Advancement Officer

Job Summary

Job Description

As a Shepherds College Advancement Officer, you will initiate and cultivate relationships with potential major donors (individuals, businesses, and foundations) who have the capability of making significant financial contributions to the ministry of Shepherds College to maintain and build strong relationships with existing major donors; and to professionally and effectively ask for financial gifts to fund the mission and programs of Shepherds College. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Build relationships and secure major gift support ($10,000 and above) for Shepherds College through personal visits with donors and prospective donors, including individuals, businesses/corporations, churches, and foundations. Inform potential contributors of the needs of Shepherds College and encourage gifts to the annual fund and projects. 

• Work with Shepherds College Marketing Team to develop donor acquisition and retention plans for assigned geographic area. Also manage donor portfolio in conjunction with Senior Vice President of Advancement.


• Articulate the mission, vision, and ministry to which God has called Shepherds College. 


• Using Shepherds College’s donor management system, track communication with potential and current major donors.


• Provide input for special events which will have as a focus prospecting, cultivating, and/or acquiring major donors.


• Prepare written proposals, with the help of the Shepherds College Marketing Team to effectively and compellingly describe the work God has called Shepherds College to do and the ROI each donor will see. 


• Assist donors in being ambassadors for Shepherds College.  


• Plan and execute, with the help of Shepherds College staff opportunities for groups of donors and prospective donors to experience the ministry of Shepherds College. 


• Keep abreast of the ministry of Shepherds College by interfacing with staff. Be able to effectively describe any Shepherds College project, cost and expected outcome to donors.


• Leverage speaking opportunities for the President and Senior Vice President of Advancement, to build awareness of Shepherds College, our ministry and help secure funding for any of our projects.


• Insure gifts from major donors are properly thanked and followed up with timely information and updates on the ministry and what their gift has accomplished. 


• Submit activity reports each week to the Senior Vice President of Advancement (or his designate), participate in regular conference calls, in-house meetings, and other campus events as needed.


• Able to articulate a personal walk with Jesus Christ and relate it to the ministry of Shepherds College.  


• Display a passion for the mission, vision, and ministry of Shepherds College.


• Operate within established budget. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Full alignment with the Shepherds College Mission Statement and Statement of Faith


• Successful background in donor development, recruitment and/or business sales and marketing  


• Bachelor’s degree with three years successful experience in major or planned gifts preferably in higher education or ministry


• Ability to lead diverse initiatives and influence people towards goals 


• Strong social and people skills


• Demonstrated ability to persuade and call to advance God’s Kingdom through financial stewardship


• Track record of gaining agreement to significant proposals


• Ability to complete detailed proposals, contact records, reports, and correspondence


• History of successfully working independently


• High moral integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality


• Proficiency in standard office computer software tools (i.e.: Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

During a typical day, this person will contact 15 to 25 or more individuals by phone (and occasionally in person) to communicate the mission of Shepherds College and find creative ways to fund the mission. 

The Advancement Officer will be expected to work 4-5 days per week on campus here in Union Grove, WI. Hours will primarily be during regular business hours with occasional weekends and evenings. Some travel is required (about 25%).

Status: Exempt, Full-Time position located in Union Grove, WI