Mission Advancement Director - Newman Center

Mission Advancement Director - Newman Center

• Winona, MN

The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is seeking a dynamic, faith-filled leader to serve as the Executive Director of the St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center at Winona State University
.

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a vibrant Catholic campus ministry while advancing the long-term mission and sustainability of the Newman Center through strategic leadership, relationship-building, donor engagement, and organizational management. The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative and advancement leader, ensuring that students encounter Jesus Christ through thriving ministry, strong financial stewardship, and an authentic Catholic community

The Executive Director provides overall leadership for the Newman Center’s operations, mission advancement, fundraising, donor relations, financial stewardship, community engagement, and strategic growth. Working collaboratively with clergy, FOCUS missionaries, diocesan leadership, university partners, alumni, benefactors, parents, and volunteers, the Executive Director helps ensure that the Catholic faith is present, visible, and flourishing on the Winona State University campus.

This position balances:

• Campus ministry leadership
• Strategic planning
• Donor development and fundraising
• Relationship management
• Financial oversight
• Team leadership
• Mission advancement and evangelization

• Provide vision, leadership, and oversight for the mission of the Newman Center.
• Foster a culture of evangelization, discipleship, encounter, and missionary outreach.
• Collaborate with clergy, FOCUS missionaries, students, volunteers, university partners, and diocesan leaders.
• Ensure all programs and initiatives reflect the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church.
• Serve as a visible Catholic leader within the university and broader community.
• Strengthen student engagement and encourage participation in prayer, sacraments, retreats, service opportunities, and faith formation

• Develop and implement a comprehensive advancement strategy to support the long-term sustainability of the Newman Center.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, alumni, parents, foundations, and community supporters.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospective benefactors.
• Lead annual fundraising appeals and major gift initiatives.
• Coordinate donor communications, stewardship efforts, and impact reporting.
• Work collaboratively with diocesan leadership, the Board, and community partners on fundraising initiatives.
• Represent the Newman Center at donor events, speaking engagements, and community gatherings.
• Increase philanthropic support through thoughtful relationship-building and mission-centered storytelling.

• Provide executive oversight of Newman Center operations.
• Develop and manage annual budgets.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of financial resources.
• Monitor operational effectiveness and organizational performance.
• Oversee facilities, scheduling, maintenance, and resource utilization.
• Maintain compliance with diocesan policies and applicable regulations.
• Support strategic planning and long-range organizational development

• Supervise staff, volunteers, and ministry leaders.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development.
• Foster collaboration among ministry leaders, FOCUS missionaries, clergy, and support personnel.
• Establish clear goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Create a culture of teamwork, accountability, and mission-centered leadership

• Maintain strong relationships with Winona State University administration and campus organizations.
• Serve as a liaison among the Diocese, university, students, alumni, and benefactors.
• Promote the Newman Center throughout the Diocese and local community.
• Represent the Newman Center at diocesan, university, civic, and Catholic events.
• Build partnerships that advance the mission and visibility of Catholic campus ministry.

Required :
Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, Business, Finance
Administration, or related.

Desired :
Master’s in the same.

Experience : A successful candidate will have:

• A minimum of five years professional experience in parish or diocesan church leadership.
• Demonstrated competency in the following areas: fundraising, administrative skills, organizational planning, and pastoral/theological reflection.

The St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center plays a vital role in helping students encounter Christ during one of the most formative periods of their lives. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of Catholic campus ministry, build a culture of missionary discipleship, and ensure the long-term sustainability of a thriving Catholic presence at Winona State University