Victor Javier Mitre Jr.

The Archdiocese of Seattle chose Victor Javier Mitre Jr. as new Executive Director of Stewardship and Development on Aug. 5.

Mitre, a parishioner at St. Patrick Parish in Tacoma, stepped into the leadership role after the retirement of Deacon Pierce Murphy, who served in the role for four years. 

“We spoke with many candidates and are pleased we found such a strong leader for this crucial position,” said Archbishop Paul D. Etienne. “Victor brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising and development, including planned giving, which will help us ensure the sustainability of archdiocesan operations and finances.”  

In this role, Mitre will lead the Stewardship and Development team, which is responsible for donor relations, planned giving, the Annual Catholic Appeal, National Collections, support for parish stewardship campaigns and more. In addition to leading his team, Mitre will be a member of the archbishop’s Leadership Team, which examines archdiocesan-wide initiatives.  

“I’m honored and feel very blessed for the opportunity to serve the Church where I can take my professional skills and put my faith in action,” said Mitre, who recently earned the Charted Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) professional designation. “I look forward to working closely with everyone to advance our mission through the spirituality of our stewardship.”  

Mitre and his family relocated to Washington in August of 2019, and he worked as the Vice President of Fundraising for Goodwill. Prior to Goodwill, Mitre worked as the Chief Development Officer for the Diocese of Stockton in California, where he served as the strategic development advisor to the bishop and vicar general with full responsibilities of leading the fund development initiatives.  

He has led multiple multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns and implemented change management initiatives at other organizations including the MedicAlert Foundation, Community Hospice, the University of California, Merced, and the Turlock Education Foundation. In addition to his professional career, Mitre is currently a Ph.D. student pursuing a degree in organizational leadership and change.  

“Mitre’s varied experience will not only help us with our development initiatives but will help strengthen our overall capabilities with his change management expertise,” said Archbishop Etienne.