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Philanthropy Officer: Catholic Foundation of Rhode Island

The Catholic Foundation of Rhode Island (CFRI) exists to strengthen the

future of the Catholic Church in Rhode Island by helping individuals and families

create enduring legacies of faith through planned gifts, estate gifts, and endowed

funds. As a separate 501(c)(3) serving the Diocese of Providence, the Foundation

stewards more than 460 endowed funds and over $180 million in charitable

assets that provide lasting support for parishes, Catholic schools, seminarians,

retired priests, charitable ministries, and other vital works of the Church.

The Foundation serves as the Diocese's philanthropic partner, helping donors

align their charitable goals with the ministries they care about most. As the

Foundation expands its outreach to a new generation of Catholic givers, it is

investing in stronger donor relationships, increased planned giving, and the

growth of permanent endowment funds that will sustain the Church's mission for

decades to come. This is an exciting opportunity for a relationship-driven

fundraiser to join a small, collaborative team and help shape the next

generation of Catholic philanthropy in Rhode Island.

Established in 1872, the Diocese of Providence serves the Catholic Church

throughout Rhode Island through its network of parishes, schools, and ministries.

The Catholic Foundation plays a central role in ensuring these ministries have the

long-term financial resources to carry their mission forward for future generations.

Position Summary:

The Philanthropy Officer is responsible for designing and executing an annual philanthropic

engagement strategy to grow and sustain support for the Catholic Foundation of Rhode Island.

This includes cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors for planned gifts, major outright

gifts, and endowed fund growth opportunities from new donors establishing funds and from

existing endowed fundholders making additional contributions to their funds. The role

manages a portfolio of prospects and current fundholders and is accountable for increasing

planned giving commitments, expanding the Foundation’s endowment pipeline, and deepening

long-term donor relationships. This position reports directly to the Executive Director.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute an annual plan with clear objectives and measurable activity

targets.

• Identify, research, and qualify prospective donors and funding sources using

independent prospect research and support provided by the Foundation Operations

Manager, and develop effective cultivation and solicitation strategies.

• Conduct and personally lead one-on-one cultivation visits and gift solicitations, with a

target of 100 visits annually.

• Steward existing donors and endowed fundholders to ensure ongoing engagement

and identify opportunities for additional contributions to established funds.

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Board of Advisors, and Chief Financial Officer

to advance donor engagement strategies and implement Foundation priorities.

• In partnership with the Executive Director and marketing consultants, support the

promotion of CFRI through recognition societies, donor storytelling, and targeted

communications.

• Present at educational and promotional seminars organized by the Catholic

Foundation of Rhode Island on philanthropic giving, including planned giving and

endowment development, for parishes, schools, diocesan agencies, and external

professional audiences.

• Maintain the highest standards of ethical practice in all aspects of donor engagement

and solicitation.

• Support Board of Advisors committees as needed, including preparation and follow-up

for meetings and initiatives.

• Build and sustain strong working relationships with pastors and lay leaders to foster

collaboration, trust, and philanthropic engagement.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• 7+ years of successful, relevant experience in planned giving, major gifts, or

institutional fundraising preferred; equivalent combinations of education and

experience considered.

• Demonstrated strength in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders in a collaborative, mission-driven

environment.

Special Requirement:

• An understanding of the structure and operations of the Catholic Church and an

understanding and commitment to the tenets of the Catholic Faith are required

Reporting Relationships:

• This position reports to: Executive Director.