Donor Relations Specialist

Experience GuideStone!

We are an innovative organization that invests in the spiritual, relational, financial, physical and professional development of our employees. We have a culture that values excellence, teamwork, humility, integrity, compassion and stewardship.

What We Offer You!

We offer employees a generous benefits package, flexible work schedules, the opportunity to be involved in community outreach and tuition reimbursement.

The primary purpose of the Donor Relations Specialist position is to maintain and further relationships with donors, prospective donors, and recipients as part of Mission:Dignity's Donor Relations Team by communicating the story of Mission:Dignity to individuals and in both large and small group settings with boldness, clarity and conviction. "We serve those who serve the Lord with the integrity of our hearts and skillfulness of our hands (Psalm 78:72)."

What You'll Do:

• Maintain a fundraising portfolio of 150 donors (75% Individuals, 25% Organizations), developing specific plans for moving donors higher in the "Fundraising Pyramid."
• Collaborate with the Manager, Donor Relations of Mission:Dignity and other staff on fundraising planning and implementation surrounding donor acquisition, retention, and recapture.
• Assist the Marketing Strategist in the development of content, advising on design and delivery of products and materials.
• Advocate for retired ministers, missionaries, workers and their widows in financial need, communicating their plight with individuals, groups, churches, denominational entities, businesses, foundations and others.
• Assist donors in achieving their Christian stewardship objectives through current and planned giving opportunities including cash gifts, bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts, retirement fund distributions, beneficiary designations and other planning arrangements.
• Represent GuideStone and Mission:Dignity as a personal contact with donors and prospects via phone calls, emails, written communications, in-home visits, on-site interactions and participation in local, regional, and national Southern Baptist meetings and events.
• Cultivate relationships with existing or lapsed donors to secure additional gifts, increased gifts and planned gifts.
• Contribute to developing and writing grant proposals for foundations and partners in consultation with the Manager, Donor Relations of Mission:Dignity.
• Utilize our donor software, analytics and other resources to better understand the relationship history and giving capacity of prospects and donors and to more effectively guide them toward meaningful giving opportunities.
• Update the donor software database with relevant record additions, information changes, action items and other pertinent data concerning prospects, donors and other constituents.
• Manage allocated travel and expense budget in consultation with the Manager, Donor Relations. This position may require up to 33% travel.
• Engage Mission:Dignity recipients and assist in recruiting new recipients.
• Maintain and foster strong working relationships with key contacts at the church, association, state convention and national denominational levels as needed.
• Represent and serve GuideStone with integrity in the furtherance of its mission and values.
• Other duties may be assigned by the Director of Mission:Dignity and Manager, Donor Relations.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent of 2+ years' work experience in fundraising or ministry.
• Two or more years of public relations or ministerial experience.
• Travel is required up to 33% annually.
• Proficient skills in MS Office and appropriate system applications.
• Excellent relational skills including the ability to deal with a broad spectrum of people of various economic, social and cultural backgrounds with professionalism and courtesy. This includes both internal and external customers and constituents.
• Strong ability to clearly communicate in both written and verbal form.
• Public speaking/presentation skills including the capacity to speak with confidence and professionalism in front of groups ranging in size from 10-12 up to several thousand.
• Understanding of an ability to communicate the story of Mission:Dignity in large and small group settings with boldness, clarity and conviction.
• Ability to interact and communicate well with church leaders.
• Ability to coordinate some travel with GuideStone office work.
• SBC-Affiliated Church Membership required.
• Working knowledge of SBC polity, philosophy and history.
• Working knowledge of GuideStone products and services.
• Willingness to pursue ongoing training and fundraising certifications.
• Total dedication to quality customer service and personal integrity.
• Ability to lift and transport relatively heavy and sometimes bulky objects/equipment needed for presentations.
• Must have complete confidentiality regarding GuideStone business matters.