The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshipping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). With a vision to live in a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ makes for all people and creation, the ELCA strives to be a welcoming, thriving, and connected church that introduces people to Jesus so they can discover community, justice, and love.
The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of 400, under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, serve as administrators, advisors, conveners, partners, and resource people for the ELCA and its ministries. Staff lead the work of national, domestic, and global ministries and programs including Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, Service & Justice, Christian Community and Leadership, and Innovation. We are also home to five of our separately incorporated ministries: The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, Women of the ELCA, Lutheran Men in Mission, the ELCA Foundation and the ELCA Federal Credit Union.
About The ELCA Foundation
The ELCA Foundation works with individuals, congregations, synods, the churchwide organization and related serving arms to develop gifts and oversee the management of assets that will sustain and grow ministries of the ELCA. The Foundation is primarily responsible for working with individual donors to develop gift plans that support the current and future work of ELCA ministries; hold and manage endowment assets; and offer pooled investment services to the related entities of the ELCA.
About The Position
The Vice President, Advancement will oversee and support the Foundation’s development and fundraising efforts as well as brand/identity management and name/service recognition across all available communication channels. The successful candidate will be responsible for moving the Foundation forward according to the previously established strategic plan utilizing a comprehensive approach that includes estate, trust and other planned giving strategies; constituent relationship management; and marketing and communications.
The Vice President of Advancement will also be responsible for working with the Executive Management Team – Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer to establish and meet short- and long-term financial and operational goals. This will include executing strategies to increase the number of donors reached and gift plans created. Critical to this success is the ability to supervise team members as they develop and maintain relationships with key ELCA-related ministry organizations.
This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt, remote position.
Candidates for this remote position must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
Responsibilities
Summary: Oversee and support the Foundation’s development, fundraising, and marketing and communications in line with the current strategic plan and according to the policies, goals and objectives established by the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Board of Trustees by performing the duties outlined below:
Direct and oversee both the gift planning and marketing teams in line with the strategic plan and its objectives. This includes strengthening partner relationships to grow joint referrals; implementing effective, efficient and economical tactics to help congregations grow giving and assets to support ministry today and in the future; and expanding the number of donors reached and gift plans completed.
Put into practice training tools to ensure that gift planning staff is of the highest caliber and considered best in class for all types of gift planning.
In conjunction with the Executive Management Team, execute the tenets of the strategic plan to strengthen the future financial sustainability of all expressions of the ELCA, including its many related entities as well as the ELCA Foundation.
Demonstrable effectiveness as a team-builder and relationship manager growing and expanding resources to reach large audiences.
Other duties as required.
Requirements
10+ years of experience in a senior management position. Significant understanding of trusts, estates and other planned giving tools as well business development and team management.
Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree in business or non-profit management preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
7+ years of non-profit expertise, particularly in advancement, development, fundraising, marketing and communications.
Understanding of mainline church denomination organizational structure and polity. Familiarity with the role of the foundation as a Separately Incorporated Ministry.
Ability to deliver quality work on tight deadlines, with strong organization and priority setting skills.
CFRE or CFP designation preferred.
Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) and other document management software.
Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA Foundation.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
Physical Effort - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Employee will occasionally need to lift boxes or materials up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Travel Frequency: Minimal travel; up to 5% - approximately 3 weeks. Position requires minimal overnight travel by plane or car. Valid driver’s license required.
Benefits
The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer paid health premiums for employees, health and dependent care FSA’s, a health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required). We also offer a generous paid time-off policy including 17 paid holidays. All benefits commence on your start date.
Contact
If you have questions about this job or your application, please complete this form to contact People Solutions (HR).
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
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