Gift Planning Coordinator

Gift Planning Coordinator
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod - Mission Advancement

Organization Profile

• 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 (LCMS) is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities and the world.
• The LCMS Mission Advancement (MADV) unit connects people in their voluntary charitable giving to the Synod’s ministry and mission efforts. It does so in a manner consistent with Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions while complying with legal, regulatory and ethical principles expected of all trustworthy philanthropic organizations. MADV works closely with LCMS Communications department to support the mission and ministry efforts of the Offices of National Mission, International Mission and Pastoral Education (all of which report to the LCMS Chief Mission Officer) as well as the general operations of corporate Synod.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to the manager of LCMS Gift Planning.

Essential Job Functions

• Administrative & Operational Support
• Coordinates internal documentation, policies, and processes for planned gifts, gift plans and group operations.
• Assists in the review/creation of constituent acknowledgment letters, estate guides/proposals and stewardship communications to gift planning prospects.
• Tracks and regularly reports on the bequest and estate distributions regularly along with general questions about non-cash giving.
• Serves as the liaison between LCMS Mission Advancement and LCMS Foundation
• Serves as the liaison between LCMS Gift Planning and LCMS Communications.
• Constituent Stewardship & Communication
• Serves as the point of contact for inquiries with occasional coordination of constituent meetings, calls, and follow-ups with gift planning officers.
• Ensures gift planning constituents are appropriately recognized and stewarded.
• Collaborates with LCMS Mission Advancement staff with gift planning referrals and warm leads.
• Manages LCMS Gift Planning email mailbox and website requests.
• Marketing
• Helps create, edit, and manage LCMS Gift Planning materials and other marketing pieces (i.e. brochures, newsletters, videos, etc.) with LCMS Communications.
• Manages the LCMS Gift Planning website through Crescendo and LCMS Communications in collaboration with the LCMS Gift Planning manager.
• Assists in maintaining relationships with legacy donors, stories, and profiles.
• Coordinates with Member Engagement staff to develop gift planning appeals and campaigns.
• Facilitates other marketing opportunities as they arise (i.e. social media, appeals, campaigns)
• Data Management
• Tracks and reports on the progress toward LCMS Gift Planning goals and key performance indicators as defined by the team.
• Interfaces with Mission Advancement’s CRM system to ensure accurate data entry.
• Tracks progress toward gift planning goals and manage pipeline reports (potential and current donors).
• Maintains gift planning prospect records as interactions and documentation is entered into the CRM by Gift Planning team.
• • Other duties as assigned by Gift Planning Manager and Transformative Giving Director.

Education and Experience

• Active membership in good standing in an LCMS congregation, faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and supportive of the Synod's Constitution, Bylaws, and policies.
• Two or more years of advancement/fundraising experience (preferred)
• Associates degree (Bachelors is preferred)
• Past membership in a professional association (Association of Lutheran Development Executives, Association of Christian Fundraisers, Association of Fundraising Professionals, etc.)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and communication skills Excellent organizational skills, able to manage time and resources effectively and efficiently
• Solid command of the English language (usage, punctuation, grammar)
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills
• Experience in using various tools to research potential grant sources
• Ability to relate easily to clergy and lay leadership as well as to a variety of people to secure their interest, involvement and investment in the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
• Above-average knowledge of the LCMS and its organizational structure, partner groups and auxiliaries
• Ability to learn and adapt to various web platforms (i.e. Crescendo).
• Functions well in an environment of deadlines and timelines; demonstrated ability to meet or surpass deadline expectations
• A self-starter, seeking out the next task or project rather than waiting for direction

Supervisory Responsibility

• None