Director of Development Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. is seeking a full-time Director of Development to join its leadership team and advance its mission of serving those in need throughout Southwest Florida. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this role is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic fundraising plan focused on major gifts, directing sponsorship efforts for special events, and fostering meaningful relationships with donors, board members, and community leaders.

The Director will oversee all aspects of donor stewardship, volunteer engagement, and public relations, and will serve as a key representative of Catholic Charities in presentations to the community and Diocesan leadership. This position also supervises the development team and supports the activities of the Board’s Development Committee. The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree, have a CFRE certification (preferred), and demonstrate a proven track record in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts.

Strong leadership skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and the capacity to work independently while managing multiple priorities are essential. Candidates must be good stewards of resources and maintain confidentiality in all aspects of donor and organizational information. The preferred base for this position is in Naples, FL, though it may be located anywhere within the ten-county Diocese of Venice.

Occasional evening and weekend work is required. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a Level II FDLE/FBI background screening.

The Director of Development is responsible for cultivating and stewarding major donors, growing sponsor ships for special events, engaging the Board of Directors and volunteers, and fostering relationships throughout the community.

• Develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan with a focus on major gifts.
• Direct and obtain sponsor ships for all special events.
• Oversee strategies for marketing, public relations and communications.
• Make presentations throughout the community, to leadership, Board and Diocesan leadership.
• Oversee donor correspondence and donor stewardship.
• Plan and coordinate Board of Directors Development Committee activities.
• Supervise and evaluate the Development team members.
• Exhibit sensitivity to the service population’s cultural, social, and socio-economic characteristics.
• Maintain confidentiality of all records and apply discretion and appropriate security measures in the handling of confidential information.
• Ensure services delivered are in alignment with Catholic Charities’ mission, policies, procedures and service philosophy.

• CFRE Qualification
• Proven track record of identifying, cultivating and soliciting major gifts.
• Ability to build relationships with Board, staff, volunteers and donors.
• Strong management and leadership skills required. Ability to recruit, motivate, empower, and coach staff to high performance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Ability to work in a self-directed environment, to set and to monitor goals, and to meet target dates.
• Good steward of the budget.
• Must pass a Level II FDLE/FBI background screening with satisfactory results

Location:

Naples, FL (preferred). However, the position may be based anywhere within the 10-county Diocese of Venice in Southwest Florida.

Hours of Work:
Monday to Friday with occasional evenings or weekends.