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Director of Development, Faith-based Initiative

Organizational Summary

Malvern Retreat House (MRH), also known as St. Joseph in the Hills, celebrates 100 years since its founders arrived in Malvern, PA looking to establish a bucolic setting that would provide the right environment for spiritual retreats. A century later, MRH provides retreats, events and programs for men, women, youth, young adults, married couples, and families for about 20,000 people annually. MRH has the distinction of being the largest and oldest Catholic retreat center in the USA. It is a lay owned and operated faith-based non-profit that maintains good standing with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, as well as the Church in the USA. We are in an exciting Re-Imagining Process setting the direction for our next century of ministry.

Mission: Rooted in our Catholic faith, we provide retreats, programs and events that help people deepen their relationship with God and find peace.

Vision: We are committed to being the leading Catholic retreat center in the United States, providing exceptional opportunities for people to encounter God and inspiring them to embrace and share their faith.

While serving primarily the Catholic community, MRH also welcomes individuals and groups from other denominations, faith backgrounds, as well as secular entities.

Position Description

The Director of Development (DOD) is responsible for all aspects of fund development, as well as overseeing marketing initiatives. With support from the senior staff and Board of Directors, the DOD creates and executes an annual fundraising plan, including grants management, individual donor cultivation and stewardship, planned giving, as well as foundation and corporate support. The DOD provides professional oversight to corporate marketing initiatives. As a member of the senior team, the DODM is both an excellent administrator and fundraiser who can shift between managing multiple high-level fundraising strategies, meeting with prospective donors, overseeing special events, writing convincing annual appeal letters, as well as managing marketing opportunities. The DOD works directly with the Fund Development Committee, and supervises a fundraising support staff, as well as a bench of development/marketing associates. The DODM reports to the President/CEO.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 

The DoD will be an accomplished fundraising professional with skills and experience that include cultivation of major and transformative gifts, donor relations and stewardship, as well as demonstrated knowledge of best practices in the field. The DoD will possess honed sensibilities to marketing opportunities.

 

  • Design and implement a comprehensive program of philanthropy that achieves maximum sustained growth and support for MRH programs and activities
  • Represent MRH in the community and before its constituency in a way that reflects the character of the organization, as well as total commitment to its mission
  • Build and maintain relationships that are anchored in trust, honesty, and integrity
  • Maintain loyalty and commitment to the organization’s mission, and make decisions that always uphold and protect the best interest of MRH
  • Oversee all fundraising and cultivation activities including annual giving, major gifts, potential capital campaigns, planned giving, and special events
  • Participate in strategic planning and the Re-Imaging process with the goal of securing funds to support specific initiatives identified in the plan
  • Set benchmarks for program operation, including personal visits to donors and potential donors, community outreach, marketing, and goals for giving
  • Guide MRH board members, campaign leaders, and other volunteers in accomplishing the philanthropic goals of the organization
  • Ensure proper oversight of the donor database, both financial and programmatic information, and be certain systems are in place to ensure total confidentiality and security of that information
  • Provide leadership and oversight with marketing initiatives to enhance fundraising as well as the overall visibility of the organization

Qualities and Qualifications

The DOD will have an innate desire, driven by faith and personal commitment, to fulfill this work at an excellent professional standard. They will approach donors, staff, and MRH guests with outstanding respect and honor. They will demonstrate a servant leadership attitude that will promote a contagious work ethic that uplifts colleagues, donors, and guests to experience not only the kernel of the MRH mission, but also a desire to a deeper involvement in and commitment to the developing growth and expansion of the organization.

Required

  • A personal belief in and commitment to the MRH mission
  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • A minimum of three years of accomplished experience in fundraising leadership
  • Track record of positive supervisory leadership
  • A demonstrated track record in securing a broad range of gifts by size and type
  • A demonstrated awareness of effective marketing strategies

Additional Skills

  • Fundraising experience with a similar organization
  • Ability to interact with individuals from all backgrounds and experiences while consistently reflecting the values of MRH
  • Self-starter who is motivated by cause and mission, and works well as part of a team
  • Outstanding communicator and organizational representative
  • Excellent organizational, project management and interpersonal skills
  • Honed intercultural skills, and sensitivity to equity
  • Spanish speaking skills, a plus

Candidates should include a cover letter, a resume, salary expectation, and a list of three professional references. All materials will be held in strict confidence. Materials should be sent to Search Committee c/o cscottziminsky@malvernretreat.com.

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