Director of Donor Relations

FIRST-PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC
2000 D St, Lincoln, NE 68502

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Director of Donor Relations

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 2025

POSITION STATUS: $39 to $42 per hour ($37,500-$40,350)

POSITION SUMMARY:
First-Plymouth Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, is seeking a half-time staff member to develop a fundraising program that supports the church’s long-range initiative to increase the church endowment, as well as to work with an existing committee on the $2.5M annual pledge drive that funds the annual budget. The primary scope of work for this staff member will focus on the solicitation and organization of long-range and estate giving by members of the congregation and the community.

The church’s Board of Trustees recently affirmed the need to increase the endowment designated for the ongoing maintenance of the church building—itself a work of art and an architectural treasure—by approximately $8M over the next several years. The case statement, which outlines the basis of this endowment initiative, is attached.

This staff member would also collaborate with an existing committee on the annual pledge drive that supports the church’s annual budget of approximately $2.5M.

About First-Plymouth

First-Plymouth Church is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Lincoln, Nebraska. A United Church of Christ congregation, First-Plymouth was founded in 1866 and has grown to more than 4,000 members. Its reach and influence extend not only throughout the community but also globally.

The mission of First-Plymouth is to increase the love of God and neighbor through ongoing ministries that include more than 40 worship services per month, an internationally renowned music ministry, programs for children, youth, and families, and a vibrant media ministry that attracts approximately 5,000 online worshipers per week worldwide.

First-Plymouth lives out its mission through service to the community, including its justNeighbors ministry, which serves the immediate, under-resourced neighborhood surrounding the church building, with a focus on elevating hope both locally and globally.

More information about First-Plymouth can be found at
https://www.firstplymouth.org/who-we-are

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership

· Provide leadership, management, professional development, and mentoring to the internal church family (primarily the ministerial and senior staff and the Board of Trustees).

· Create and implement fundraising best practices and strategies.

· Partner with the Senior Minister, the Board of Trustees, and the Development Committee to create and strengthen a culture of philanthropy across the entire organization at all levels.

Fundraising

· Develop, refine, and implement strategies for fundraising that maximize potential giving for both the endowment initiative and the annual pledge drive.

• Maximize giving through donor cultivation and clear communication about stewardship opportunities.

· Oversee the maintenance of the donor database and ensure its accuracy and reliability.

· Manage an active portfolio of major donors and prospects by creating and implementing personalized cultivation and stewardship plans, including tailored gift requests. Coordinate donor outreach with church leaders as appropriate.

· Create a structured planned giving program, with early emphasis on bequests, including outreach to the established legacy society, the First-Plymouth Futures Group.

· Analyze reports on donor interactions to make strategic decisions that maximize giving opportunities; prepare and present progress updates and information to the church’s senior leadership team and Board of Trustees.

Desirable Attributes

· A bachelor’s degree, and preferably a graduate degree, in nonprofit management or a related discipline, or a combination of education and equivalent experience.

· Experience in organized religion or human services is a plus.

· Five years of experience in institutional or organizational fundraising, including a proven track record of securing major gifts beyond annual support.

· Familiarity with and commitment to best practices in fundraising programs.

· Familiarity with and a track record in hands-on planned giving programs, especially bequests.

· Demonstrated expertise in working with and motivating volunteers.

· Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen and interact effectively with donors and board members.\

· Strong verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively with other team members in church management, while handling multiple projects and priorities.

· Familiarity with relevant donor database software packages.

· Experience in major gifts campaigns is a plus.

· Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential is a plus

· Familiarity with the Lincoln philanthropic community.

HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for this position, please email a resume (please indicate Director of Donor Relations) to Addie Vortherms at addie@firstplymouth.org. Applications may also be submitted to the church office by mail or in person at:
2000 D Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68502.

Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until the successful candidate is hired.

Pay: $39.00 - $42.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $3