Job Openings

Director of Development

St. Thomas More Newman Center (Newman) is hiring a Development Director.  Established in 1963, Newman is a vibrant Catholic parish located adjacent to the University of Missouri (MU) campus.  Newman serves 850 resident parishioner households with a full range of faith formation programs including a highly active Campus Ministry program that serves approximately 1,000 students at MU, Stephens College and Columbia College, all located in Columbia, Missouri.  The Parish is looking for someone who is cheerful, enthusiastic, energetic, self-motivated, confident in their ability to ask for financial support and close philanthropic gifts, with a passion for building and maintaining strong relationships with both student and resident parishioners that will bear fruit in the form of philanthropic gifts to Newman.

Job Summary:  The Director of Development is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish fundraising strategy and program. 

  • Establish strong relationships with student parishioners and their parents.
  • Maintain strong relationships with alumni. 
  • Support resident parishioners in annual offertory renewal and planned giving.
  • Research external funding opportunities and prepare grants to pursue and secure funding for Newman priorities.

Job Responsibilities:

  1. Plan, execute, and grow the annual giving fund program.
    1. Co-ordinate with pastor to create Fall/Spring/Back to School Appeals, Donor Impact Report and Fall/Spring Newsletters.
    2. Send email communications every two months to parents with updates on Newman ministries and student engagement.
  2. Plan and execute Planned Giving Program including annual estate planning seminar.
  3. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and close gifts with prospective donors.  Includes overnight travel for a minimum of 30 face-to-face meetings quarterly. 
  4. Coordinate, prospective donor visits for the Pastor, other staff, and volunteers as appropriate.
  5. Plan and execute Campus Ministry special giving programs:
    1. Legacy Fund (senior class gift) – secure gifts and pledges from graduating students. 
    2. Giving Tuesday (annual) – plan and execute social media campaign to raise funds for specific ministry projects.
    3. Spring Days of Giving (annual) – plan and execute a fundraising campaign to Campus Ministry.
  6. Plan, promote, and execute special events designed to increase awareness of needs and provide opportunities for parents and alumni to give:
    1. Family Weekend:  Receptions after morning Masses, Luncheon 
    2. Homecoming Weekend: Alumni Tailgate, Homecoming game group seating, receptions after morning Masses, and Homecoming Alumni Choir.
    3. Alumni and donor regional and local events, including SEEK regional event.
  7. Conduct annual Offertory Renewal program. 
    1. Maintain and oversee Welcome Team/Stewardship Committee (committee will assist with the Offertory Renewal program.)
  8. Research external funding opportunities for review by the Pastor; as directed by the Pastor prepare grant proposals to pursue and secure funding.

Qualifications:

  • Practicing Catholic
  • Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communication, or related field
  • Two years fundraising experience with demonstrated success.
  • Proficient in database software, Office 365, Adobe Creative Suite software

Salary commensurate with education and experience.  Applications accepted until position is filled.  Qualified applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Fr. Dan Merz, SLD, at [email protected]