Associate Director of Strategy & Engagement

Associate Director of Strategy & Engagement

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Position Summary The Archdiocese of Detroit is seeking a highly organized, strategic, and mission‑driven professional to serve as the Associate Director of Strategy & Engagement
. This critical role will provide cross‑functional leadership across the Office of Development, overseeing project timelines, managing workflows, and driving implementation of initiatives in support of the Archdiocese and Sacred Heart Major Seminary. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated expertise in project management, engagement strategy, and communication planning, paired with strong leadership, collaborative instincts, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the mission of the Church through excellence in execution.

The role requires a proactive leader who excels at balancing long‑term planning with day‑to‑day execution in a dynamic, faith‑driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and maintain a comprehensive calendar for the Office of Development, ensuring alignment across fundraising, stewardship, and engagement initiatives.
• Serve as the primary administrator for project management systems to track progress, meet deadlines, and streamline workflows for the Development team.
• Serve as the primary contact for internal and external departments, ensuring collaboration and efficiency in executing strategic priorities. Lead cross‑functional teams, ensuring clear communication and accountability for deliverables.
• Create and implement best practices for engagement event operations, ensuring excellence in execution and a positive experience for all attendees.
• Support monitoring and management of department budgets, with particular focus on events and CSA.
• Provide executive‑level support to the Director of Mission Advancement, assisting with meeting preparation, presentations, and cross‑departmental initiatives.

Development Communications, Engagement, and Events

• Support planning and execution of strategic communications for events, fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship, and annual impact reporting, ensuring alignment with goals and mission.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to create high‑quality materials, including invitations, appeals, gratitude pieces, and impact reports.
• Coordinate outreach across key audiences to ensure personalized, mission‑driven engagement.
• Manage timelines and budgets for multichannel campaigns (print, email, web, social media).
• Oversee event logistics (budgeting, vendor management, contracts, marketing, and post‑event evaluation).
• Partner with development and curia/seminary staff to create engagement and event strategies that advance the mission and philanthropic goals of the Archdiocese of Detroit and Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
• Develop programming that fosters engagement, cultivates relationships, and achieves fundraising objectives.
• Build relationships with parishes, schools, and ministries to coordinate engagement experiences and events that align with the Archdiocese’s goals for philanthropy and outreach.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in project management, operations, and/or event planning, preferably in a nonprofit, higher education, or faith‑based setting.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal), with experience engaging high‑level donors, clergy, and community leaders.
• Proficiency in project management tools, CRM systems, and event planning software is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to manage budgets effectively and achieve financial goals.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Archdiocese and a deep understanding of the role of philanthropy in faith‑based organizations.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrate and reflect an understanding of and commitment to the mission and core values of the Archdiocese of Detroit and Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
• Strategic thinking and…