Religious Formation Conference
SUMMARY OF POSITION DESCRIPTION: DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
The Religious Formation Conference, Silver Spring, Maryland, is seeking a full-time Director of Development
to generate financial support for the Conference. She/he will provide direction for all facets of the fund-raising
program, including major gifts, annual appeal, planned giving and special events.
The candidate will have a minimum of three to five years fund-raising experience, a bachelor’s degree, and a
well-formed understanding of religious life. She/he will work in close cooperation with the Executive Director.
For a more detailed position description and requirements, please go to our website: www.relforcon.org.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, salary commensurate with experience, and a cordial work
environment.
To apply, submit resume and three references by August 15, 2008 to
Sister Violet Grennan, mfic
Executive Director
Religious Formation Conference
8820 Cameron St.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-588-4938
EXTENDED POSITION DESCRIPTION: DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Overview:
The Religious Formation Conference (RFC), rooted in the Gospel, called by God’s prophetic Sprit and
responsive to the signs of our times, supports and serves the ministry of initial and life-long formation in religious
congregations of women and men. The Conference does this in a spirit of hope, collaboration and mutuality.
The director of development is responsible for effective planning, organization and coordination of all development
activities for Religious Formation Conference which includes but is not limited to the following: annual fund appeals,
major gifts solicitation, foundation giving, planned giving and special events. The development director works in
collaboration with the executive director and board of trustees to strengthen the base of financial support to sustain
RFC’s operations and long-term stability.
Reports to: Executive Director
Responsibilities:
· Collaborate with the RFC executive director and board to initiate, develop and implement
o a long-range development program for the organization
o annual fund-raising goals
o an endowment fund
· Design, implement and coordinate a diversified development program that will include, but is not limited to
o An annual direct mail appeal
o a major gifts program
o a planned giving program
o various types of special events
o researching foundations and writing of grant proposals
· Formulate a case statement to outline immediate development goals
· Create an organizational three-year development plan
· Develop and implement a strategy, in conjunction with the executive director, to increase public awareness of RFC
and its programs, through member congregations, cooperating organizations and the Catholic and public media
· Develop relationships with internal/external sources for the purpose of furthering the mission of the Religious
Formation Conference and promoting a positive image of religious life
· Prepare and present annual reports of development progress to the executive director, the board, RFC membership
and donors
· Provide RFC board with on-going development education and opportunities for involvement in the organization’s
development program
· Keep apprised of significant development in fundraising techniques, and in the cultural, social and economic climate
of religious congregations and the wider society
· Other responsibilities as assigned by the executive director
· Bachelor’s degree in related field
· Current CFRE certificate preferred
· Minimum three to five years experience in fund-raising with experience in a leadership role in development program
· Computer proficiency and familiarity with Microsoft Office programs and fundraising software programs
· Effective written and oral communication and marketing skills
· Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
· Demonstrates personal integrity and commitment to ethical principles
· Valid driver’s license
· Ability to travel - sometimes over weekends
· Self starter
· A well-formed understanding of religious life
· Competence in planning and organizational skills
· Ability to meet people and build relationships with individuals and groups
· Ability to work collaboratively with RFC staff, board, committees and cooperating organizations
· Ability to represent and communicate, in conjunction with the executive director, the mission and programs of RFC
· A strong commitment to the concepts of development and capability of generating enthusiasm for this responsibility
with RFC national office staff and board
· Able to work with limited secretarial support
· Build program infrastructure which includes but is not limited to the following:
o Development three-year plan and timelines
o Case Statement – identification of needs, formulation of brochures
o Research of fund-development software; recommendation, selection and purchase of program; training in
use of software
o Identification of possible donors for the program
o Communications strategy for furthering the mission of RFC
o Formulation of gift acceptance policies and procedures
Sister Violet Grennan, mfic
Executive Director
Religious Formation Conference
8820 Cameron St.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-588-4938