Development Director

Development DirectorKansas City, MO • Development DirectorThe Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph is seeking a Director of Development to advance the Church's mission by fostering a spirit of Christian stewardship and generosity. Working closely with the Executive Director, this role leads strategic fundraising efforts through donor engagement, major gift cultivation, and stewardship initiatives.

Primarily externally focused, the Director manages a portfolio of major donors, builds meaningful relationships with benefactors, and supports fundraising initiatives that sustain and grow support for diocesan priorities. This is a full time position averaging 40 hours per week.Major Gifts & Donor RelationsManage a portfolio of approximately 70 major gift prospects and donorsCultivate, solicit, and steward donor relationships to increase philanthropic supportConduct regular in-person meetings and meaningful touchpoints with donors and prospectsServe as a visible ambassador for the Diocese, clearly communicating mission impact and funding needsDevelop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation strategiesEnsure timely and accurate documentation of all donor interactions in the CRMFundraising ExecutionImplement established fundraising priorities and plans as directedIdentify and qualify new donor prospects to expand the major gifts pipelineSupport coordinated fundraising efforts across diocesan initiativesTrack progress toward fundraising goals and provide regular activity and results reportingEvents & Sponsorship DevelopmentSupport diocesan fundraising events, including the School Bell Breakfast, and Bishop's Golf Tournament and othersLead sponsorship outreach and solicitation efforts for eventsLeverage events as opportunities to deepen donor relationships and identify new prospectsAssist in ensuring events are aligned with fundraising goals and donor engagement strategiesPlanned Giving & Donor EngagementPromote planned giving opportunities as part of donor conversations and long-term stewardshipSupport communication efforts that increase awareness of legacy givingBuild relationships with professional advisors to strengthen planned giving opportunitiesCoordination & AdministrationWork closely with the Executive Director and internal teams to ensure alignment in messaging and donor engagementCollaborate with finance and communications staff to support accurate gift processing and donor stewardshipEnsure adherence to ethical fundraising standards and diocesan policiesKey CompetenciesStrong relationship-builder with a donor-centered approachResults-oriented with a focus on securing gifts and meeting goalsConfident and professional in donor-facing settingsHighly organized with strong follow-through and attention to detailEffective communicator with the ability to convey mission impact clearly and persuasivelySelf-motivated with the ability to manage a portfolio and prioritize activityQualificationsBachelor's degree or equivalent experience requiredCFRE or advanced degree preferredMinimum 5–7 years of progressive fundraising experience with a demonstrated focus on major giftsProven success managing donor relationships and closing giftsExperience with planned giving programs and strategies preferredProficient working in donor database systems and fundraising analyticsFamiliarity with planned giving concepts preferredPracticing Catholic with ethical standards, personal integrity, and conduct consistent with the morals and teachings of the Catholic Church.Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct policy, and complete online and in-person trainings prior to hire.