About Fundraising Solutions Podcast Blog Jobs Board Events Login LET'S CONNECT Login

Director of Development

 

Posted: March 2025
Status: Open

 

Organization:

Newman Catholic Student Center- University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (www.iowacatholic.org)

 

Position Description: 

The Director of Development, under the direction of the Director of Operations, is responsible for the development and coordination of fundraising activities, special events and communications to support the needs of the Newman Center. The Director will develop an effective marketing and communications plan to educate and build community support and effective donor outreach. This person conducts fundraising activities and special events which are based upon thorough knowledge of the functions, procedures and standards of the Newman Catholic Student Center. This position reports directly to the Director of Operations and works collaboratively with the Board of Directors and other staff.

 

All staff are considered part of the missionary team of the Newman Catholic Student Center for the purpose of making disciples for the Church and the world. In all our diversity of background and responsibility, we strive to be UNITED IN CHRIST and call upon the Holy Spirit to aide us in becoming: Bold, Loving, and Unstoppable in our mission.

 

Mission Expectations:

  • Be an inviting/welcoming presence to the students and community.
  • Be a supporting/contributing/collaborating member of the ministry team.
  • Contribute to the planning and mission of the Newman Center.
  • Handle sensitive and confidential information in a discreet, professional manner.

 

Essential Functions:

Fundraising Responsibilities:

  • Assist with creation of annual development calendar for all fund development activities including donor and alumni outreach and events.
  • Responsible for the management, oversight, and execution of all special events and communications.
  • Facilitate the movement of major gift prospects by building relationships with current benefactors and potential benefactors to advance the mission and fundraising goals of the organization.
  • Identify, cultivate, and solicit potential/current donors, closing gifts in timely manner.
  • Conduct a minimum of 15-20 visits (in-person, Zoom, phone) monthly with potential benefactors in the form of Discovery, Cultivation, Solicitation or Stewardship meetings.
  • Promote and develop Friends in Faith and Legacy Society as sustainable giving programs.
  • Develop and implement specific campaigns or communications for planned giving, charitable trusts, endowments, and other development projects (i.e., FOCUS funding).
  • Identify donors and accounts needing special attention, coordinates calls or visits with Director of Operations or Priest Director.
  • Contact individuals, businesses, and organizations for networking/collaboration purposes.
  • Maintain weekly communication with Priest Director and Director of Operations regarding development challenges and opportunities.

 

Communications Duties:

  • Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of the Newman Center and its funding priorities; communicate the stories and impact of all ministry program areas to donors.
  • Develop a comprehensive communication plan to promote the organization to its donors and maximize public awareness of the fundraising activities of the organization.
  • Develop, coordinate, and implement the design, printing, and distribution of cost-effective marketing and communication materials for development efforts.
  • Create, edit, and produce print and social media content, videos; annual Honor roll, Outreach newsletters; donor development mailings including life-event recognitions.

 

Administrative Duties:

  • Provide and monitor annual budget numbers for development revenue and expenses.
  • Assist bookkeeper on monthly reconciliation of Quick Books with eTapestry.
  • Conduct research, analyze data, and compile reports on current or prospective donors.
  • Assist the Priest Director and Board of Directors in other duties as requested.

Supervision/Stewardship Duties:

  • Hire/Supervise/Review the part-time (20 hours /week) Development Assistant.
  • Supervise the stewardship process, including recognition of gifts in a timely manner and year-end giving statements.
  • Recruit and oversees volunteers for office tasks and event activities.
  • Oversee management of and updates to e-Tapestry donor database of all donors and funds.
  • Assist Director of Operations with management of and update of VANCO e-giving site.
  • Oversee tracking of contacts, gifts, and other pertinent data entry into donor software

 

Education and Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

  • Practicing Catholic.
  • Bachelor’s degree in fundraising, communications and marketing, event planning, or equivalent experience
  • Self-starter who can organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks concurrently.
  • Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts.
  • Proficiency in computer technology to include Microsoft Office Suite, graphic arts software, and donor management software.

How to Apply: 

Submit a cover letter, resume, and reference list to Kristie Wert, Director of Operations via email [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled.

Close

50% Complete

Two Step

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.