Mid-Level Program Coordinator

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

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."

Department Profile

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 the Manager, Mid-Level Program

Position Summary

Working closely with the Manager, Mid-Level Program, this Program Coordinator is responsible for the identification, cultivation and solicitation of gifts from contributors who are above the annual-fund gift range ($10 to $500) and the range of major gifts ($5,000 and above, through personal contact primarily by telephone. The Program Coordinator will evaluate Mid-level contributors for referral to a giving club (recurring annual gift), prospect research, a major gift officer, or ongoing cultivation by the Coordinator in order to maximize each contributor’s giving potential. The position serves as the critical link between the Synod’s annual fund and major gift programs, managing relationships with as many as 300 contributors and prospects on an annual basis.

Essential Job Functions

• Periodically query the contributor database (BBEC) for new contributors who fit the qualifications of a Mid-Level contributor and flag for personal cultivation.
• Monitor incoming gifts for active contributors who have stepped up giving to the minimum of a Mid-level contributor and flag for personal cultivation.
• Personally acknowledge (thank) Mid-level gifts through personal notes, phone calls and hand-written notes on gift receipts.
• Utilize personal interactions by phone to qualify contributors for giving club participation, prospect research or major gift officer cultivation. In the case of the latter, take steps to open doors for personal visits by principal gift officers.
• Maintain accurate records of all interactions, capturing detailed pertinent information about Mid-level contributors gleaned from personal conversations or correspondence.
• In collaboration with the Director, Major Gifts and Grants, principal gift officers, and the giving club administrator to develop personal cultivation strategies, program policies and program procedures designed to affirm contributor giving and increase gift levels toward the contributor’s maximum potential.
• Identify and align contributor charitable intent with appropriate, budgeted gift options to build contributor trust and confidence as a key component of a symmetrical fund-raising paradigm.
• In cases where a gift cannot be accepted, proactively work with the contributor to facilitate a re-designation or the refunding of a non-acceptable donation in a manner which maintains contributor enthusiasm and confidence in the organization.
• Recommend the development of appropriate Mid-level contributor resources (brochures, web pages, etc.) to enhance Mid-level giving.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Formal training or equivalent experience in business, business processes or fund development and contributor engagement is preferred.
• Prior experience in building strong relationships with charitable constituencies is preferred.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledgeable or ability and willingness to learn about the beliefs, policy, customs and procedures of the LCMS including those of the Mission Advancement department, various ministries and the church body in general.
• An ability to effectively and efficiently manage multiple processes and timelines simultaneously.
• Keen eye for accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve constituent relationship problems in a manner favorable to both the contributor and the organization.
• Ability to relate to a variety of constituents and stakeholders, including clergy and lay leadership.
• Sensitivity to the needs and expectations of contributors, programmatic staff, and executive leadership.
• Knowledge of Christian stewardship principles and the practical application of stewardship principles.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None