Position Summary The Associate Director of Annual Giving and Engagement leads the strategy and execution of annual fundraising, donor engagement, and mission-centered events for the Archdiocese of Detroit and Sacred Heart Major Seminary. This role integrates annual fund strategy, event-based fundraising, and donor engagement into a cohesive pipeline that deepens participation, strengthens relationships, and increases unrestricted and mid-level giving. The position works collaboratively across the Office of Mission Advancement to utilize annual giving campaigns and engagement opportunities to advance a culture of stewardship rooted in faith and mission. Key Responsibilities Annual Giving Strategy & Execution Develop and execute a comprehensive annual giving calendar aligned with organizational priorities that utilizes email campaigns and direct mail to exceed annual giving revenue goals Drive donor participation, retention, and strategies across appeals, digital outreach, and parish engagement Partner with leadership to set annual goals and track performance against revenue and participation metrics Build segmented strategies for: donor acquisition and retention, as well as mid-level donor development Events Strategy & Execution Co-lead the newly established Events Office, to develop and execute an annual event strategy that advances the mission, engagement, and philanthropic goals of the Archdiocese and Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Oversee event logistics, including budgeting, sponsorship strategy, communication, vendor management, contracts, marketing, and post-event evaluation. Create and implement best practices for event operations, ensuring financial goals are met, excellence in execution, and a positive experience for all attendees. Utilize CRM to build an events strategy, track participation, and create post-event plan that moves the relationships forward Donor and Parish Engagement Strategic invitations to events, leadership gatherings, and mission experiences Thoughtful cultivation before and after events, clear next steps following participation Identify engagement strategies that connect parish life to broader mission funding opportunities Ensure all engagement activity is integrated into a moves management framework Leadership and Operations [Director of Annual Giving and Engagement] Serve as a strategic partner to the Director of Mission Advancement, helping to translate vision into execution Act as a functional leader within the office, providing direction, coordination, and accountability across projects and priorities without direct supervisory responsibility Drive alignment across the team by coordinating cross-functional work between fundraising, events, and operations Lead by influence by providing peer-level coaching and support to team members and elevating best practices in donor engagement, parish partnership, and event execution Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field. 5+ years of experience in annual giving, events, nonprofit fundraising or development Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines. Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal), with experience engaging high-level donors, clergy, and community leaders. Proficiency in project management tools, CRM systems, and event planning software is highly desirable. Proven ability to manage budgets effectively and achieve financial goals. Commitment to the mission and values of the Archdiocese and a deep understanding of the role of philanthropy in faith-based organizations. Core Competencies Demonstrate and reflect an understanding of and commitment to the mission and core values of the Archdiocese of Detroit and Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Strategic thinking and planning, with flexibility and problem-solving under pressure Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment to effectively fulfil a list of diverse projects. Strong leadership and team-building abilities Seeks out efficiencies and demonstrates good use of available resources. Proactively responds to changes in workload prioritization and department needs. Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement. Customer service and problem-solving expertise, with excellent verbal and written communication skills (in- person, phone, and email). Success in effectively learning and utilizing new software and web-based database tools. Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality handling highly sensitive material, such as protected PII (Personally Identifiable Information) and financial information. Work Environment & Schedule This role is based in the Archdiocesan office and requires some evening and weekend availability for events and special projects. Physical demands Position requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. May involve some lifting, carrying, pushing/or pulling of objects and materials (5-50 pounds). May involve extended periods of time standing or sitting at a keyboard or workstation. May involve repetitive motion (i.e., typing). May involve walking long distances. May require long periods of time speaking. Travel required Events and meetings primarily within Southeast Michigan. 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. Other duties Please note 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. |