Summary
The Vice President of Steward Development works independently and with Foundation Trustees, Stewards, staff and other key stakeholders to identify and recruit North American Catholic philanthropists who will make a seven-figure gift to support the good works of the Foundation and assume the title Steward of Saint Peter. The Vice President of Steward Development will leverage their existing philanthropist relationships and develop new relationships with Steward candidates throughout the country, soliciting and procuring Steward enrollment pledges and securing planned gifts. Travel predominantly in the Western part of the country. Position is not based in Philadelphia, PA but requires periodic trips there. Reports to Executive Director.
Role Description
Understanding that the role of Vice President of Steward Development will evolve and balance the solicitation of prospective Stewards with managing long-term relationships, the Vice President of Steward Development has the following responsibilities:
Prospective Steward Identification: Identify, solicit and establish relationships with prospective Stewards through phone calls, written communication and personal visits. Utilize available public and proprietary research to create at least 5-10 opportunities monthly to introduce the Foundation to Catholic philanthropists who may qualify as prospective Stewards.
Prospective Steward Communications: Contribute to, present and follow-up consistently on communications assets that promote the mission of the Foundation. These assets may include proposals, news updates, research, social media, Foundation website pages and videos that tell the stories of how the Foundation has impacted the faith and well-being of existing Stewards and grant recipients around the world.
Prospective Steward Cultivation and Management: Build and manage ongoing relationships with 50-75 prospective Stewards annually by meeting with and educating them about the Foundation’s mission and impact around the world, and how their engagement and investment in the mission can foster improved conditions for the poor and communities of Christ’s love around the world. Manage and regularly update prospect management system and ensure data accuracy and integrity.
Foundation Development Strategy: Collaborate with the Development team to create and execute systems, programs and special events that 1) attract prospective Stewards and 2) encourages them to consider how planned giving vehicles can help further grow the financial resources of the Foundation so that grant recipients and funding can be significantly increased.
Candidate Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following education, experience and attributes:
Education/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- A demonstrated track record of success in securing major gifts of $100,000 or more for Catholic non-profits or foundations, including knowledge of principles and best practices for development programs and systems.
- Experience in introducing concept of and securing planned gifts, including but not limited to bequests, life estates, retirement plan beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, charitable lead trusts and charitable remainder trusts.
- Knowledge of and experience utilizing MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point)
- Knowledge of and experience utilizing donor database systems.
- Experience in leveraging online networking platforms (LinkedIn, etc.) to increase connections and engagement opportunities.
Key Executive Attributes
- Excellent communication skills that include effective verbal and written proposal development and presentation.
- Accomplished in developing relationships and working with Catholic philanthropists by linking their values and priorities with the Foundation’s mission.
- Exemplary ability to leverage referrals, research and networking opportunities to promote the Foundation to prospective Stewards and various constituencies within the Church.
- Self-starter with pro-active approach to setting and achieving goals in a timely fashion.
- Confident and assertive, but with a team player mentality and ability to be flexible based on changing circumstances.
- Relationship driven, not transactional in approach.
- Demonstrated understanding and commitment to the Catholic faith.
This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package.
Are you excited to work to support the needs of the Church worldwide with a high impact Foundation? If so, send an email to [email protected] with your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in our mission, why you are the most qualified individual for this role and why the Foundation will benefit from having you on our team.