Mission Advancement and Stewardship Director

DIOCESE OF SAN JOSE

MISSION ADVANCEMENT & STEWARDSHIP DIRECTOR

Summary

The Diocese of San Jose seeks a dynamic and mission-driven leader to serve as its Mission Advancement & Stewardship (MAS) Director. The Mission Advancement & Stewardship (MAS) Director provides strategic leadership and direction for a comprehensive fundraising and stewardship program that fosters a culture of generosity and supports the mission of the Diocese, its parishes, schools, and ministries. Core initiatives include the Annual Diocesan Appeal, parish offertory, major gifts, planned giving, grants, and partnerships with The Catholic Foundation.

Working closely with the Bishop, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Finance Officer, the MAS Director establishes fundraising priorities, sets measurable goals, and ensures accurate financial reporting and budgeting. In collaboration with the Office of Communications, the MAS Director oversees the development of clear, compelling, and mission-aligned messaging for diverse audiences.

The MAS Director strengthens and expands existing programs while identifying and developing new revenue streams to maximize the Diocese’s philanthropic potential. This role leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all stewardship and development efforts, including major gifts, planned giving, corporate matching, grants, and long-term advancement strategies.

The MAS Director supervises development staff, serves as liaison to The Catholic Foundation’s funding and grantmaking activities, and manages a portfolio of major donors. In partnership with the Bishop, the MAS Director plays a key role in cultivating and securing leadership-level gifts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Vision, Strategy & Leadership

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive diocesan fundraising and stewardship strategy across annual, major, capital, grant, and planned giving.
• Advise and support the Bishop in establishing philanthropic priorities and advancement strategies.
• Collaborate with parishes and schools to strengthen local fundraising efforts and coordinate diocesan-wide initiatives.

Major Gifts, Donor Relations & Engagement

• Manage a portfolio of major and leadership donors, overseeing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship in collaboration with senior leadership and clergy.
• Build and sustain relationships with key donors, foundations, and Catholic-aligned funding partners.
• Design and implement personalized donor engagement strategies aligned with donor values and mission impact.
• Support the development of school-based major gift strategies aligned with diocesan priorities.
• Assist schools in identifying, cultivating, and stewarding donors, including alumni and parent communities.
• Encourage alignment between parish, school, and diocesan fundraising efforts to present a unified mission.

Campaigns, Appeals & Special Initiatives

• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of the Annual Diocesan Appeal.
• Direct capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives, ensuring strong participation and pledge fulfillment.
• Develop campaign strategies, materials, timelines, and training for parish staff and volunteers.

Planned Giving & Legacy Programs

• Promote legacy giving as an expression of faithful stewardship.
• Educate and guide donors on planned giving vehicles in coordination with legal and financial advisors.
• Identify and cultivate planned giving prospects and manage the diocesan legacy society.

Stewardship & Parish/School Engagement

• Promote a diocesan-wide understanding of stewardship as a way of life rooted in gratitude, discipleship, and shared responsibility for the Church’s mission.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive formation resources tailored to parishes, schools, and ministries at various stages of stewardship maturity:
• Actively partner with pastors, parish leadership teams, the Superintendent, and principals to strengthen local stewardship efforts:

Leadership, Finance & Operations

• Recruit, supervise, and develop advancement staff; foster a high-performing, mission-centered team.
• Support volunteer leadership, including the Bishop’s Development Advisory Board.
• Oversee departmental budgeting, revenue forecasting, and financial analysis.

External Relations & Professional Leadership

• Manage relationships with external vendors and consultants.
• Represent the Diocese in professional associations and remain current on best practices in Catholic fundraising and stewardship.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated success in overseeing successful fundraising programs, including annual fund campaigns
• Proven ability to cultivate and solicit major gifts of $500,000 or more
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills are
• Possesses a sound working knowledge of the Catholic faith and of the Church hierarchy, especially related to stewardship and charitable giving.
• Must maintain up-to-date personal certification for diocesan Safe Environment program in compliance with The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (USCCB) and related diocesan requirements.
• Demonstrated success in overseeing successful fundraising programs, including annual fund campaigns

Language Skills: Strong ability to communicate, orally and in writing. Bilingual skills in Spanish, Vietnamese or any language a plus.

Other Requirements:

• Must be a practicing Catholic and have in-depth knowledge of Church structure, culture, and its
• Ability to articulate and communicate the vision, mission, and philosophy of the Diocese of San Jose
• Proven leadership ability with community, religious, social and professional
• Familiarity with Santa Clara County, and the roles and responsibilities of parishes and dioceses in the US.