SETON COLLABORATIVE

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Development Associate

Reports to: Executive Director or his/her designee

Location: Catholic Center, Bridgeport, CT

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position: Full-Time

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

The Development Associate is responsible to work with assigned schools, parishes and/or other Diocesan entities by building a strong and robust program of giving to the entity(ies). In this regard, the individual must have a strong belief in and commitment to the Catholic Church and schools and their mission. This position requires building a portfolio of prospects with top giving capacities for the purpose of identifying, qualifying new prospects, cultivating, soliciting and closing gifts. This position requires the individual to develop programs as part of a multifaceted annual program to engage alumni, parents and friends of the entity in providing financial support. The Development Associate is responsible for fund raising programs and will collaborate with Church entities to support fundraising efforts that helps the entity fulfill its mission today and for years to come.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This hands-on position is responsible for creation, implementation and maintenance of fundraising, alumnae relations, community outreach and grant writing programs for assigned entity(ies).

· Work with the Pastor, Principal, staff and Board of Directors to design and implement a fundraising program to achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals.

· Develop an annual giving program that encompasses targeting prospects with leadership potential and other supporters to materially increase dollars raised and participation in giving.

· Identify, research, cultivate and solicit new annual and major gifts from individuals, businesses and private foundations.

· Develop and/or expand major gifts program and develop and maintain relationships with existing major donors and institutional funders.

· Create a menu of offerings including but not limited to multi-year tiered pledge levels, student tuition support levels, class support targets, monthly on-line giving, specific infrastructure improvement support and legacy/estate planning, to achieve Advancement goals.

· Develop and execute a program of activities, including recognition events for donors and volunteers, throughout the year in support of achieving the Advancement goals.

· Measures results in total and by activity, calendar and collaborating with Marketing and Communications, as appropriate, in defining the support to achieve Advancement goals.

· Provide regular reports to the Pastor, Principal and/or Board of Directors on the status of the fundraising pipeline.

· Establish and maintain a robust portfolio of prospects; leverage face-to-face meetings, phone calls, emails, social media etc., to build relationships and increase support from prospects.

· Write and prepare grant proposals as needed.

· Work with Marketing and Communications staff on creating targeted communications, annual appeal and outreach collateral material.

· Maintain open and frequent communication with the school Business Manager ensuring all giving is properly recorded in the financial records and the Annual Program reporting results are agreed to by the Business Manager and issued on schedule.

· Lead all efforts on planned giving to ensure consistent communication about gift planning and to leverage non-traditional gifts as a means to meet fundraising goals.

· Create, maintain and enhance the relationship between the alumni and the School, if applicable.

· Represent Diocesan entities at community networking events and meetings.

· Collaborate with the entity to identify, recruit and coordinate volunteers (alumni, HSA etc.,) to support Advancement activities in achieving Advancement goals and strengthen ties with the entity (e.g., Homecoming Weekend/Reunion and other Alumni outreach events.) In partnership with volunteers, develop programs designed to maximize attendance at all events.

· Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to implement a communications strategy through peer-to-peer outreach, direct mail, email, social media platforms and face-to face visits.

· Responsible to ensuring daily processing of gifts, maintaining donor information accuracy, restricted donation and cleaning operations, and ensuring donor donation recognition letters are issued timely.

· Responsible for alumni/donor database; keeping it secure and clean by developing policies, procedures and controls.

· Stay current on best practices in Advancement/Development and fund raising.

· Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

· 3-5 years prior advancement experience, preferably in a not-for-profit and / or educational setting

· Bachelor's degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred

· Familiarity with the philanthropic community in Fairfield and New Haven Counties is a very strong plus

· Self-starter with excellent, sales, social media, data collection and analytical skills

· Outstanding interpersonal, communication and writing skills

· Strong project management skills

· Highly organized with an ability to manage multiple projects at the same time

· Advanced skills in MS Office with a strong proficiency in Excel and understanding of development databases, with experience using social media as a marketing/communications tool

· The ability to:

o Motivate donors to support the School financially by speaking comfortably in front of groups with an engaging and open communication style

o Work independently while being a strong team player

o Work with staff and volunteers in a collaborative manner

o Learn and utilize effectively required system software supporting Advancement

o Effectively represent the Church entity in a manner that positively reflects its spiritual and social values

o Organize, host or attend weekend and evening events as required (travel may be required)

· A practicing Roman Catholic, in good standing with a Church is preferred

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $1.00 - $2.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• What is your required pay rate for this position?
• Please provide your involvement in the Catholic Church and share why you would like to work for the Church.
• Please share what sets you apart from other candidates who apply for this position.

Experience:

• Development: 3 years (Required)
• project management: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person