Director of Philanthropy

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Business Development and Philanthropy, the Director of Philanthropy will provide leadership in building and executing NCEA’s efforts to secure financial support to sustain and advance its mission in the community. The Director is responsible for giving campaigns, fundraising events, donor relationships, grant research and execution, as well as grant writing to support NCEA’s mission-driven initiatives. Additionally, the Director will support communications related to develop-ment efforts. The Development Director will implement policies and strategic plans to meet the organization’s short- and long-term financial objectives.

Qualifications:

• EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership, Development or Philanthropy.
• EXPERIENCE: 5 years of experience in nonprofit management, business administration, public relationships, fundraising or a related field.

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent understanding of fundraising principals
• High level of proficiency in grant writing and research
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Customer-oriented mindset with a focus on relationship building
• Analytical skills to evaluate program performance and identify opportunities for improvement
• Team player who thrives in a collaborative and virtual environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Zoom

Responsibilities:

Philanthropy and Development:

• Create, execute and evaluate an organization's philanthropy structure to ensure it supports the overall mission of NCEA
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to achieve short and long term financial goals
• Lead annual giving campaigns, major donor programs and planned giving initiatives
• Plan and oversee fundraising events, ensuring alignment with NCEA’s mission and objectives
• Support the Senior Director of Business Development and Philanthropy in developing and managing an annual budget to support philanthropic efforts
• Collaborate with Events department to determine needs related to development initiatives as it pertains to events
• Analyze fundraising trends and identify opportunities for growth

Grant Research and Execution:

• Research and identify grant opportunities from foundations, corporations and government agencies that align with NCEA’s Catholic mission, values and programs, including Catholic education, faith formation and leadership development
• Seek out grantors with a history of supporting Catholic education, religious programs and nonprofit initiatives that promote moral, academic and social development
• Write, submit and manage grant proposals, ensuring timely follow-up and reporting to grantors
• Develop compelling, mission-driven grant proposals that communicate NCEA’s role in advancing Catholic education
• Oversee the execution of grant-funded initiatives, ensuring that programs meet stated objectives, timelines and budget guidelines
• Prepare and submit detailed progress reports to grantors, highlighting measurable outcomes, program successes and the broader impact on Catholic education communities

Donor Engagement and Stewardship:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate sponsors and other funding partners
• Develop and oversee donor recognition programs to sustain long-term support
• Create strategies to increase donor retention and upgrade giving levels
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Department to develop fundraising collateral, campaigns and outreach materials
• Oversee development-related communications, including donor appeals, news-letters, impact reports and social media campaigns
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all philanthropic efforts
• Create and oversee a donor database to manage records, track donor engagement and measure fundraising outcomes

Competencies

Accountability:

Takes full responsibility for results. Demonstrates creative and critical thinking skills. Strong business analytics, relationship management, strategy development, project management, problem-solving and change management skills. Time management and multitasking skills with the ability to prioritize tasks while managing several projects. Self-motivated and action-driven with the ability to work independently to execute and follow-through. Attention to detail for precise analysis of data. Work successfully in a rapidly changing environment is necessary.

Communication:

Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills including the ability to clearly present recommendations and ideas as well as summarize complex issues. Shares the information people need to know to be successful. Informs others on a timely basis. Demonstrates very effective listening, questioning and interpersonal skills.

Integrity & Trust:

Professional and positive approach, self-motivated, team player, dynamic, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Builds collaborative relationships with NCEA staff and stakeholders. Is trusted by others. Perform a wide variety of tasks where a wide degree of creativity and latitude is required.

Interpersonal Skills

Maintains confidentiality. Exercises a high degree of tact and diplomacy. Strong ability to negotiate and remain calm

Position Skills

Knowledge of traditional and digital marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing. Knowledge of multi-channel marketing strategies. Proficient in Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Teams, and Google

NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The National Catholic Educational Association will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis [“protected class”] including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under feder-al, state, or local law. In Virginia, the following are a protected class: disability.

As a Catholic organization (recognized by the USCCB) the NCEA reserves the right to hire those of the Catholic faith in positions where practice and knowledge of the Catholic faith are necessary for the work required in the position. Further, NCEA retains the ability to hire employees whose lifestyle upholds the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.