Director of Development for the Chapel Retreat Center

St. John Vianney Catholic Church and the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona, are seeking an experienced fundraising professional to serve as Director of Development and lead efforts for a 3–5-year capital campaign to fund the construction of the Chapel Retreat Center. This transformative project will focus on evangelism, healing, and mental health within the Catholic community.

This is a pivotal opportunity for a seasoned development professional with a demonstrated track record of securing major gifts. The ideal candidate will have extensive capital campaign experience or proven success in major gift fundraising within a nonprofit setting. This role requires leadership, strategy, and relationship-building skills to drive a high-impact fundraising effort.

Key Responsibilities: Capital Campaign for Chapel Retreat Center

• Capital Campaign (3-5 years) – Lead and execute all fundraising activities.
• Major Gifts – Develop and implement strategies for securing significant donations.
• Acknowledgment Letters – Oversee donor gift tracking and recognition.
• Development Committee and Campaign Cabinet – Recruit, oversee, and guide committee members.
• Relationship Building – Cultivate strong connections with major donors, parishioners, and community stakeholders.
• Database  Management – Utilize and maintain donor databases (e.g., ParishSoft or similar).
• Community Engagement – Leverage the Chapel of the Holy Cross’s reputation and reach to drive fundraising success.
• Consultant Collaboration – Work with Ruotolo Associates fundraising consultants as needed.
• Diocese of Phoenix Engagement – Align fundraising strategies with the Diocese of Phoenix Office of Mission Advancement.

Additional Development Responsibilities

• Long-Term Fundraising Strategies – Develop and implement sustainable fundraising plans beyond the capital campaign.
• Fundraising Events & Donor Engagement – Organize high-impact donor events.
• Grant  Research & Writing – Identify and apply for grants to diversify funding sources.
• Donor Records & Reporting – Maintain accurate donor records and provide regular progress reports to leadership.

Who You Are

You are a mission-driven nonprofit professional with a strong background in major gift fundraising and capital campaigns. Whether you have successfully led a multi-year capital campaign or are eager for the opportunity to spearhead a transformational initiative, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact while furthering your career in Catholic development and philanthropy.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Proven track record of securing major gifts and leading successful fundraising initiatives.
• Experience in capital campaigns, nonprofit fundraising, or donor engagement.
• Strong ability to cultivate relationships with donors, parishioners, and community leaders.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with donor database management.
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional integrity.

Preferred:

• Practicing Catholic who embraces the mission and values of St. John Vianney Catholic Church.
• Experience with capital campaigns, donor databases, CRM platforms, and event planning.
• Background in grant writing, nonprofit development, or high-level donor relations.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.