Job - Director of Major Gifts

Position: Director, Major Gifts
Organization: Lutheran Social Services of Michigan
Location: West Michigan

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
Lutheran Social Services of Michigan (LSSM) is the largest faith-based non-profit human service organization in Michigan. LSSM spans the Lower Peninsula with more than 80 programs in 43 cities. Programs are intended to service the following populations: senior adults, children and families, and persons with disabilities.

In its mission to serve others as an expression of the love of Christ, Lutheran Social Services of Michigan helps those in need regardless of religion, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, height, weight, age or unrelated handicap. LSSM provides services that strengthen community, inspire hope and transform lives.

LSSM's Vision: Communities of service that meet the needs of people, upholding human dignity, advocating equality and justice.

LSSM's Core Values:

Energy and love for the people we serve
Respect for human worth that allows for self-determination
Compassion which finds its fulfillment in actions that build self-fulfillment and wholeness
Excellence in all things we do
Faith that supports and drives our mission

JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Vice President, Advancement, the Director, Major Gifts will be responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of major and planned individual gift appeals in the West Michigan area. This position assumes leadership in identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors and gifts at increasingly generous levels of support. The Director, Major Gifts will coordinate the participation of top-level management and board members.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, or related field, CFRE certification desirable. Five years experience in fund-raising and major gift cultivation in relevant non-profit arena.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Service Functions

Develop and maintain an understanding of program, educational, operational, and financial needs and goals of agency; provide an effective application of basic development principles to these needs and goals.
Perform ongoing needs analysis with appropriate personnel to establish development objectives.
Formulate and recommend specific fund raising strategies, plans, schedules, budgets and educational programs for individual donors.
Assist in planning and implementing specific strategies for major and planned gift solicitations.
Prepare major proposals; suggest cultivation and solicitation materials.
Participate in quarterly staff meetings and in donor/prospect planning sessions.
Plan, coordinate and implement a minimum of 200 visits per year; prepare and submit monthly status reports; further develop cultivation portfolio and project lists of 175-200 names using various research techniques.
Develop a positive relationship with all agencies of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as appropriate.
Participate in performance-related goal setting and achievement to meet personal and departmental objectives.
Attend and participate in LSSM training and other professional development activity.
Other related duties may be added, as assigned.

Administrative Functions

Maintain current knowledge of and implement Employee Handbook, Corporate Compliance Policies and Procedures and Code of Conduct.
Perform all assignments in accordance with established policies and procedures and as instructed by vice president.
Serve as member of agency committees as assigned.
Encourage and participate in cooperative working relationships.
Maintain current knowledge of and implement LSSM Financial Policies and Procedures.

Other Functions

Maintain confidentiality of all recipient/staff/donor/agency information.
Follow established safety, sanitation, fire prevention, and smoking regulations.
Use all equipment and supplies in a safe and efficient manner.
Assist in meeting all established quality assurance standards.
Make recommendations to enhance the quality of services provided.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Those skills necessary to perform essential job functions are:

Ability to work within Mission Statement of the agency.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking.
Knowledge of financial planning strategies.
Excellent project development and implementation skills.
Ability to relate effectively and work interdependently with all levels of staff, and with general public, professionals, congregations and foundations.
Experience in navigating and developing reports/queries from fundraising database, preferably Raiser's Edge.
Proficient with Microsoft Office software products.
Able to follow instructions, perform designated tasks and maintain steady pace of accomplishment over days, months and years.
Must be a solid decision maker with the ability to influence others.
Reliable and ongoing personal transportation. Valid driver's license and proof of insurance. Good driving record.
Satisfactory criminal/abuse check. Office of Inspector General Registry clearance.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Works extended hours with continual concentration.
Communicates extensively both orally and in writing.
Ability to sit, stand and speak for extended periods of time.
Travels extensively statewide in private automobile.
May lift/carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 lbs.
Satisfactory physical examination and drug test result.

Note: This description is intended to be a general statement about this job and not to be considered as a detailed assignment.

Send cover letter and resume to: Resumes@NPPN.biz

AFP-West Michigan Chapter
Deb O'Donnell, Chapter Administrator
P.O. Box 6302
Grand Rapids MI 49516-6302
Voice mail: 616-988-8020
Fax 616-732-4481
Email: odonndeb@aquinas.edu
www.afpwm.org