Fund Development Officer

The United Methodist Church • El Paso, TX

437d • Onsite

About The Position

The Fund Development Officer at Lydia Patterson Institute is responsible for leading financial support efforts through a comprehensive fundraising strategy. This role focuses on securing major gifts, managing donor relationships, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization through endowment growth and scholarship development. The position is integral to the mission of the institute, which is dedicated to education advocacy and service within a Christian ministry context.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of fundraising experience with a proven track record of securing major gifts and achieving fundraising goals of over $1.5 million annually.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Experience with donor management software, Google Drive, Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, and Canva.
• Experience in endowment building and planned giving.
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel at least 30% of the time.
• Deep respect for Christian values and LPI's mission.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in nonprofit fundraising events planning and execution.
• Familiarity with the United Methodist Church and its community.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy focused on major gifts, annual appeals, planned giving, and endowment growth.
• Cultivate, solicit, and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government entities to raise $1.5 million annually.
• Continue to cultivate and extend relationships within the United Methodist Church.
• Collaborate with the President and Grants Manager to meet annual fundraising goals and expand LPI's financial resources over the next five years.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising events, including galas, donor appreciation events, and community outreach initiatives.
• Manage nonprofit software fundraising and relationship management program.
• Manage donor communications, including newsletters, appeals, acknowledgments, and recognition.
• Create annual reports for stakeholders.
• Develop and grow a scholarship endowment to support scholarships long-term.
• Develop and grow existing endowments by focusing on planned giving, ensuring the financial health of LPI.
• Work with the President and Board of Trustees to foster a donor-centric culture within the organization.
• Monitor and report on progress toward fundraising goals, donor engagement, and endowment growth.
• Serve as an ambassador for LPI, communicating the organization's mission to external audiences and representing LPI at donor meetings and events.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree