Chief Development Officer

Summary

Description

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis until position is filled.

OUR PURPOSE

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver has been serving Northern Colorado since 1927.  We serve tens of thousands of people each year in seven ministries: Marisol Services, Early Childhood Education, Shelter Services, Catholic Charities Housing, St. Raphael Counseling, Family, Kinship, and Senior Services; and Parish & Community Engagement.

Our employees are crucial to our success in achieving our mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need.  Catholic Charities provides a work environment where self-motivated and mission driven individuals are recognized and rewarded.  

Catholic Charities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to welcoming applicants and program participants of all faiths; as well as an inclusive and welcoming environment for staff, volunteers, and program participants. Candidates who bring diversity to our team are encouraged to apply.

SUMMARY

The CDO plays a pivotal role in driving the Agency’s fundraising efforts by leading and coordinating all aspects of our fundraising activities. This includes managing donor gifts, overseeing fundraising events, leading appeals, and supervising our grants operations. The CDO is responsible for shaping and driving division programs, services, and staff to meet and exceed fundraising goals. A key part of your work will involve prospecting, cultivating, and building relationships with high-net-worth individuals to grow a strong, engaged, and supportive community of benefactors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Team Development:

• Senior Leadership Team Member: Actively participates as an effective member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the overall health and success of the agency. Emphasizes positive culture, high energy, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

• Leadership Model Advocacy: Dedicated to understanding, promoting, and adhering to the Agency’s leadership model in all aspects of the role, focusing on the themes of Mission Alignment, Driving Effective Change, Building High Performing Teams, and Building One Catholic Charities Identity.

• Supervisory Responsibilities: Manages the Mission Advancement department, including interviewing, hiring, training, and directing employees. Oversees performance appraisals, rewards, discipline, and resolves issues in accordance with the Agency's values and policies.

Fundraising and Donor Relations:

• Revenue and Budget Management: Accountable for meeting fundraising revenue targets and managing the department's budget effectively.

• Major Gift Fundraising: Leads and develops a major gift fundraising team, integrating efforts with existing strategies such as events, campaigns, online giving (e.g., Colorado Gives Day), and creating new initiatives focused on major gifts, corporate philanthropy, ecumenical partnership giving, and planned giving.

• Donor Prospecting and Cultivation: Oversees identification and solicitation of new donors. Cultivates and acknowledges existing donors to foster long-term support.

• Donor Communications: Collaborates with the VP of Marketing and CEO to develop donor messaging based on the Agency’s needs and goals. Oversees communications with donors and prospective donors, including mass mailings, acknowledgments, and electronic/social media.

• Database and Donor Tracking: Ensures the accurate and up-to-date maintenance of donor database records, tracking donations, and ensuring effective donor recognition.

Event Planning and Coordination:

• Event Oversight: Plans, develops, and implements events and activities that enhance or increase donations. Coordinates all related logistics to ensure successful execution.

• Collaboration on Donor Engagement: Works with cross-functional teams to align event strategies with broader fundraising goals.

Reporting, Analysis, and Strategic Planning:

• Financial Reporting and Analysis: Prepares and coordinates a range of financial, budget, and ad hoc reports, proposals, and analyses for management, ensuring data is used to guide decision-making.

• Operational Efficiency: Teams with the CFO to manage day-to-day donation processing, tracking, and donor recognition, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all transactions.

External Representation and Networking:

• Agency Representation: Represents the Agency at Board meetings, management discussions, and relevant civic and professional committees, advocating for the mission and goals of the organization.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability in successfully planning, organizing and directing the work of fundraising/ development staff to accomplish objectives. 
• Demonstrable history of personal fund-raising success and closing major gifts.  
• Ability to develop, implement and maintain efficient and effective processes. 
• Proven experience in accurately managing Raiser’s Edge database. 
• Ability to effectively lead and motivate staff through application of Agency values. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written, with others from diverse backgrounds. 
• Knowledge of appropriate techniques and practices for the client population.  
• Ability to interact effectively as a team member and independently with Agency staff and with a diverse client base. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Master's degree (MA/MS) or equivalent from accredited university in business, management or related field; and six to ten years related experience and/or training in fundraising or donor development or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid CO driver’s license, satisfactory driving record and proof of insurance required.

MINISTERIAL REQUIREMENTS

Be a fully initiated Catholic in the communion of the Catholic Church and/or intentionally living out the five precepts of the Church (CCC 2041-2043). Refrain from public promotion or approval of, or the living out of, any conduct or lifestyle that would reflect discredit or disgrace on, or cause scandal in relationship to, the Archdiocese of Denver, or considered to be in contradiction with Catholic doctrine or morals.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary: $165,000-$185,000 Full-Time, 40 hours per week.

Training: We provide a robust training curriculum that will support our employees throughout their career. Training provided within the first year of employment includes: De-escalation & Safety; Public Speaking; Mental Health First Aid; Substance Abuse & Mental Health; Human Trafficking; Trauma Informed Care; and many more.

Benefits: In addition to being part of a higher purpose while working in a challenging yet rewarding environment, eligible Catholic Charities employees receive a generous benefits package, including:

• Extensive Paid Time Off (4 weeks accrual for new employees – increasing based on tenure) promoting work life balance.
• 15 Paid Holidays annually (shelters are 24/7, so there may be a need to work some holidays, which would include holiday pay).
• 403b Retirement Plan with Agency contribution of 4% & match up to 2% of annual compensation.
• Choice of 3 PPO Medical Plans (90% of employee's and 75% of dependent’s premiums is paid by Agency), Dental, & Vision starting the 1st day of the month following start date.
• May be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through Federal Student Loans and many more benefits.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

If you are ready to make answer the call and make a difference, please submit your application online at ccdenver.org/careers. We look forward to meeting you!

We conduct background checks as part of our hiring process.

Drug-Free Workplace

Catholic Charities serves all with respect, dignity, and without discrimination in compliance with all local, state, or federal law. Consistent with applicable laws, Catholic Charities makes all decisions involving any aspect of employment or volunteer relationships without regard to any status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law, other than those positions which are deemed ministerial in nature (such as Chaplain requiring a clerical background). Unlawful discrimination and/or harassment is inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

EEO/AA