Catholic Rural Life (CRL) is a national, Catholic nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Catholic life in rural America. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, CRL is a membership-based organization, comprised of bishops, laity, and religious who are joined in a common effort to serve the rural Church, rural people, and their communities.
For over 102 years, our vision for thriving families, farms, and parishes —centered on faith, community, and care of creation—has never wavered. While the issues that affect rural communities have changed over the decades, CRL‘s commitment to rural America has remained strong. Today, our dynamic team advances our mission through several strategic initiatives including:
• Thriving in Rural Ministry: An educational program designed for rural pastors and deacons to assist them in their ministry in rural communities.
Thriving Rural Congregations: A lay leadership program focused on strengthening parish ministry in rural communities.
CRL Affiliates: CRL Affiliates are groups of lay leaders committed to outreach and service in their respective rural communities.
Mustard Seed Project: An initiative to share powerful stories of faith, hope, and love in rural communities across the country inspiring others in their faith and increasing CRL membership.
Ethical Food and Agriculture: Educational programs focused on the Vocation of the Agricultural Leader exploring the integration of faith, food and the environment.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Catholic Rural Life, the Director of Development is responsible for providing leadership and initiative in raising $1,000,000-$2,000,000 annually in financial resources to support CRL’s programming. The Director is also responsible for leading the implementation of a successful capital campaign.
Primary duties and responsibilities include:
• Significantly increase the number of CRL major donors, gifts >$1,000.
• Significantly increase CRL’s donor base and memberships.
• Prepare annual development plan.
• Manage a Development Coordinator that will support both the Executive Director and the Development Director.
• Lead CRL’s Development Committee.
• Oversee research and writing of successful grant proposals.
• Travel regularly (25%-30%) and nationally to meetings with major donors and funders and attend relevant events.
Experience and Qualification Requirements
A successful candidate for this position will have the following:
• Demonstrated success at closing major donor gifts and securing grants ≥ $50,000.
• Demonstrated success in planning and executing capital campaigns.
• At least 10 years of successful fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated experience and success working with board members.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in donor database management software; Microsoft Office; Google Works.
• Willingness to travel 25%-30%.
• Undergraduate or higher degree in business or relevant field of study.
Work Venue
The office is located at the University of St. Thomas campus in St. Paul. The professional chosen will be expected to live in the Twin Cities metro and work in the office.
Terms
The position is a full-time position. The salary for this position will depend upon experience. Catholic Rural Life offers a competitive benefits package that includes dental and medical coverage, a retirement plan and flexible personal time off. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter outlining your interest and experience to Seth Forster at seth@catholicrurallife.org. CRL will accept applications until October 15, 2026 or until the position is filled.