Advancement Officer

Overview

ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

Concordia University, Nebraska, an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, believes, teaches, and confesses that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. As people called by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel to saving faith in Christ Jesus, the Word of God guides all we do in leading, teaching, and learning. Concordia equips students for lives of learning, service, and leadership in the home, church, and world.

Come and belong…join our team of passionate service leaders!

The main campus and this role are located in Seward, Nebraska. If you thrive in a Christian atmosphere and community-driven environment, you will enjoy Concordia University’s community feel. For more information, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The primary responsibility of this position is to cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors to support the mission and vision of Concordia. This role works directly with prospects, friends, and leaders of the University to identify, qualify, solicit, and steward major gifts, current and deferred. This is a full-time position with full-time benefits. Must be 19 years or older to apply.

• Manage a portfolio of assigned major gift prospects and donors.
• Develop and execute strategies for individual donors.
• Continuously assess the relationship between portfolio donors and the University.
• Develop new opportunities for major and deferred gifts by qualifying and engaging new prospects.
• Personally visit and cultivate assigned prospects and existing donors to cultivate and invite Concordia Fund gifts, major gifts, and deferred/planned gifts.
• With the Senior Director and Vice-President of Development and Advancement, set annual personal performance goals, work to achieve those goals, provide feedback, and hold oneself accountable for accurate and timely performance of job duties.
• Provide necessary documentation, stewardship, and follow-up to donors and prospects as well as internal university colleagues.
• Attend, collaborate, and be an effective team participant in regular management and team meetings.
• Assist the Advancement team by providing support services for the President, Provost, deans and volunteers in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts (current and deferred).
• Represent the University by being a spokesperson and ambassador to its internal and external constituents at University events.
• Maintain accurate files and reports on donors and prospect activities, ensuring confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively with other leadership and staff in the Office of Institutional Advancement to achieve the successful fulfillment of all departmental goals, including any special campaign goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor's degree required.

Experience

• Three or more years of relevant experience within the areas of cultivation, solicitation, and closing sales or gifts.
• Success in fundraising/sales with at least one year of focused major gifts/large accounts is preferred.
• Proven job experience relevant to consultative sales, involving face-to-face solicitations.
• Effectiveness and comfort in dealing with high-level donor prospects including the skills to articulate University mission and priorities and connect them to the interests of the prospect.

Certifications

• Valid driver’s license.

Specialized Knowledge

• Knowledge of major gift work, deferred gift instruments, estate planning and practical experience in related field is important.

Proficiencies

• Proficient in the use of technology, software applications including Banner, and related applications, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing necessary for the Advancement team.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks on sometimes short deadlines.
• Dedication to enhance skills and competencies through networking events, activities, conferences, workshops and Advancement-sponsored educational activities.

• An active and evident Christian faith and membership in a congregation is required. Membership in the Lutheran Church—Missouri…