Mission Advocate

THE LUTHERAN CHURCH - MISSOURI SYNOD•Kirkwood, MO

53d

About The Position

The LCMS Mission "In grateful response to God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities, and world." Department Profile The LCMS Mission Advancement (MADV) unit connects people in their voluntary charitable giving to the Synod’s ministry and mission efforts. It does so in a manner consistent with Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions while complying with legal, regulatory and ethical principles expected of all trustworthy philanthropic organizations. MADV works closely with LCMS Communications department to support the mission and ministry efforts of the Offices of National Mission, International Mission and Pastoral Education (all of which report to the LCMS Chief Mission Officer) as well as the general operations of corporate Synod. Reporting Relationships Reports to the Director—Transformative Giving (or to the Executive Director of Mission Advancement if the TG director’s position is vacant). Position Summary Essential Job Functions Clearly and effectively communicates the mission and work of the LCMS, raising awareness and articulating opportunities for engagement among members and constituents. Cultivates a deeper commitment to the Church’s mission, inspiring constituents to actively partner in its work through prayer, participation, and support. Designs and carries out national and international strategies to connect with, understand, and meet the philanthropic needs of household and organizational contributors giving or willing/able to consider annual gifts to the LCMS in the upper one-third of all contributors, typically $5,000 annually or more. Uses a respectful appreciative inquiry process to develop a deep understanding of each assigned contributor to faithfully represent the philanthropic interest, dreams, and intent of that contributor to corporate synod. Visits consistently in person or by telephone with assigned contributors and potential transformative-level contributors for the purpose of understanding their personal charitable/philanthropic goals; determining “best gift” potential and giving timeline; encourage, invite and facilitate significant and meaningful charitable gifts, and capture relevant contributor information that may impact their future charitable giving decisions. Works collaboratively with other Advancement staff members to position select contributors for incorporation into his or her assigned portfolio, toward a goal of intentionally managing not more than 75 pre-qualified connections (based on recency, frequency, and total dollar value of contributions) repeatedly. This number will be fewer if the total financial capacity of the portfolio is higher; a higher if the total financial capacity is low(er). Conducts presentations in response to inquiries from groups or organizations who are considering funding national and international work, pastoral formation and care options, and special initiatives. Serves as a liaison between Mission Advancement and a designated ministry area, as determined by the appropriate supervisor. Responsibilities include attending regular meetings to stay informed of ministry activities, serving as a resource to Mission Advancement by providing relevant information, and acting as a primary point of contact for the assigned ministry or region. Coordinates and participates in ministry trips and visits in collaboration with mission field leadership.Works with the unit research team to capture, validate and integrate accurate information on prospects (active donors) and potential transformative-level constituents. Utilizes LCMS programmatic staff and leaders to help contributors and other constituents reach clarity about Synod’s mission, impact, prioritized and budgeted fundraising goals, special initiatives and special campaigns; and, upon reaching clarity, determine their proposal role and stake in Synod’s mission. Participates in the creation, evaluation, and necessary revisions of case statements and gift proposal formats based on donor feedback and performance data. Accurately records all engagement plans, constituent contacts (interactions), steps/actions, and the results of conversations and proposals in the database system for future analysis and planning. Adheres to Synod policies and procedures, the Donor Bill of Rights and the Code of Ethical Principles and Practices for the performance of these duties and the wise stewarding of budgeted unit and position resources in carrying out these duties. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Active membership in good standing in an LCMS congregation, faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and supportive of the Synod's Constitution, Bylaws, and policies
Bachelor’s degree: masters of higher is preferred.
One to three years’ experience in successful major donor relations management or loyal customer care; five or more years is preferred.
Interest in proactively establishing and maintaining connections with contributors, specifically those willing to consider five-figure and higher direct gifts.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
Deep curiosity about other people and willingness to ask insightful questions and listen deeply to understand the other person.
Capable and proficient at working on a multi-staff, multi-role team in a complex, ever-changing environment.
Committed to the highest level of professional ethics, accountability and transparency.
Committed to ongoing professional growth, education and development toward obtaining or renewing professional credentialing.
Above average knowledge and understanding of the LCMS, agreement with its confessional standards, and familiarity with its various stakeholder groups.
Proficient using Microsoft Office suite products.
Comfortable using CRM/donor relations software to track work effort (Blackbaud experience preferred).
Pleasant and confident phone skills, excellent computer, written and verbal skills and detail oriented.
Able to carry on simultaneous, sustained work in a situation defined by deadlines and multiple assignments.
Ability to work with minimal immediate supervision, make business-critical decisions and protect confidential information.
Open to pursuing professional education and certification in the profession of contributor relations.
Comfortable working with a donor’s legal and financial advisor.
Ability and willingness to travel extensively, 50% to 75% of the time.
Able to accept and integrate coaching recommendations from senior staff into daily work patterns.

Nice To Haves

CFRE or similar credentialing is preferred.
Bachelor’s degree: masters of higher is preferred.
One to three years’ experience in successful major donor relations management or loyal customer care; five or more years is preferred.
Comfortable using CRM/donor relations software to track work effort (Blackbaud experience preferred).

Responsibilities

Clearly and effectively communicates the mission and work of the LCMS, raising awareness and articulating opportunities for engagement among members and constituents.
Cultivates a deeper commitment to the Church’s mission, inspiring constituents to actively partner in its work through prayer, participation, and support.
Designs and carries out national and international strategies to connect with, understand, and meet the philanthropic needs of household and organizational contributors giving or willing/able to consider annual gifts to the LCMS in the upper one-third of all contributors, typically $5,000 annually or more.
Uses a respectful appreciative inquiry process to develop a deep understanding of each assigned contributor to faithfully represent the philanthropic interest, dreams, and intent of that contributor to corporate synod.
Visits consistently in person or by telephone with assigned contributors and potential transformative-level contributors for the purpose of understanding their personal charitable/philanthropic goals; determining “best gift” potential and giving timeline; encourage, invite and facilitate significant and meaningful charitable gifts, and capture relevant contributor information that may impact their future charitable giving decisions.
Works collaboratively with other Advancement staff members to position select contributors for incorporation into his or her assigned portfolio, toward a goal of intentionally managing not more than 75 pre-qualified connections (based on recency, frequency, and total dollar value of contributions) repeatedly.
Conducts presentations in response to inquiries from groups or organizations who are considering funding national and international work, pastoral formation and care options, and special initiatives.
Serves as a liaison between Mission Advancement and a designated ministry area, as determined by the appropriate supervisor.
Coordinates and participates in ministry trips and visits in collaboration with mission field leadership.
Works with the unit research team to capture, validate and integrate accurate information on prospects (active donors) and potential transformative-level constituents.
Utilizes LCMS programmatic staff and leaders to help contributors and other constituents reach clarity about Synod’s mission, impact, prioritized and budgeted fundraising goals, special initiatives and special campaigns; and, upon reaching clarity, determine their proposal role and stake in Synod’s mission.
Participates in the creation, evaluation, and necessary revisions of case statements and gift proposal formats based on donor feedback and performance data.
Accurately records all engagement plans, constituent contacts (interactions), steps/actions, and the results of conversations and proposals in the database system for future analysis and planning.
Adheres to Synod policies and procedures, the Donor Bill of Rights and the Code of Ethical Principles and Practices for the performance of these duties and the wise stewarding of budgeted unit and position resources in carrying out these duties.