Chief Advancement Officer

About the role

The Chief Advancement Officer will serve as the Diocese of Nashville's senior development leader, responsible for providing strategic direction and hands-on leadership for the Diocese's philanthropic efforts. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer and working closely with the Bishop, the Chief Advancement Officer will lead efforts to strengthen major giving, develop donor relationships, improve development operations, and position the Diocese for continued philanthropic growth. This person will manage a small team to multiply impact and develop new development professionals in service to the diocese. This is a significant opportunity for an accomplished development professional who is energized by both building strategy and personally cultivating relationships. The Chief Advancement Officer will inherit an existing development team, including the Director of Annual Giving and gift officers, and will serve as a true "player-coach": developing and empowering the team while personally spearheading major gift cultivation and solicitation. The Chief Advancement Officer will also serve as Executive Director of the Catholic Legacy Foundation and spearhead the diocesan platform for long-term philanthropy. With roughly $50 million under management, this person will manage the donors, families, financial professionals that contribute to diocesan legacy giving efforts. The Foundation seeks to help Catholic individuals and organizations with permanent endowments, legacy gifts, and estate planning.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership for the Diocese's philanthropic efforts.
• Report to the Chief Administrative Officer and work closely with the Bishop.
• Lead efforts to strengthen major giving.
• Develop donor relationships.
• Improve development operations.
• Position the Diocese for continued philanthropic growth.
• Manage a small team to multiply impact and develop new development professionals.
• Serve as a player‑coach: develop and empower the team while personally spearheading major gift cultivation and solicitation.
• Inherit and oversee the existing development team, including the Director of Annual Giving and gift officers.
• Serve as Executive Director of the Catholic Legacy Foundation.
• Spearhead the diocesan platform for long‑term philanthropy.
• Manage donors, families, and financial professionals contributing to diocesan legacy giving (approximately $50 million under management).
• Assist Catholic individuals and organizations with permanent endowments, legacy gifts, and estate planning.

Requirements

• 5‑10 years of experience in development/fundraising.
• Demonstrated experience growing major gifts.
• Experience developing development strategy.
• Experience managing and coaching teams.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership.
• Experience with Catholic fundraising, clergy, and development technology/CRM systems (particularly valuable).