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Full Job Description
Mission Advocate - LCMS Mission Advancement
In grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod's mission is to vigorously make known the love of Chrischristord and deed within our churches and communities and the world.
The Mission Advancement unit of the LCMS works closely with Synod’s Communications 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 the fundraising activity of the national office according to the policies established by the Board of Directors of the Synod.
Reporting Relationships
Associate Executive Director Transformative Giving
Essential Job Functions
As an integral part of the Mission Advancement team, the Mission Advocate:
Plans and carries out an intentional strategy of donor engagement and solicitation in an assigned region and with an assigned portfolio of prospective and active significant donors to establish and manage mutually beneficial relationships that lead to joyful major and principal gifts.
Works with other Major Gifts, Grants, Congregation, and District Relations staff to stage additional prospects for incorporation into their assigned portfolio.
Potential regional relocation within the United States
Personally, visits donors and prospects to discover, cultivate, solicit and steward mutually beneficial major gifts using approved ministry case resources and to capture and record donor views and opinions of the Synod’s efforts which impact giving decisions.
Accurately records all plans, interactions, actions, and the results of significant gift activities in the database system for future analysis, forecasting, and planning.
Works with Prospect Researches to capture, validate and integrate accurate information on prospects and donor portfolio management.
Works with and utilizes LCMS programmatic staff and leaders to help donors and prospects gain clarity about Synod’s prioritized and budgeted fundraising goals, special initiatives, and unique campaigns.
Makes presentations responding to inquiries from groups or organizations considering funding national and international work.
Participates in creating, evaluating, and necessary revisions of case statements and major gift proposal formats based on donor feedback and performance data.
Adheres to Synod policies and procedures for performing these duties and the expenditure of budgeted resources in carrying out these duties. Promptly submits accurate expense reports and documentation for charges incurred in performing these duties.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree.
Two or more years of experience in successful major gift fundraising is preferred.
Professional Mission Advancement certification is preferred (CFRE, ACFRE, or equivalent)
Continuing professional education and formation in the profession of donor relations is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
You have demonstrated the ability to develop relationships leading to five-figure and higher direct gifts.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
We are committed to the highest level of professional ethics, accountability, and transparency.
Knowledge and understanding of the LCMS and its stakeholder groups.
Proficient in 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.
Comfortable working with a donor’s legal and financial advisors.
Ability and willingness to travel extensively, 50% of the time.
Able to accept and integrate coaching recommendations from senior staff into daily work patterns.