Director of Development

Catholic Rural Life (CRL) is a national, Catholic nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Catholic life in rural America. Our vision is thriving families, farms, and parishes centered on faith, community, and care of creation. Our work in ethical agriculture and pastoral ministry & outreach supports and builds the rural Church by educating leaders—clergy, religious, and laity.

Today, we advance our mission through four inter-related areas of impact:

• CRL’s Thriving in Rural Ministry program - Sharing of best practices and leadership development for pastors and deacons serving in rural communities.
• CRL’s Thriving Congregations - Strengthening lay leadership in parishes and expanding CRL presence throughout the rural America.
• CRL’s Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns – Supporting CRL Chapters and developing lay leadership through regional partnerships in rural communities.
• CRL’s Mustard Seed Project – Sharing stories of faith, hope and transformation in rural communities.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Catholic Rural Life, the Director of Development for Grants is responsible for providing leadership and initiative in expanding CRL’s support from foundations and institutions that support CRL’s programming and capital campaign, Sowing Seeds for Faith and Growth in Catholic Rural Life. The Director will work alongside the Director of Development for Donors & CRL Members as part of the Development Team.

Primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Research and write successful grant proposals to support CRL programming, raising between $500,000 to $1,000,000 per year.
• Prepare annual development plans for foundations/institutions.
• Participate on the Development Team to help support CRL programming and growth.
• Travel nationally for meetings with funders and attending relevant events.

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

This 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.

Experience and Qualification Requirements

A successful candidate for this position will have the following:

• Demonstrated success at securing grants ≥ $50,000.
• Demonstrated success in planning and executing annual development plans.
• At least five years of successful fundraising and development experiences.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in donor database management; Microsoft Office Suite; Google Suite.
• Undergraduate or higher degree in business or relevant field of study.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter by January 22, 2026.

Send to Seth Forster, Office Manager at seth@catholicrurallife.org, or via mail.

Catholic Rural Life, Univ. of St. Thomas

2115 Summit Ave., Mail #4080,

St. Paul, MN 55105.

Visit our website at CatholicRuralLife.org.