POSITION OVERVIEW

The President and Chief Executive Officer serves as the chief leader and public representative of the Catholic Foundation of Michigan, reporting to and partnering closely with the Board of Directors to advance the mission of the Foundation. Rooted in Catholic values, the CEO provides strategic vision, operational leadership, and organizational stewardship to ensure Catholic Foundation’s mission, financial health, and long-term vitality.

A priority of the CEO role is driving the continued growth of endowed and directed funds. Cultivating new giving opportunities is paramount, while strengthening philanthropic partnerships across the Catholic and broader community. The Foundation's mission is rooted in Catholic values and grants to both Catholic and non-Catholic nonprofits whose mission align.

As the Foundation’s principal ambassador, the CEO builds and nurtures relationships with donors, Catholic institutions, and community partners. The CEO elevates Catholic Foundation’s presence, impact, and ensures donor intent is upheld. This leadership role also cultivates a collaborative, mission-driven organizational culture and guides staff in executing strategic priorities.

Now completing its eighth year of service, Catholic Foundation is a relationship-driven 501(c)(3) organization built on trust, financial stewardship, and growth in Catholic philanthropy. The CEO works in partnership with the Board, staff, and Catholic leaders statewide to expand Catholic giving and support the needs of the Catholic community.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Catholic Identity & Ecclesial Partnership

• Ensure all Foundation activities reflect the teachings, values, and ethical standards of the Catholic Church.

• Demonstrate pastoral sensitivity and cultural awareness when working with diverse Catholic constituencies and leadership structures.

• Maintain constructive relationships with diocesan leaders, clergy, religious communities, and Catholic institutions across Michigan.

Strategic Leadership

• Prioritize the growth of the Foundation’s endowed assets and directed funds through strategic vision, proactive donor engagement, and expansion of philanthropic partnerships.

• Lead the development and implementation of the Foundation's strategic vision and goals.

• Navigate and lead within the diverse cultures, priorities, and charisms of Catholic institutions, ensuring strategic initiatives are responsive to the needs of dioceses, parishes, schools, ministries, and religious communities.

• Maintain a deep understanding of Catholic philanthropy trends and the needs of Catholic ministries.

• Ensure all strategies align with the mission of the Foundation and are responsive to evolving community and donor needs.

• Report regularly to the Board on progress, challenges, and opportunities.

External Relations & Public Voice

• Increase awareness of Catholic philanthropy by elevating the Foundation’s value proposition to prospective donors, professional advisors, and community partners.

• Serve as the chief spokesperson and ambassador of the Foundation, representing its mission to donors, Catholic partners, media, and the public.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with ecclesial leaders, including bishops, archbishops, vicars, pastors, principals, and chancery officials.

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with Catholic institutions, philanthropic organizations, and community leaders.

• Champion the visibility of the Foundation and the impact of Catholic philanthropy through public speaking, events, and thought leadership.

• Represent the Foundation across Catholic ministries, ecclesial communities, and other mission-aligned nonprofit partners.

Executive Leadership & Board Governance

• Partner with the Board of Directors to ensure strong governance, transparency, and mission alignment.

• Provide timely and accurate reports, strategic guidance, and recommendations to the Board.

• Support Board development, including recruitment, orientation, and engagement of new and current members.

• Strengthen communication and long-term strategic alignment between the Board, diocesan leadership, and Catholic community partners.

• Foster a collaborative and values-driven organizational culture.

Fund Development & Partner Relationships

• Drive growth in directed funds, endowed funds, and planned giving commitments through active cultivation of new donors and re-engagement of existing fundholders.

• Build and strengthen relationships with professional advisors, including Catholic estate planning attorneys, financial planners, and wealth managers. These relationships will increase referrals, expand planned giving, accelerate growth.

• Lead the Foundation's development and fundraising efforts, with a focus on cultivating new donor relationships and stewarding existing fundholders.

• Engage directly with individual donors, Catholic parishes, schools, and ministries to grow endowed funds and grantmaking partnerships.

• Cultivate relationships with both Catholic and non-Catholic community organizations that advance mission-aligned work and reflect the Foundation’s commitment to impactful, values-based philanthropy across the broader community.

• Maintain a robust understanding of donor intent, planned giving vehicles, and fund agreements.

• Engage effectively with donors, parishes, schools, ministries, and religious orders. Recognize and honor the distinct cultures, histories, and governance structures within each Catholic community.

Organizational Management & Administration

• Ensure that internal systems, fundholder services, and stewardship practices effectively support donor acquisition, donor retention, and the expansion of endowed and directed funds.

• Oversee the effective operation of all Foundation programs, services including grantmaking, marketing, fundholder and communications.

• Lead and support the staff team, promoting a positive culture of accountability, respect, and mission-centered service.

• Oversee grantmaking practices that reflect the Foundation’s dual commitment to serving Catholic ministries and supporting mission-driven community organizations.

• Ensure strong operational systems, legal and regulatory compliance, and adherence to Catholic social and ethical standards.

• Foster organizational practices that reflect Catholic values, promote collaboration across Catholic constituencies, and support professional engagement with diocesan and ministry partners.

Financial Oversight

• Collaborate with investment advisors to ensure the Foundation’s financial performance, reporting, and investment strategies support donor confidence and the long-term growth of endowed and directed funds.

• Ensure investment strategies and fund administration adhere to Catholic ethical standards. These investment strategies will respect the pastoral priorities of dioceses, parishes, and ministries served by the Foundation.

• Direct the development of annual budgets and financial plans in collaboration with finance staff and board.

• Monitor financial performance, ensuring sound fiscal management, internal controls, and investment oversight.

• Verify all funds are managed with integrity and in accordance with donor intent and legal requirements.

Education, Skills and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the Catholic Church and knowledge of Catholic teachings and values.

• Demonstrated success in growing philanthropic assets, including directed funds, endowed funds, and planned giving commitments.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across multiple Catholic constituencies, including dioceses, parishes, schools, religious orders, chancery offices, and lay apostolates.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with ecclesial leadership, including bishops, archbishops, chancery leadership, and diocesan officials. Demonstrate professionalism, pastoral sensitivity, and respect for Church governance and culture.

• Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit, philanthropic, or mission-driven organizations, preferably in community foundations and/or a Catholic or faith-based context.

• Proven success in fundraising, donor stewardship, and strategic partnerships.

• Experience managing staff and building collaborative, high-performing teams.

• Strong understanding of fund management, finance, and organizational governance.

• Inspirational public communicator and relationship builder.

• Experience working with boards and stakeholders in a strategic mission-aligned manner.

This position reports to the Board of Directors, Catholic Foundation of Michigan.

For more information, please contact Katherine Shubnell at 313.806.4005 or kshubnell@daudlinsearch.com

About Catholic Foundation of Michigan

We are a lay led, 501(c)(3) Catholic foundation independent from the Archdiocese of Detroit, but endorsed by Archbishop Vigneron who ensures our Catholicity. We serve as the center for Catholic philanthropy providing service to both philanthropic-minded individuals and Catholic organizations with administrative and investment services. Through the work of the Foundation we connect donors to local needs and support Catholic organizations in their work so they can serve and evangelize others. Account holders at the Foundation are engaged in their faith and committed to help the Church serve and grow in today’s world. Catholic philanthropy will support our efforts to unleash the Gospel within our communities. It’s about creating a Catholic legacy. We hope you’ll join us.

For more information, please contact Katherine Shubnell at 313.806.4005 or kshubnell@daudlinsearch.com