Director of Advancement

Director of Advancement Full-Time About Manresa At Manresa, we believe sacred encounters can happen when people step away from the noise and busyness of everyday life. we believe silence is God’s love language, creating space to listen, reflect, discern, and encounter Christ in a deeper way. Our invitation is simple: Come & See.

Position Summary

The Director of Advancement, in collaboration with the Executive Director, provides leadership for Manresa Jesuit Retreat House’s fundraising, donor engagement, and advancement efforts. The Director develops and implements a comprehensive advancement strategy designed to strengthen relationships, expand Manresa’s community of supporters, and secure the financial resources necessary to sustain and advance Manresa’s mission for generations to come.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an openness to understanding, experiencing, and growing in Ignatian spirituality and the Jesuit tradition, recognizing Manresa as a sacred place where people are invited to step away from the noise of everyday life, and encounter God through reflection, prayer, hospitality, and service.

Key Responsibilities

In consultation with the Executive Director and Board Advancement Committee, develop, lead, maintain, and implement a comprehensive annual advancement and fundraising plan aligned with Manresa’s mission and strategic priorities. Strengthen and cultivate meaningful relationships with current and prospective donors, foundations, corporate partners, sponsors, retreatants, alumni, and friends of Manresa through personal meetings, correspondence, events, and other engagement opportunities.

Build and manage a strong donor pipeline by identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospective donors, with particular emphasis on major gifts and long-term relationships. Develop, promote, and steward a comprehensive planned giving program, helping individuals and families consider ways to support Manresa’s mission and legacy for future generations.

Identify appropriate foundation, corporate, and institutional grant opportunities; prepare and submit grant applications; and manage required grant reporting and stewardship. Coordinate donor and advancement-related special events in consultation with the Executive Director and Communications staff, ensuring that each event reflects Manresa’s tradition of warm and genuine hospitality.

Collaborate with Communications staff to maintain accurate and effective mailing and distribution lists for advancement publications, donor communications, campaigns, special events, and other outreach. Quarterly report to the Board of Directors regarding fundraising goals, donor activity, progress, opportunities, and results, and engage Board members appropriately in donor cultivation and advancement activities.

In conjunction with Manresa’s annual budgeting process, develop the Advancement Department budget, establish measurable fundraising goals, monitor results, and operate within the approved budget. Work collaboratively as a member of Manresa’s leadership team, supporting organizational priorities and helping advance the mission of the Retreat House.

Perform other responsibilities as requested by the Executive Director in support of Manresa’s mission and apostolic priorities.

Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in fundraising, advancement, development, nonprofit leadership and donor relations. Experience with major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, grants, donor stewardship, or fundraising campaigns. Proven ability to build and sustain meaningful relationships with donors and community partners. Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the Executive Director, Board, staff, volunteers, and Manresa community. Commitment to the mission and values of Manresa Jesuit Retreat House, with an openness to learning and growing in Ignatian spirituality and the Jesuit tradition.

How to Apply Please submit a resume, cover letter, and two examples of writing, design, digital, or communications work to Michael Rhadigan at [email protected]. Manresa Jesuit Retreat House is an equal opportunity employer.