Fundraiser

We are seeking a Fundraiser to lead fundraising initiatives for our earned revenue activities across the organization. This position sits within LifeWay Network’s Development Department and plays a critical role in executing LifeWay’s annual and strategic fundraising goals. The Fundraiser’s primary responsibilities are fundraising for activities that drive earned revenue across the organization. The ideal Fundraiser will be experienced, motivated, professional, and organized. We are looking for someone who believes in LifeWay Network’s mission.  The employee will demonstrate an exceptional drive to further LifeWay Network’s existing fundraising efforts and help strategize and deliver fiscal outcomes to secure upward of $1.5 million in revenue annually. 

As a member of the Development Department, this position works with and supports others on the team to collaboratively raise funds to support specific projects, coordinate cross-departmental projects, and follow through on fundraising execution.

Who you are:  

• Have a minimum of 5 years of professional work experience, with at least 2 years in a fundraising role, including experience developing philanthropic grant proposals.  
• Have a proven track record of leading successful six- to seven-figure fundraising campaigns sourced primarily from private philanthropy.   
• Have a proven track record of utilizing creativity and storytelling to develop and implement fundraising strategies 
• Understand the power of relationship building and collaboration across teams and all levels of an organization to move the work forward 
• A strong listener centering on the needs of LifeWay’s donors and approaching partnerships with an asset-based mindset, cultivating relationships to create long-term funder partnerships 
• Have a high level of comfort and expertise with data analysis and complex reporting 
• Understand how the nonprofit sector functions and appreciate the challenges nonprofit leaders face in sustaining mission-driven work 
• Are proficient with Google Suite and DonorPerfect (strongly preferred) as a database for all fundraising
• Embody LifeWay’s vision, mission, and core values 

What You’ll Do: 

Support and execute fundraising strategy, with primary responsibility for earned revenue 

• Maintain complete and orderly records of donors, and manage regular donor communications, including donor acknowledgments.
• Leverage technology and social media to improve fundraising activities
• Research potential donors to gain insight into needs, beliefs, and donation habits to understand how to position our organization to them
• Work with the Development team to ensure leadership has timely access to the data they need for decision-making. 
• Manage fundraising goals in a way that ensures projects move in a timely manner and deadlines are met; manage earned revenue pipeline, proposal development, funder reporting, data systems maintenance (DonorPerfect), and regular coordination with Finance and Education. 

Cultivate partnerships and grow Lifeway’s philanthropic fundraising  

• Steward relationships with current funders and donors; identify innovative funding opportunities and support the growth of fundraising from philanthropy with the goal of exceeding fundraising targets
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with LifeWay’s traditional philanthropic funders and new philanthropy funders, track RFPs where LifeWay’s needs are well matched
• Utilize creativity and storytelling in combination with new market trends to support a fundraising strategy that is compelling to funders; prepare and edit a variety of fundraising materials (including organizational and project collateral, proposals, and budgets), creating high-quality products that are compelling, consistent, and fully representative of LifeWay.
• Develop and cultivate independent relationships with funders, working closely with staff on grant proposals and connecting funder goals with LifeWay’s aspirations. 

Fundraiser Job Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, public relations, journalism, or related/applicable area
• A minimum of five years of fundraising, sales, or marketing experience
• Exemplary communication abilities, relationship-building skills, and outgoing yet poised personality
• Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail
• Quick thinker and ability to make decisions under pressure
• A passion for research
• Adept at managing tasks, planning events, and balancing priorities
• Competence in Google suite and donor management systems (DonorPerfect)

Click here: https://lifewaynetwork.org/get-involved/join-our-team/