SGO Development Director

SGO Development Director

Location: Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend (Mishawaka OR Fort Wayne) 
Reports to: Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Overview

The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Catholic Schools Office seeks an organized, strategic, and relationship-oriented professional to serve as SGO Development Director. This position supports the mission of Catholic education by strengthening the diocese’s use of Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) programs to increase access to and affordability of Catholic education.

The SGO Development Director is responsible for leading SGO-related strategy, development, administration, and school support within the Catholic Schools Office. The director will work closely with pastors, principals, school advancement personnel, donors, diocesan departments, and the Scholarship Granting Organization of Northeast Indiana (SGONEI) Board of Directors.

This position requires a self-starter who can work independently, build strong relationships, manage detailed administrative processes, and advance strategic initiatives from concept through implementation. The director will also help the diocese understand and respond to developments in the state and federal landscape related to scholarships, financial aid, and Catholic school affordability.

Responsibilities

SGO Strategy and Administration

• Lead SGO-related strategy and administration for the Catholic Schools Office.

• Analyze individual schools’ SGO balances, scholarship needs, enrollment data, and other relevant information to identify opportunities and inform strategy.

• Become proficient in SGO software and systems and provide guidance to schools and other stakeholders on their effective use.

• Manage administrative responsibilities related to SGO donations, records, reporting, and annual audit requirements.

• Develop clear and effective processes for SGO administration in collaboration with the Catholic Schools Office, Finance, and other diocesan departments.

• Develop short- and long-term strategies to strengthen the use and impact of SGO programs throughout diocesan schools.

Development and Donor Engagement

• Collaborate with the diocesan Communications team on marketing, donor communications, and the SGO donor experience. Develop and implement strategies to increase awareness of SGO giving opportunities among individuals, families, businesses, and other prospective donors.

• Identify opportunities to increase participation in SGO giving and connect donor generosity with the financial needs of Catholic school families.

School and Parish Support

• Serve as a primary Catholic Schools Office resource for pastors, principals, advancement personnel, and parish school SGO committees.

• Develop and conduct professional development for school and parish teams on SGO strategy, management, and donor engagement.

• Work with individual schools to assess SGO performance and develop strategies appropriate to their enrollment, financial needs, and communities.

• Translate complex SGO requirements and opportunities into clear, practical guidance for school and parish leaders.

State and Federal SGO Strategy

• Maintain familiarity with the state and national landscape of Catholic and private-school financial aid, access, and affordability.

• Develop expertise regarding new federal scholarship tax-credit opportunities and applicable requirements.

• In collaboration with Catholic Schools Office and diocesan leadership, develop a strategic plan for evaluating and implementing new federal SGO opportunities.

• Assist in developing the governance, accounting, operational, and communication processes necessary for effective implementation and compliance.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Participate in SGONEI Board meetings and provide relevant data, updates, recommendations, and strategic guidance.

• Serve as a member of the Teacher Salary & Tuition Committee (TSTC).

• Collaborate with the Catholic Schools Office, Finance, Communications, pastors, principals, and other diocesan leaders to advance Catholic school access and affordability.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in business administration, development, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of three years of successful professional experience in development, business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.

• Prior experience with a Scholarship Granting Organization or similar scholarship or financial-aid program preferred but not required.

• Experience cultivating and managing relationships with entry- to mid-level donors preferred.

• Familiarity with the state or national landscape of Catholic or private-school financial aid, access, and affordability preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptionally organized, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, deadlines, and detailed records.

• Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with donors, pastors, school leaders, board members, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to conduct personal outreach and lead presentations and professional development.

• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently.

• Proactive approach to advancing projects from inception through successful completion.

• Ability to translate complex concepts, regulations, and requirements into clear processes and practical guidance.

• Ability to think and plan strategically for both short- and long-term goals.

• Proven record of achieving stated metrics and goals.

• Strong analytical skills and comfort working with financial, donor, enrollment, and school data.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality with donor, student, and financial information.

Measures of Success

Success in this position will include:

• Development and implementation of a strategic plan for strengthening SGO participation and effectiveness across diocesan schools.

• Successful evaluation and implementation of applicable federal SGO opportunities in collaboration with diocesan leadership.

• Accurate and efficient administration of SGO-related donations, records, reporting, and audit requirements.

• Increased awareness of and participation in SGO giving opportunities.

• Strong donor relationships and an effective, user-friendly donor experience.

• Regular professional development, resources, and individualized support for parish and school teams.

• Effective use of school financial-need, enrollment, and SGO data to inform recommendations and decision-making.

• Clear, timely reporting and strategic guidance to the Catholic Schools Office, SGONEI Board, and other diocesan leadership.