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The Mission Advancement unit of the LCMS works closely with Synod’s Communications unit to support the mission and ministry efforts of the Office of National Mission, the Office of International Mission, and Pastoral Education which all report to the Chief Mission Officer. The Chief Mission Officer, on behalf of the President, shall supervise fundraising activity of the national office according to the policies established by the Board of Directors of the Synod.
Reporting Relationships
- Reports to Associate Executive Director Transformative Giving
Essential Job Functions
- The Planned Giving Advocate will plan and implement a gift planning program within the Mission Advancement unit that also collaborates with other entities within the LCMS. Through direct face-t0-face service with identified mission support stakeholders or via collaborative services provided by the LC-MS Foundation, gift planning opportunities will be provided to those who have financially supported LCMS Missions. The goal is to enable those who have supported mission initiatives during life to also have the opportunity to implement a gift plan that can be a continuation of their passion; many times, resulting in their largest measure of support.
- With input and direction from the Associate Executive Director of Mission Advancement - Transformational Giving, create and implement an annual plan for providing gift planning opportunities to individuals served by Mission Advancement staff.
- Provide personal gift planning service to individuals served through the work of Mission Advancement. As an Associate Counselor with The LCMS Foundation, when providing such service, Foundation backroom support shall be utilized when needed.
- Coordinate and collaborate with The LC-MS Foundation Gift Planning counselors in handing off referrals from Mission Advancement for gift planning service. A process shall be implemented for communication and updates of work, status and outcomes.
- Develop a strategy and awareness process for gift planning opportunities that can be utilized by Mission Advancement staff.
- At the direction of the Associate Executive Director - Transformational Giving, provide service to major gift prospects.
- Assist in the development of a marketing program for Gift Planning.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Synod President, the Chief Mission Officer, the Executive Director of Mission Advancement or the Associate Director of Mission Advancement-Transformational Giving.
Education and Experience
- A member in good standing of an LCMS congregation.
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing or a related field; Master’s is preferred.
- A minimum of five years of successful experience in gift planning with a religious organization.
- A minimum of five years of successful experience in managing relationships between religious organizations.
- Professional fund-raising/advancement certification (CFRE or similar).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Exceptional organizational, time management and priority-setting skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with individuals and teams within the LCMS.
- Demonstrated ability to relate to various personality traits and types
- Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and implement both simple and complex gift plans.
- Ability to function in a management system that emphasizes relationship-focused results and personal accountability.
- Above average knowledge of and familiarity with LCMS structure and leadership, rostered workers, auxiliaries and partners of the Synod.
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills, both written and oral.
- Strong working knowledge of Christian stewardship principles and the ability to apply those principles in a fundraising environment.
- Ability to relate easily to clergy and lay leadership as well as to a variety of people in order to secure their interest, involvement and investment in the work of Synod.
- Open to and able to travel extensively.
- Above average knowledge of financial, tax and estate law matters.
- Computer and technologically literate.