Chief Advancement Officer
The Chief Advancement Officer serves as the senior advancement executive responsible for developing, implementing, and leading a comprehensive philanthropic strategy that advances the mission, ministries, and long-term sustainability of the Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Catholic Schools, and all mission related activities throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit. Working closely with the Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia, Archbishop, Curia leadership, pastors, seminary leadership, board members, and key stakeholders, this position provides strategic leadership for annual giving, major gifts, capital and special campaigns, planned giving, donor engagement, stewardship, parish advancement initiatives, and development operations. The Chief Advancement Officer will cultivate a culture of philanthropy across the Archdiocese while building strong relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, clergy, parish leaders, and volunteers. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with demonstrated success securing transformational gifts, leading high-performing advancement teams, and executing sophisticated fundraising strategies that generate significant and sustainable revenue growth. This position serves as a key member of the Archdiocesan leadership team and is responsible for advancing philanthropic support for the Archbishop's pastoral priorities, Catholic education, priestly formation, parish vitality, charitable ministries, and other strategic initiatives.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Strategic Philanthropic Leadership
- Major Gifts and Principal Gifts
- Campaign and Revenue Growth
- Foundation, Corporate, and Planned Giving
- Team Leadership and Development
- Advancement Operations and Stewardship
Supervisory Responsibilities
Manages a team of 4+ employees and oversees daily operations.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required
- Demonstrated record of securing transformational gifts.
- Proven success leading comprehensive advancement programs generating multimillion-dollar annual fundraising results.
- Extensive experience directing capital campaigns, endowment campaigns, and major gift initiatives.
- Exceptional relationship-building abilities with high-net-worth individuals, clergy, business leaders, foundations, and community stakeholders.
- Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior leaders, trustees, donors, and volunteers.
- Advanced strategic planning and organizational leadership capabilities.
- Deep knowledge of donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and philanthropic best practices.
- Experience managing fundraising technology platforms, analytics, and data-driven decision-making.
- Strong financial acumen, budget management, and forecasting skills.
- Outstanding communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed.
Preferred
- Experience within a Catholic diocese, Catholic higher education institution, seminary, healthcare system, or other faith-based organization.
- Knowledge of Catholic stewardship principles and ecclesial governance structures.
- Experience working directly with bishops, pastors, boards, and major benefactors.
- Experience managing high value fundraising programs.
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Master's degree strongly preferred in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy, Public Administration, Theology, Communications, or related field.
- CFRE, CAP, or equivalent professional fundraising certification preferred.
- Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible fundraising and advancement leadership experience.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of senior leadership experience managing professional development teams.
- Demonstrated success securing major and principal gifts and leading complex fundraising initiatives.
- Experience overseeing comprehensive advancement programs, campaign strategy, fundraising operations, donor relations, and organizational growth.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged sitting and working at a desk with repetitive motion working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
- May involve some standing, bending, and walking.
Travel Requirements
Must have reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Additional Requirements
- Must agree, upon acceptance of an offer of employment with the Archdiocese of Detroit, not to engage in, nor to endorse, any actions or beliefs contrary to the teaching and standards of the Roman Catholic faith and morality.
- Must be a Catholic in good standing and adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Must demonstrate understanding, respect and support for Catholic Church teaching, mission, and values.
- Affinity for mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations and a commitment to serving the Catholic Church in Southeast Michigan.
- Knowledge of the Roman Catholic faith, its institutions, policies and practices a plus.
- Must have a valid driver's license and safe driving record.
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement
The Archdiocese of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer and does not illegally discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, height, weight, genetic information, or marital or other legally protected status. The Archdiocese of Detroit is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity and encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.