Position Description:

The Diocese of Lincoln seeks an experienced Catholic development professional to build a culture of stewardship and financial support for diocesan ministries, specifically focused on the mission of education. The Director of Development will work closely with Bishop James Conley and other senior diocesan officials to manage financial support of diocesan fundraising campaigns, including the Good Shepherd Scholarship and other educational fundraising efforts. 

The Director leads the Development Office and is responsible to support and promote the mission of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, overseeing development activities necessary to grow and expand the base of stewardship and financial support for important educational and vocational ministries within the diocese.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works with the Bishop and his staff as the primary advocate for development and fundraising

• Responsible for the management and operation of all programs and services of the Development Office

• Coordinate annual development training event for parishes and schools

• Work directly with the Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska to advise parishes and schools regarding fundraising activities, planned giving and stewardship initiatives

• Implement and manage annual campaigns including Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund, Bishop’s Appeal for Vocations, and other educational and vocational fundraising activities

• Develop strong relationships with current donors, potential donors and develop new opportunities with foundations within and outside of Nebraska

• Maintain database of community members, donors and foundations related to development activities and targeted communications, including letters of solicitation and gratitude for donations and gifts

• Oversee marketing and communications efforts for development campaigns

• Work with communication department to produce materials for specific development campaigns

• Establish and maintain a positive working relationship and ongoing communication with pastors, school administrators, and diocese leadership

• Create, maintain and update a strategy plan for the Development Office with other diocesan leadership

• Prepare and maintain an annual development and endowment budget and calendar

Educational Qualifications

The minimum educational qualifications are for this position are:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• CFRE accreditation, or willingness to pursue

Experience and Skills:

• Experienced leader with at least five years fundraising and development experience
• Experience with fundraising software and Microsoft Office software
• Experience with major gifts, bequest promotion, and campaign appeals
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Past experience promoting Catholic education and/or vocations preferred but not required
• Ability to maintain interpersonal professional relationships which encourage openness, candor and trust, both internally and externally, with the coworkers, clergy and the leadership of the Diocese
  of Lincoln
• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church

Work Environment:

The physical demands decribed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel objects with tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee must be able to operate a motor vehichle. The employee must occansionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

This is a full-time position. The employee must demostrate understanding, respect and support for Catholic Church teachings, mission and values. Evening and weekend work is required as job duties demand. This position requires the ability to direct daytime and evening meetings, and periodically direct weekend activities, at parishes throughout the Diocese of Lincoln. Travel by car throughout the
geographic area of the Diocese of Lincoln is periodically required. The environment is a traditional office setting with individual workspaces. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to moderate noise levels in the work environment.

 How to Apply: 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Marsha Bartek, Human Resources Manager, at [email protected].