Fund Development Manager

Fund Development Manager

Cathedral Basilica Foundation Newfoundland & Labrador (CBFNL)

About the Cathedral Basilica Foundation NL

The Cathedral Basilica Foundation NL (CBFNL) exists to preserve, restore, and activate the Basilica Block—one of the most historically, culturally, and spiritually significant sites in Newfoundland and Labrador. As we expand programming, strengthen partnerships, and steward major heritage initiatives, we are building a dedicated fund development function to support long-term financial sustainability.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic, growing, mission-driven environment and who is excited to build a modern fundraising program for a historic and culturally vital institution.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Fund Development Manager is responsible for designing, executing, and managing a comprehensive fundraising program that supports the Basilica Block's evolving needs. This role requires someone who is strategic 
and
 hands-on—equally comfortable planning annual campaigns as they are writing donor letters, cultivating relationships, managing sponsorships, or stewarding members.

Working closely and collaboratively with the Executive Director, the Fund Development Manager will help shape and deliver the Foundation's fund development strategy.

We are seeking an experienced candidate who is proactive, organized, personable, and deeply committed to building and maintaining strong donor relationships.

Key Responsibilities

1. Build & Manage a Full Fundraising Program

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan—in consultation with the Executive Director—with clear targets, timelines, and metrics.
• Create and maintain systems for donor tracking, campaign planning, and stewardship cycles.
• Maintain an accurate donor Customer Relationship Management System (CRM) and develop reliable reporting structures, keeping the Executive Director informed of patterns, insights, and trends.

2. Lead Annual Giving, Memberships & Campaigns

• Plan, execute, and evaluate all annual giving initiatives (Giving Tuesday, year-end campaigns, Friends renewals, etc.), working in collaboration with the Executive Director to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
• Write all fundraising communications for campaigns, including letters, donor updates, emails, and stewardship messages.
• Work closely with the communications team and the Executive Director to create cohesive and compelling campaign materials.

3. Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Identify, cultivate, and steward donors, supporters, parishioners, and alumni.
• Ensure timely acknowledgement and meaningful stewardship touchpoints.
• Support the Executive Director and Board Fundraising Chair with donor meeting preparation, follow-up, and relationship management.

4. Sponsorships & Partnerships

• Develop sponsorship packages for concerts, heritage programs, and events.
• Identify and engage local businesses and corporate partners.
• Collaborate with and support the Executive Director in cultivating and securing major sponsorships and long-term partnerships.

5. Grant Research, Writing & Reporting

• Identify funding opportunities across government, foundations, and cultural/heritage sectors.
• Write clear, compelling proposals and submit all required documentation in consultation with the Executive Director to ensure alignment with institutional priorities.
• Track grant cycles, prepare timely reports, and keep the Executive Director updated on progress and outcomes.

6. Event Support

• Assist with donor-facing events, program launches, concerts, and stewardship gatherings.
• Provide logistical and communication support as needed, coordinating closely with the Executive Director to ensure seamless execution.

Who We're Looking For – The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking an individual who embodies the following qualities and strengths:

• Experienced in fundraising:
  You bring 3 to 5+ years of successfully leading major fundraising campaigns and have a demonstrated track record of securing transformative capital gifts that directly advance mission outcomes.
• Proactive and highly organized:
  You bring structure to complex work, anticipate needs, and keep projects moving forward with minimal direction.
• A relationship-builder at heart:
  You value authentic connections and understand how to cultivate trust, rapport, and long-term donor engagement.
• An exceptional communicator:
  You can articulate heritage, culture, and community impact in ways that inspire action and deepen support.
• Comfortable in a dynamic, evolving environment:
  You thrive in an entrepreneurial setting—balancing independence with close collaboration, especially with the Executive Director.
• Mission-driven:
  You are motivated by the significance of the Basilica Block and are committed to advancing its long-term sustainability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of fundraising, development, and advancement experience.
• Demonstrated success in annual giving, donor relations, sponsorship development, or grant writing.
• Strong writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with databases or CRM systems.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience in arts, culture, heritage, education, or faith-based sectors is an asset.

All applicants must provide at least three professional references. Applications without references will not be considered.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience, qualifications, and performance.

The position is also eligible for a performance-based annual bonus, tied to the achievement of agreed-upon fundraising targets and strategic fund development milestones, as approved by the Board and Executive Director.

Working Conditions

• This is a fully in-person role based at the Basilica Block.
• Some evenings/weekends required for events and donor activities.

How to Apply

Submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to:

Maria Conkey

Executive Director

Cathedral Basilica Foundation NL

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.