing Roman Catholic, align donor philanthropic priorities with archdiocesan funding priorities—primarily the United Catholic Appeal, the Archdiocese’s annual appeal—to strengthen and grow the major and planned giving programs through strategic donor identification, effective solicitation, and relationship‑building rooted in gratitude and joy.Major Responsibilities and Regular ActivitiesServes as a member of the Stewardship and Development Leadership Team Aligns donor strategy with archdiocesan priorities and foundation opportunitiesSupervises and mentors direct reports, fostering professional development and accountability within major and planned giving functions.Leads solicitation efforts for major and planned gifts, including preparation and execution of personalized asks.Cultivates relationships with current and potential donors as part of the overall planned giving strategy. Monitors and reports on major and planned gift pipelines, revenue projections, and fundraising performance. Integrates major and planned gift strategies into the United Catholic Appeal, the dioceses’ annual appeal, to maximize donor engagement, upgrade opportunities, and facilitate long-term philanthropic impact.Analyzes United Catholic Appeal performance data related to major-donor participation, retention, and upgrades to inform future strategy and goal settingManages a portfolio of major and planned gift prospects and donors (typically 30-50) developing individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategiesIntegrates the use of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge for tracking all donor-related documentation.Ensures all major and planned gifts comply with gift acceptance policies, ethical standards, and Archdiocesan requirements.Identifies and advises of potential financial, reputational, or operational risks related to complex gifts.Supports the development and execution of solicitation strategies for annual appeal segments, including personalized outreach and follow-up.Coordinates with the Director of Development Operations for appropriate stewardship and acknowledgment of donors in coordination with overall donor stewardship efforts.Collaborates with Director of Development Marketing to develop targeted audiences, solicitation strategies, and donor segmentation for annual donors and new prospects.Ensures fundraising staff are focused on fundraising efforts with limited non-revenue generated activitiesContributes to staff performance evaluation and goal-setting processes.Elevates the Legacy Gala by aligning it with donor cultivation, stewardship and broader fundraising strategyEnsures team engagement focusing on the giving cycle and solicitationsPerforms additional duties as requestedQualificationsSKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND/OR ABILITIESStrong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging donors and community leadersSolid foundation in fundraising practicesStrong organizational and project management skills with ability to meet deadlines.Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge softwareStrategic thinker with long-term vision and planning capabilities.Strong collaborator and team player, especially in leadership settings.Results-oriented Detail-oriented with ability to create engaging donor proposals that highlight the priorities of the organizationEthically compliant in all financial and fundraising activities.Comfortable with public speaking and representing the organization externally.Creative and insightful in promoting stewardship as a biblical teaching.Flexible and adaptable to take on special projects as needed.Ability to manage multiple employees in an effective mannerAbility to manage relationships in an effective, professional mannerSelf-motivated. Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities simultaneouslyUnderstands and adheres to the professional standards of conduct set forth by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis as well as any as outlined by professional degree/license, as applies.Willingness to foster the Church’s mission  EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCEPracticing Roman Catholic with deep faith understanding. Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (nonprofit, business, marketing, etc.)Advanced degree and/or CFRE designation preferred3-5 years of relevant experience in fundraising or Church-related rolesProven record of soliciting and closing major, planned, and transformational gifts.Experience managing professional staff and donor cultivation.Leadership, relationship-building, and communication skills.Understanding of the philanthropic landscape in Archdiocese of Indianapolis (preferred)Must be able to understand and to comply with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Code of ConductMust be able to successfully complete the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Child Safety TrainingBackground screening requiredValid driver’s license required WORKING ENVIRONMENTEvening and weekend work requiredTravel to various locations throughout the archdioceseHandling of confidential informationRequires extended time working on a computer/ utilizing computer screensRequires extensive use of keyboards and other administrative equipmentMust be able to communicate extensively and effectively with staff and vendors via telephone/TDD, one-on-one conversations, face-to-face, public presentations, and written correspondenceMust be able to navigate through the officeMust be able to function within a moderate noise level office environment The physical demands and work environment characteristics described above are representative of the physical capabilities and the working conditions involved in performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made if needed to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.