Donor Relations Manager – Major Gifts & Bequests

Windsor Group has been commissioned by the Catholic Foundation – Archdiocese of Brisbane to manage this important assignment. Windsor Group is a profit-for-purpose providing expert advice, HR services, executive search and recruitment services for executive, permanent and temporary/contract roles across nonprofit, commercial and government sectors.  

In late 2012, the Catholic Foundation was established to enable spiritual, educational and charitable needs throughout the Archdiocese of Brisbane.  

As an overarching organisation, the Foundation was developed with a vision of improving future financial sustainability for the Church’s many programs, organisations, and ministries. 

The Catholic Foundation’s mission is to promote the ministries of the Church and connect people to the causes they care about. The four key ministries for which funds are raised through the Charitable Works Fund of the Catholic Foundation are: 

1. Holy Spirit Seminary 

1. Centacare Social Servies 

1. The Priests Foundation 

1. The Mackillop Catholic School Access Fund 

In 2014, the Catholic Foundation launched the Annual Grants Program – a first for the Archdiocese of Brisbane – which enables smaller, non-tax-deductible ministries, such as parish ministries and other grassroots initiatives to seek grants to support their work. 

Today, the Annual Catholic Campaign is the Foundation’s main appeal for social service causes and charitable works of the church and remains a grassroots fundraiser. The connection to the Catholic Church and Catholic community has always been, and will always be, core to their mission, work and function.  

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Windsor Group and the Catholic Foundation, Archdiocese of Brisbane are both committed to equal opportunity employment practices. Applications for the position of Donor Relations Manager _ Major Gifts & Bequests will be assessed on merit and selected applicants invited to interview. An offer of appointment will be made to the applicants whose written application and interview responses best demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements of the role. 

There is now an opportunity for a Donor Relations Manager specialising in major gifts and bequests to join the Communication and Engagement team comprising a high functioning proficient group of people. 

In accordance with Catholic social teaching and the priorities of the Communication and Engagement team, the Donor Relations Manager identifies, secures and increases major gift and bequest donations, primarily through individuals, to drive significant philanthropic engagement for the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Brisbane. 

The successful candidate will be joining a team that thrives on kindness, hard work and celebrated successes.  Led by the Director, Communications and Engagement, the fundraising team is well established and respected by senior leadership within the Archdiocese. This is an organisation where Fundraising has a ‘seat at the table’ with the ability to make real and tangible change for the ministries they serve.  

The successful candidate will be able to balance competing priorities and deadlines within their day-to-day work and liaise confidently with senior staff in agencies across the Archdiocese. They will be personable and able to relate to donors on matters of faith and Catholic tradition.  

Position description

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent. 
• Driver’s licence and a willingness to travel on behalf of the Archdiocese of Brisbane. 
• Proven ability to achieve revenue goals while being aware of best practices, trends, and innovations in the development arena to include philanthropic support.  
• At least five years’ experience as a gifts officer in a non-profit organization or equivalent experience. 
• A demonstrated track record of soliciting and closing six- and seven-figure major gifts and bequests. 

• A compassionate and empathetic person who creates a positive, inclusive work environment that values experience and new ideas.  
• Behaviour compatible with Catholic Social teaching (e.g., treating individuals with dignity and respect). 
• Ability to work effectively with clergy, religious, staff and volunteers. 
• Affinity with the overall mission of the Archdiocese of Brisbane and behaviours consistent with Christian values. 
• Personal characteristics associated with successful development professionals, including sound judgement, impeccable integrity, demonstrated initiative, and attitude and personality to work effectively with colleagues, Archdiocesan clergy, religious, lay staff, volunteers, and constituents. 
• Ability to maintain the confidence of others in dealing with sensitive information. 

When submitting your application, ensure your application includes: 

• An up-to-date resume (in Word format) 
• A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role 

Submit your application quoting reference number KJDNRM to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information, please contact Kaye Jeffers on 07 3211 0001. Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day. 

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