Church and Donor Relations Specialist

Rockford Rescue Mission; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Rockford Rescue Mission in Rockford, IL seeks a Development Officer to build and sustain relationships with churches and individual donors. The role focuses on cultivating financial support, gifts-in-kind, and volunteer involvement, while coordinating events and tours of the Mission.

You will coordinate with the Chief Development Officer and the CEO to craft outreach, maintain regular contact, and expand partnerships, including church letters and community outreach.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in fundraising and donor relationship cultivation.
• Ability to engage with churches, donors, and volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; team player with professional attitude.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between the Mission and churches; solicit support and manage communications.
• Engage donor groups to build genuine relationships and coordinate stewardship with leadership.
• Present at public speaking opportunities; assist with donor thank-you calls and tours.
• Conduct tours and coordinate events as needed.
• Support spiritual responsibilities and community outreach.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Communication

Teamwork

Tools

MS Office

Donor database

Job description

Description

Rate: $25.00

CHURCH RELATIONSHIPS

• Serve as the liaison between the Mission and all churches (current, lapsed and prospects).
• Ensure that church support is maintained by soliciting financial, gifts-in-kind, collection drives and volunteer support. Work with Chief Development Officer to send out annual church letters each fall.
• Ensure the Mission’s contact with supporting or lapsed churches is
• maintained on a regular basis via telephone, electronic or face-to-face
• contact.
• Ensure all churches are thanked weekly for their financial support
• according to Mission guidelines.
• Record all contact information and notes into Rockford Rescue Mission’s
• database to ensure accurate record-keeping.
• Proactively seek opportunities to speak at area churches. Invite and lead tours of the Mission.
• Plan regular events such as a Pastor’s appreciation luncheon to further develop relationships with churches.
• Be an active participant in local ministerial associations.
• Coordinate evening chapels by securing church participants. Be present when necessary.

OTHER ASSIGNED DONOR GROUPS

• Engage assigned donor groups to develop genuine relationships, with the goal to discern the donors’ passions for giving and satisfy them through timely, well matched opportunities. This is accomplished through natural life interactions such as written, e-mail communication, phone contacts, meals, site visits, and Mission functions and visits.
• Communicate consistently with Chief Development Officer and Chief Executive Officer on all stewardship appropriate issues.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Present at public speaking opportunities to promote the Mission as assigned.
• Assist Development team with thank you calls and cards to donors.
• Perform related work and other duties as required and assigned. Conduct tours as requested.
• Conduct tours as requested.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Frequent standing, moving and walking.
• Occasional reaching, bending, stooping and twisting.

Requirements

SPIRITUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take every opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
• Provide spiritual encouragement to pastors, church leaders, staff, volunteers, guests, and residents.
• Invest in the spiritual development of pastors, church leaders, staff, residents and guests.
• Pray for and with staff, volunteers, guests, residents, and donors.
• Ensure actions and policies reflect the Christian values and purpose of the Mission.
• Handle relational conflicts according to the Staff Covenant of Romans 12:18 and Matthew 18:15-19.
• Memorize monthly Scripture, Mission Statement, and Mission Core Values.
• Participate in corporate prayer and Scripture reading, staff chapel services, and all spiritual gatherings.
• Support and attend annual mandatory Evangelism In Service training to grow in knowledge of leading others to faith in Christ. Participate in annual spiritual growth training through organization selected curriculum.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven track record in fundraising and experience in donor relationship cultivation.
• Have knowledge of homelessness, rescue and funding environments on a local and national level.
• Must be of exemplary character displaying respect, accountability and professionalism. Proven commitment to Biblical Christian unity among pastors of different denominations.
• Servant leader who demonstrates faith, humility and unity.
• Composed and professional demeanor.
• Enthusiastic about Rockford Rescue Mission’s purpose, vision and values.
• Skilled and effective in written and verbal communications.
• Must be teachable and function as a team player.
• Ability to follow a strategy for building and maintaining relationships with donors and engage them through giving financially, gifts-in-kind, and volunteering.
• Must be able to manage multiple tasks and work with deadlines.
• Must engage in safe and healthy work practices, both on the premises
• and off-site facilities. Must take an active part ensuring the safety, health and well-being of all Mission staff, volunteers and Mission guests.
• Willing to work weekends and evenings as necessary. Flexibility and a cooperative spirit are crucial.
• Proficient in MS Office (including Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Experience with donor database.
• Have a passion for the work of this ministry, a highly relational and winsome disposition, sensitivity to the needs of others, and innate attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills with a warm and engaging manner and a natural enjoyment of others.