Director of Development

Director of Development
Salem Lutheran Church and School
The mission of Salem Lutheran School is to partner with families committed to raising their children as followers of Jesus Christ by providing a setting that is both spiritually enriching and academically rigorous. It is our goal to nourish the faith and develop the abilities God has given to each student, such that they are confident in their identity as children of God and equipped to be of service wherever God might lead them.

The vision of Salem Lutheran School is to raise generations of disciples that see the world through the lens of God’s true story, acknowledge the lordship of Christ over their lives and all things, vigorously pursue lives lived in love, and joyfully and continuously hone and employ the skills God has given them for the sake of His world.

Summary: Plan, organize, and execute direct ongoing and special development programs and manage the donor database in close coordination with the Treasurer and Board of Education for Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

· Create and maintain an effective strategy for donor identification, development, and management.

· Develop and manage Planned Giving strategy.

· Maintain and provide regular and accurate status reporting.

· Establish development policies, systems, and procedures regarding donations and communication regarding donations.

· Create, lead, and implement development programs – recruiting and training volunteers as needed.

· Attend and support church and school functions for the purpose of relationship building with parents, family friends, grandparents, etc…

· Prepare, administer, and oversee the development budget in collaboration with the Treasurer.

· Actively solicit major gifts from prospects and benefactors.

· Create and manage a current and potential donor list.

· Educate leadership, members, and school families in the area of giving, e.g. procedures of receiving leads, and paths of support.

· Prepare and submit or assist in the preparation/submission of grant proposals.

· Provide leadership and oversight of large fundraising events.

· Create and execute marketing strategies, press releases, or other communication methods including a strategic calendar year plan of various communications to targeted audiences.

· Maintain and develop long-term relationships with existing and new donors.

· Create and manage thank-you and appreciation procedures for all donations at all levels.

· Enhance competence through study and participation in conferences, workshops, and professional related organizations.

· Report financial irregularities or financial concerns to administration and/or board in a timely manner.

General Duties

· Attend and prepare for church and school meetings as required.

· Consistently support and uphold school policies and procedures.

· Model self-discipline and ethical behavior. Present self in a professional manner though appropriate dress, communication techniques, and demeanor.

· Perform other duties as requested by the administrator.

· Work with assigned teams on organizational development issues.

· Maintain appropriate student and administrative records according to school policy or procedures.

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree or equivalence through a combination of education and experience
Minimum 2 years of experience in development, member management, donor cultivation, solicitation, or related field is preferred.
Member of a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod congregation, or willing to become one.
Proven record in raising donations.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Extensive experience in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Proven ability to manage a complex, multi-faceted fundraising program.
Extensive experience in donor and mass-marketing email software, and the ability to quickly become proficient in other industry-related software.
Self-motivation that demonstrates a leader who can work both collaboratively and independently.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks to meet individual and departmental goals within deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, and donor relationship skills.
Ability to exercise excellent professional judgment and meet the high ethical standards of Salem Lutheran Church and School.
Experience using database systems.

Position Status: Fulltime Exempt

Salary: Minimum $60,000

Benefits: Concordia Plans Health/Vision/Dental/Retirement/Disability & Paid Time Off

How to Apply: Qualified candidates should email their resume and cover letter to:  salemchurch@salembjmo.org