Major Gifts Coordinator – Office of Stewardship and Development Full Time

Summary/Objective: 

The Major Gift Coordinator plays a pivotal role in advancing the philanthropic goals of the Diocese of Madison by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors. This position focuses on building meaningful relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to secure significant financial support for diocesan initiatives. The role requires a deep commitment to the Catholic faith and the diocese’s mission, often involving collaboration with the bishop, clergy, and lay leaders.  

Essential Job Functions: 

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations. Identify new donors through research, networking, referrals, and community engagement. Build and nurture relationships by connecting donors’ passions with the diocese’s mission. 
• Develop and execute strategies for soliciting major gifts, including preparing compelling proposals, conducting face-to-face meetings, and closing gifts. 
• Provide ongoing stewardship through personalized recognition, impact reports, and events to maintain long-term donor engagement. 
• Create annual plans for major gifts and planned giving programs, setting ambitious fundraising targets. Track progress using metrics and donor databases to ensure goals are met or exceeded. 
• Act as an ambassador for the diocese by participating in community events, promoting philanthropy, and organizing donor recognition activities. Support broader fundraising initiatives, such as the Annual Catholic Appeal or capital campaigns. 
• Ensure that all major and planned giving donors receive appropriate, consistent recognition and an accounting of the impact their gift has on the Diocese of Madison.  
• Ensure all activities align with Catholic doctrine, ethical fundraising standards, and legal requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and provide regular reports on donor interactions and fundraising outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and consistent records of donor communication, meetings and connections within the donor management software. 

Required Competencies: 

• Should strive to personally know, love, and serve Jesus Christ through active participation in the life of the Catholic Church.  
• Must publicly profess and strive to follow Catholic teachings as proclaimed by the Magisterium of the Church.  
• Should have strong interpersonal skills, collaborating effectively and joyfully with people from diverse backgrounds.  
• Contribute to a positive working environment through words and actions, and maintain a positive and professional demeanor.  
• Demonstrate integrity, a striving for excellence in work.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.  
• Maintains strict confidentiality regarding all sensitive donor, parish and diocesan matters 
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to multitask, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.  
• A reputation for honesty, reliability, and professionalism in all interactions.  
• Ability to effectively work with diocesan staff, parish leaders, and volunteers.  
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment with competing demands.  
• Willingness to adapt to irregular hours, including evenings or weekends, for donor and diocesan meetings and events. 
• Willingness to attend diocesan and parish staff meetings as required. 
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel) 
• Ability to build trust and relationships quickly. 
• Self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented with strong analytical and strategic thinking. 
• Proficiency in donor management software and fundraising metrics.  
• Comfortable with ambiguity, resilient under pressure, and willing to travel frequently. 
• Understanding and appreciation for the mission of the Diocese of Madison.  

Required Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.  
• Minimum of 5 years of fundraising experience specifically focused on major gifts and planned giving.  
• Prior experience working in a parish or chancery environment. 
• Working knowledge of major giving techniques, current trends on philanthropy, and basic estate and financial planning for individuals, including tax implications of charitable giving.  
• Preference given to candidates with an understanding of the Diocese of Madison’s philanthropic community.  

Classification: 

• Full-time, Exempt 

Work Schedule: 

• M-F, 8:00am to 4:30pm; with evening & weekend work as required.  

Reports to:  

• Director of the Office of Stewardship & Development  

This job description is not designed or intended to be a comprehensive or exhaustive list of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of an employee in this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice, at the discretion of the Bishop of Madison.