Executive Director, Mission

Executive Director, Mission Advancement at the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Location:

Local St. Louis area.

Employment type:

Full‑time.

Seniority level:
Executive.

Job function:
Other.

In grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of LCMS is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities and the world. The Mission Advancement (MADV) unit connects people in their voluntary charitable giving to the Synod’s ministry and mission efforts. It does so in a manner consistent with Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions while complying with legal, regulatory and ethical principles expected of all trustworthy philanthropic organizations.

MADV works closely with the LCMS Communications department to support the mission and ministry efforts of the Offices of National Mission, International Mission and Pastoral Education—as well as the general operations of corporate Synod.

• Reports to LCMS Chief Mission Officer (CMO).
• Works in close collaboration with Executive Directors of National Mission, International Mission, Pastoral Education and Communications.
• Serves as executive‑level advisory resource to the LCMS Board for National Mission, Board for International Mission, Board of Directors and Administrative Team.
• Interfaces regularly in leadership and/or advisory role in support of advancement efforts of various LCMS ministries and agencies.

• Ensure all aspects of MADV’s work are performed in accordance with Holy Scripture, Lutheran Confessions, LCMS Board policies, professional ethical standards, legal and regulatory requirements, and nonprofit best practices.
• Design, document and adjust the corporate Synod’s comprehensive advancement strategy grounded in appreciative inquiry and response, achieving the goals identified by executive leadership.
• Develop and maintain crucial contributor bases and funding streams that sustainably support domestic mission, international mission, church worker recruitment and formation, and related infrastructure.
• Provide key leadership and accountability for all aspects of MADV performance while supervising the team, cultivating a positive work environment that embodies trust, collaboration and inspiration.
• Ensure advancement staff receive appropriate training and mentoring; identify and implement processes, policies and structures for maximum efficiency and team satisfaction.
• Foster a team culture focused on establishing and strengthening long‑term connections with constituents, donors, potential donors and influencers.
• Leverage deep understanding of the Synod’s philanthropic environment and use key performance indicators, success metrics and information technology to achieve MADV goals.
• Identify and develop innovative partnerships and arrangements that advance the future work and capacity of MADV and corporate Synod operations, increasing engagement and joy within the Synod and its stakeholders.
• Apply biblical stewardship principles throughout the operation of MADV, including budget design and oversight of expenditures.
• Exert positive Synod leadership and collaboration with other units in corporate Synod and LCMS agencies, auxiliaries and RSOs.

• Active membership in good standing in an LCMS congregation, faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and supportive of the Synod's Constitution, Bylaws and policies.
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field; master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Advanced education or certification in fundraising or development/advancement best practices (e.g., CFRE) strongly preferred.
• Six or more years of experience in development/fund‑raising, management, public relations, marketing or administration.

• Familiarity with the Synod’s doctrine, practices, mission, structure and/or programmatic ministries (strongly preferred).
• Knowledge of Christian stewardship and practical application of stewardship principles.
• Ability to engage/work effectively with a broad spectrum of Synod stakeholders, e.g., senior executive…