Philanthropic Gift Officer
| Organization | De La Salle North Catholic High School |
| Date Posted | January 9, 2026 |
| City | Portland |
| State | Oregon |
| Location | 100% On-site |
| Type of Position | Full-Time |
| Primary Job Function | Fundraising |
| Educational Requirement | Bachelor's Degree |
| Experience Requirement | 5-10 years |
| Salary Range | $85,000 – $100,000 annually |
Description & Details
Job Title: Philanthropic Gift Officer
Reports To: President
Classification: 12-month, Exempt, Full-Time (1.0 FTE)
De La Salle North Catholic High School provides a faith-based, college-preparatory high school education to underserved students from the Portland area. We are the most diverse private high school in Oregon, and over 95% of our graduates are accepted into college. Our goal is to develop tomorrow’s community leaders by making high-quality education accessible to motivated young people in a learning environment that values cultural, spiritual, and ethnic diversity. Our Lasallian Catholic approach provides each student with the opportunity to succeed through small classes, high expectations, faith expression, community service, and active participation in our Corporate Work Study Program affiliated with the nationally recognized Cristo Rey Network.
POSITION SUMMARY
As a key leader on the Development Team, the Philanthropic Gift Officer reports to the President and plays a critical role in advancing the school’s unique and transformative mission. The Officer manages a portfolio of major donors, secures leadership-level gifts, and oversees strategic donor relations activities. Through donor-centered relationship building, the Officer develops and implements individualized donor plans—including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies—while collaborating closely with the President, Board of Trustees, Ambassador Board, and other school leaders to ensure coordinated, mission-driven fundraising efforts.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Prospecting and Cultivation: Coordinate and refine the school’s moves management process to drive results-oriented engagement of mid-level and major gift prospects. Collaborate with the President on cultivation strategies that convert prospects into donors and grow the annual operating fund.
- Relationship Building and Stewardship: Strengthen existing donor relationships, improve retention, and strategically upgrade donors through thoughtful stewardship. Partner with the President and Board members to enhance donor experiences and support.
- Portfolio Management: Manage a portfolio of qualified donors with personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans. Develop customized gift proposals and giving goals, track progress throughout the year, and qualify new donors for the portfolio.
- Special Events: Support the success of fundraising events by coordinating donor relations activities, including securing sponsorships, matching gifts, strategic paddle raises, and donated auction items.
- Donor Communication and Documentation: Ensure timely, professional donor communication and efficient handling of inquiries and gift documentation, with personalized acknowledgment for significant gifts. Accurately track all donor interactions in Raiser’s Edge. Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Director to strategically deploy existing fundraising and marketing materials throughout the donor lifecycle, ensuring consistent messaging and clear communication of impact.
- Ambassador Board Engagement: Partner with the volunteer Ambassador Board to support fundraising and donor engagement activities, provide guidance on strategic initiatives, and amplify the school’s mission within the broader community.
- Advancing a Culture of Philanthropy: Support and promote a culture of philanthropy across the school by engaging the Board of Trustees, Ambassador Board, President, Strategic Leadership Team, staff, and faculty.
- Community and Representation: Represent DLSNC at community events and conferences, effectively communicating the role of donors as partners in the school’s mission.
- General Development Department Support: As a leader on the Development team, provide strategic support across all functions of the office and, when needed, offer administrative assistance to ensure the successful execution of special events and other Development activities throughout the year.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum of five years of progressive fundraising experience in a comprehensive development program; with a proven track record of successful solicitations for 5- and 6- figure gifts.
- Experience managing donor database systems; familiarity with Blackbaud’s The Raiser’s Edge and Greater Giving event software preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Proven ability to personally cultivate, solicit, close, administer, and steward mid-level and major gifts from individuals and corporations.
- Strong relationship-building skills with donors, including the ability to engage and inspire support.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey the school’s mission, impact, and unique vision.
- Ability to passionately articulate the school’s Lasallian charism and educational philosophy.
- Fully engaged and active participant in the life of the school and the broader community.
- Ability and enthusiasm to perform in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong organizational, time management, and analytical skills to establish and achieve fundraising goals and report results.
- Leadership skills combined with a collaborative, team-oriented approach; capable of inspiring cooperation across diverse groups.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; culturally competent in addressing complex issues.
- High level of integrity, initiative, creativity, and energy.
- Discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality when appropriate.
- Willingness and ability to travel as needed and to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
ANNUAL SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary DOE. Generous benefits package includes: 80 hours paid vacation, 80 hours paid sick time, paid holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance with a shared premium cost, employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), employee-paid voluntary insurance plans, and a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match.
TO APPLY
Please email cover letter and resume to hr@dlsnc.org. Employment contingent on a successful completion of background check. We are looking to fill this position immediately.
Application Instructions
Please email cover letter and resume to hr@dlsnc.org. Employment contingent on a successful completion of background check. We are looking to fill this position immediately.