Western States Major Gift Officer: Lutheran World Relief

Email: hr@lwr.org
Job Title: Western States Major Gift Officer
Job Descripton: Western States Major Gift Officer - Deployed position
with work in CA, AZ, NV, OR and WA.

Purpose: The Major Gift Officer is responsible for managing and
leading key aspects of the major gift program for both current and
planned gifts to Lutheran World Relief (LWR) in the geography defined.
The primary focus of this position is external, as a field officer,
involving the identification, cultivation, solicitation and recognition
of donors through current gifts, multi-year pledge commitments, and
planned gifts.

Role and Impact of Major Gifts Officer:

1. External Impact

The Western States Major Gift Officer will have frequent contact with
individuals representing all levels, particularly the major gift level,
of the Lutheran World Relief prospect, donor and volunteer database to
include friends, corporations, foundations, church body representatives,
pastors, and community leaders. The cultivation and maintenance of these
relationships will have long-term impact on the image and effectiveness
of the major gift program and LWR's mission advancement efforts.

2. Internal Impact

The person in this position will have frequent contact with designated
Mission Advancement and External Relations staff members, particularly
the Director for Mission Advancement. The Major Gifts Officer will work
directly with the Director for Mission Advancement, VP for External
Relations and President of LWR on gift solicitation in the defined area.
There will be regular contact with key program staff and with the
internal Mission Advancement Team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manage the process of implementing a comprehensive action plan to
cultivate and solicit individual gifts, both current and future, from a
major gift pool of

2. Maintain for each current and prospective donor an up-to-date
record, including background information, cultivation process, contact,
personal interests, and other relevant information.

3. Personally cultivate, solicit and sustain major gift prospects.

4. Focus major donor cultivation efforts in California, Nevada,
Arizona, Washington and Oregon.

5. Work with current donors and Lutheran World Relief friends to
identify and gain access to additional prospects.

6. Assist with the building, maintenance and advising of a regional
Leadership/Advisory Council.

7. If needed, assist with the logistics and hosting of appropriate
opportunities for donors and prospects at various educational and
hospitality events offered for LWR by major donors and friends of LWR.

8. Manage the Western states database of donors and play central role
on LWR's Raiser's Edge team.

9. Participate, by conference call and in person in LWR Mission
Advancement Team meetings.

10. Prepare regular activity reports and updates on activities that
clearly indicate progress on departmental and organizational goals
related to major donor cultivation and return on investment in major
donor operation.

11. Provide guidance on and, when needed, participate in the
development of solicitation materials and donor recognition and
retention tools.

12. To undertake any other job related duties as requested.

Reports To: Director for Mission Advancement

QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES:

1. Dedication to Lutheran World Relief's vision and mission and
the capacity to serve as a representative of that vision and mission.

2. A proven track record of major gift cultivation and direct
solicitation experience.

3. Four to six years of experience in resource development at a
similar institution or for similar causes.

4. Knowledge of and experience with planned giving tools and
recruitment.

5. High impact interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

6. Courtesy and diplomacy in working with a wide variety of people
who adhere to a wide range of beliefs.

7. A self-starter who is able to work independently, to follow
through and to take responsibility for results of activities.

8. Creativity, imagination, problem-solving skills, and the
ability to adjust direction and strategies.

9. The ability to work independently and yet, as part of a team.

10. A commitment to accountability and transparency in the workplace.

11. Expertise in all areas of communication, including the ability to
speak confidently in public, to skillfully gauge and adapt to audiences
and to write engaging and appropriate copy.

12. Strong familiarity with Lutheran church structures.

13. Openness to learning about and understanding basic Lutheran
theology and "the church."

14. Familiarity with Raiser's Edge or similar database programs.

15. Ability to travel within the designated geographic region 60% of
the time.

SALARY AND TERMS: Salary is negotiable and commensurate with
experience. This full-time position is in the grade level 25. This
position is an exempt position from the fair labor standards act. An
excellent benefit package is offered.

Please note that, upon hire, employees must provide proof of legal
eligibility to work in the United States of America.
Contact Information: IF INTERESTED, SEND COVER LETTER, INCLUDING SALARY
REQUIREMENTS, AND RESUME TO

hr@lwr.org

Human Resources Department
Lutheran World Relief
700 Light Street
Baltimore, MD, 21230
USA

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Job Link: http://www.lwr.org/jobs/description.asp?jobID=42