A catalyst precursor composition and methods for making such a catalyst precursor are disclosed. The catalyst precursor comprises at least a promoter metal selected from Group VIII, Group IIB, Group IIA, Group IVA and combinations thereof having an oxidation state of +2 or +4, at least one Group VIB metal having an oxidation state of +6, and at least one organic oxygen-containing ligand. Catalysts prepared from the sulfidation of such catalyst precursors are used in the hydroprocessing of hydrocarbon feeds.