Missouri Mid-South United Church of Christ
The Missouri Mid-South Conference is the collection of local congregations belonging to the United Church of Christ in Missouri, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tenn. Together, these congregations are more than 20,000 members strong.
The United Church of Christ is just that — a united church — which means our local congregations across the country are as diverse as the country as a whole. We encompass a broad spectrum of beliefs, values, histories, and worldviews — joined together in covenant to be a church of unity — but not demanding uniformity or unanimity.
Job Summary:
Working under the direction of the Conference Minister, the Fundraising and Communications Specialist will create/coordinate and implement all fundraising and communications activity in support of general operations and special project budgets for the Missouri Mid-South Conference. The Fundraising and Communications Specialist is an essential part of the Conference staff team, and will be most successful when using an active and collaborative approach to their role, taking initiative in ways that strengthen and support the overall vision and ministries of the Conference. This position will have some administrative and collaborative support from other Conference personnel, but not supervisory responsibility.
Essential Functions:
· Create and execute overall annual/multi-year fundraising strategy, including but not limited to:
o Appeals for OCWM, Friends of the Conference, and other campaigns/giving opportunities;
o General Synod 2025 fundraising activity;
o Donor cultivation, in collaboration with the Conference Minister and other Conference staff;
o Coordinate activity with Outdoor Ministry staff;
o Coordinate activity with MoVal Capital Campaign committee;
· Oversee creation and management of donor database in conversation with Operations Manager.
· Create and implement consistent approach to donor giving reports and thank you notes.
· Serve as staff liaison to OCWM committee, in conversation with the Conference Minister.
· Occasional event planning as part of overall strategy.
· Occasional grant writing as part of overall strategy.
· Occasional visits with donor congregations.
· Develop, manage and execute overall communications strategy, including but not limited to:
o Curation and distribution of the biweekly eCourier newsletter;
o Maintenance and oversight of the Conference website;
o Write/edit Conference news articles and other external communications on a regular basis;
o Maintenance and management of social media platforms for the Conference, in conversation with the Conference Minister and other staff as appropriate;
o Production support for annual reports and Conference Annual Gathering materials;
o Ensure appropriate communication of Church-related events, bereavement notifications, and other special activities in the life of the Conference.
· Update and ensure accuracy of Conference Directory and Conference contact/distribution lists in conversation with the Operations Manager.
· Cultivate relationships with development and communications professionals across the United Church of Christ for resource-sharing, partnership, and coordination of efforts.
· Meet with the Conference Minister on a regular basis.
· Attend monthly Conference staff meeting.
· Other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies:
Interpersonal Skills
o Cooperate and communicate effectively with multiple staff and independent contractors for team approach to projects and goals;
o Able to think creatively, solve problems, and respond with flexibility and patience as needs arise;
o Conduct and self-presentation create an appropriate and professional reflection on MMSC entities;
Organizational Skills
o Able to organize tasks in order of importance, manage time efficiently;
o Provides multitasking approach for ongoing projects;
o Provides a timeframe and resources needed for developing projects;
o Able to delegate responsibilities effectively when needed in order to accomplish goals.
Technical Expertise
o Excellent writing skills, with firm grasp of English grammar and appropriate style/usage;
o Able to use and/or learn Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Zoom, Constant Contact, WordPress, Canva, and other computer programs as needed;
o Graphic design/content creation for multiple platforms;
o Acquires and demonstrates the technical skills required to execute the essential functions of the job; continually works toward the mastery of technical proficiency.
Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study; prefer 3+ years experience in development, communications, marketing, or similar field. A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the responsibilities of this position may be considered in lieu of stated education/experience requirements.
Benefits:
Hours and Compensation
o This position will be part-time, averaging 30 hours per week.
o Flexible combination of in-office and work-from-home hours. May involve occasional overnight travel.
o Compensation: $40,000-$45,000/year; benefits in accordance with Conference Personnel Manual and Policies. In discussion: additional cash bonus tied to annual performance goals.
Email résumé and cover letter to Rev. Mary Nelson, mary@mmsucc.org, by June 30, 2024.
