GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

St. Mary’s Catholic Center seeks a mission-driven professional with strong leadership and relationship-building skills to serve as Director of Development. This individual will lead a comprehensive fundraising program, with a focus on cultivating major gifts, managing the annual fund, and supporting planned giving and campaign efforts. As a key public ambassador for St. Mary’s, the Director will work closely with the Pastor and Executive Director of Operations as well as the Development and Pastoral Staff to advance the mission and ensure long-term financial sustainability. The role reports to the Executive Director of Operations and oversees the development team.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

St. Mary’s Catholic Center at Texas A&M University exists to form apostles for the Church and the world. Rooted in the New Evangelization, we practice a dynamic orthodoxy—faithful to the Church, engaging to the unchurched, and fervent in mission. The Director of Development serves on the Operations team, supporting the evangelization and pastoral care of students and community members. Our staff begins each day in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, grounding our work in spiritual communion.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: 

St. Mary’s Catholic Center recently completed two capital campaigns totaling $45 million. The Development Team now focuses on raising approximately $4 million annually through the St. Mary’s Annual Operating Fund, which supports ministry to over 5,000 college students who call St. Mary’s their spiritual home.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provides strategic leadership for St. Mary’s fundraising program while actively cultivating and soliciting major gifts.
• Develops and executes fundraising plans aligned with St. Mary’s strategic goals and annual operating budget.
• Cultivates, solicits, and stewards major donors across the full donor lifecycle.
• Identifies and engages new prospects to build long-term donor relationships.
• Creates meaningful donor engagement opportunities for the Pastor and key volunteers.
• Supervises and mentors the development team, including areas such as gift processing, donor relations, annual and recurring giving, grants, and events.
• Ensures timely and accurate donor acknowledgments and database management by support staff.
• Collaborates with the Finance Council, Campaign Committees, and Aggie Catholic Ambassadors to advance fundraising goals.
• Assist in preparing and managing the department’s budget.
• Produces clear and informative reports for the executive team and Finance Council.
• Serves as a resource and liaison to volunteers and staff for fundraising and communications efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS    

• A servant’s heart and a strong commitment to the mission and values of St. Mary’s Catholic Center.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with demonstrated leadership and management of a multi-faceted development program.
• Proven success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts, with preference given to candidates who have secured gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Broad experience across the development spectrum, including major and planned giving, annual giving, prospect research, proposal development, and special events.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute fundraising plans, evaluate performance, and adapt strategies to meet goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and inspire collaboration among donors, volunteers, staff, students, and Advancement Council members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling proposals and speak effectively in public settings.
• Experience supervising staff and volunteers, managing multiple concurrent projects, and overseeing budgets and operational plans.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-directed, and creative, with a systematic and goal-oriented approach to work.
• Proficient in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and donor database platforms.
• CFRE certification preferred.
• Practicing Catholic preferred. All candidates must be able to support the Catholic identity and mission of St. Mary’s Catholic Center.

EDUCATION   

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university 

EXPERIENCE   

• At least 5 years of experience in the development/fundraising industry
• Personnel management
• Financial management
• Working within the Catholic Community

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid driver's license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies through the employment period.

COMPENSATION

The Director of Development is a full-time, salaried position.  Salary commensurate with qualifications and full benefits.

JOB CONDITION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in a church or office setting with daily and weekly deadlines. The candidate must have flexibility and availability to be present on some nights and weekends.  While performing the duties of this job, the Director of Development is required to stand, walk, talk, reach, sit and perform repetitive motions of hands/wrists. The ability to lift and move items up to twenty pounds is required.

OTHER 

The Executive Director of Operations will evaluate the Director of Development in writing at least annually.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 
• The Parish is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.  
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.