Mission Advocate - California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico

Mission Advocate - California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico Apply Apply Mission Advocate - California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico 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." Reporting Relationships Reports to the Director—Transformative Giving Position will cover the following territories: California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico Essential Job Functions Designs and carries out international strategies to contact 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-injury 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. 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). Visit 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. Accurately record all engagement plans, constituent contacts (interactions), steps/actions, and the results of conversations and proposals in the database system for future analysis and planning. Work with the unit research team to capture, validate and integrate accurate information on prospects (active donors) and potential transformative-level constituents. Work with and utilize 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. Give 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. Participate in the creation, evaluation, and necessary revisions of case statements and gift proposal formats based on donor feedback and performance data. Adhere 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. Education and Experience Active member in good standing of an LCMS congregation. Bachelor’s degree required: Master's or higher is preferred. One to three years’ experience in successful major donor relations management or loyal customer care required; five or more years is preferred. CFRE or similar credentialing is preferred. Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) 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 (Salesforce 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. Supervisory Responsibility None