Faith Relations Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

The Faith Relations Specialist is responsible for securing build sponsorships and soliciting financial gifts from faith partners and prospects to support Habitat’s mission and meet the overall budgetary goal related to house sponsorships. This role will serve as the primary point of contact for faith-based sponsors and donors, ensuring their needs and expectations are met. For House sponsors, the Faith Relations Specialist will lead the Sponsors’ involvement prior to, during and after the build, to maximize the Sponsor/Volunteer Habitat experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS:

Fundraising

• Identify, cultivate, and secure build sponsorships from faith-based organizations and individuals in support of the approved build schedule. Ensure they are successful in meeting their goals both with fundraising and volunteer engagement. Ensure that a positive experience is had by all investors and volunteers, and sponsorships are repeated and expanded.
• Lead efforts to solicit financial gifts from faith organizations. Develop and implement strategies to attract and retain faith-based build sponsors, ensuring their ongoing engagement and support and create and execute initiatives aimed at increasing donations and financial support.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with faith leaders, congregations, and community members. Enhance relationships through scheduled calls and outreach and utilize connections to identify and connect with new faith sponsorship prospects.
• Monitor and report on the progress of sponsorship and fundraising efforts, documenting all faith partner and prospects journeys in Salesforce as they move from prospects to funders. Analyze data to identify trends and recommend and implement opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure the continuation of collaborative, community builds like Unity Build, Methodist Build and Catholic Build by leading fundraising and congregation engagement.
• Participate at the build site to welcome and integrate faith sponsors and volunteers.
• Ensure the submission of “Build Sponsor Form” once a build sponsor commits to partnering with Habitat to trigger the creation of the Build Sponsor Agreement, Volunteer Coordinator Form and other build tasks including the pre- and post- build meetings.
• Prospect and approach foundations, organizations and individuals that support faith-based initiatives and may align with our mission.
• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships with faith-based organizations to enhance our fundraising efforts.
• Visit congregations of all faiths as requested by sponsor partners.
  
  
  

Other

• Execute administrative duties related to this position including entering and updating Salesforce with prospect and partner information.
• Regularly exhibits a willingness and enthusiasm to assist with projects, special events, and planning within the development team or elsewhere within the agency upon request.
• Other duties as directed by management
• Participate in annual review process.
• Ensure that all Habitat for Humanity Policies and Guidelines are followed.
  
  
  

Essential Functions Of The Job

• Responsible for meeting annual Faith Development fundraising goals and objectives
• Implement and deliver all aspects of the “Habitat Experience” for faith sponsors and donors, before, during and after the build.
• Serve as spokesperson representing Habitat for Humanity to other organizations and in the public as a part of the agency.
• Must have the ability to relate to people of different ethnicities, faiths and incomes.
• Must have the ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously in a timely manner.
• Regular and reliable attendance required.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or 3 years’ experience in related fields.
• Proven experience in securing sponsorships and soliciting financial gifts, preferably within faith-based communities.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Ability to develop and execute effective fundraising strategies.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong work and business ethics are required.
• Must enjoy serving others, be a team player, able to handle multiple tasks efficiently, be self-motivated, detail oriented and able to work well with a diverse group of individuals.
• Must be able to meet deadlines and operate in a busy work environment that includes both office and build site responsibilities.
• Must have the ability and desire to work respectfully with people of all cultures, languages, national origins, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, classes, immigration statuses, sexual orientations, gender identity and expressions, ages, mental or physical abilities, and other diversity factors. Must conduct all activities in accordance with Habitat principles and values.
• Must have computer skills including Microsoft Teams and Salesforce
• Excellent communication, organizational and creative thinking skills.
• Position requires a valid TN Driver’s License and an insurable driving record.
  
  
  

Time Requirements

Average time for this position is approximately 40 hours/week. The ability and willingness to work both Saturday and Sunday are essential in this role, including time on the build site when coordinating with Faith Sponsors, as well as some weekend and nighttime coordination visiting Faith Sponsors