Congregational Engagement Manager

1.                  Collaborate with International Programs and External Relations colleagues to design and implement an effective project sponsorship program for congregations with clear objectives that include a financial component as well as other appropriate forms of congregational engagement.

2.                  Identify and recruit congregations with the interest and capacity to fund the projects while also creating additional opportunities for engagement between the congregation and the community where the project is based. Track and monitor the success of the program, in terms of cost/benefit, as well as perform ongoing benchmarking of peer organizations engaged in similar work, adjusting accordingly in subsequent iterations of the program.

3.                  Design, manage and/or support innovative and effective mechanisms, materials/tools, pilot projects and/or new (or evolved) programming that maximizes the intersection between congregational interests and assets and LWR interests and assets.

4.                  Serve as one of LWR's spokespersons and representatives at congregational events, particularly related to congregations with significant engagement.

5.                  Develop and implement strategy to engage more Lutheran congregations in Foods Resource Bank Growing Projects for the benefit of LWR food security projects overseas. Work with International Program Department colleagues to identify food security projects available for funding through FRB. Collaborate with FRB staff to promote and recruit Growing Projects among Lutheran audiences.

6.                  Responsible and accountable for engaging U.S. Lutherans effectively in the work of LWR and ensuring that LWR's work in marginalized communities is of the highest quality and integrity. Design an annual congregational engagement workplan and budget that is responsive to LWR's strategic and business planning, and that articulates clear congregational engagement objectives, indicators and targets for progress.

7.                  Design, implement, and facilitate annual engagement plan to connect congregations with LWR giving campaigns (such as Fill the Well) and LWR Gifts alternative giving program. Identify resources for congregational use and design a timeline and strategy for distribution. Monitor and analyze results and effectiveness of engagement efforts; develop and execute adjustments as needed to meet engagement goals.

8.                  Seek out opportunities to match the funding interests of congregational endowment funds and foundations.

9.                  Work with appropriate colleagues to develop strategies for cultivating financial support to sustain LWR's Quilt & Kit Ministry through the Quilt & Kit Shipping Fund and the Good Samaritan Quilt Plaza.

10.              Other job related duties as assigned by supervisor.

1.                  Deep commitment to LWR's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.

2.                  At least five years of experience in fundraising and/or marketing (non-profit or for-profit).

3.                  B.A. in marketing, communications, education or equivalent field. Lutheran theological education an asset.

4.                  Demonstrated success in congregational, educational or community campaign fundraising. Experience in planning fundraising events preferred.

5.                  Experience working with volunteers, identifying and capitalizing on their strengths for maximum success. Experience in supervising paid staff also an asset.

6.                  Strong familiarity with Lutheran theology, church structures, and church member motivations and sensitivities; previous work in church context (especially Lutheran) highly preferred.

7.                  Strong analytical abilities of both quantitative and qualitative data for developing and prioritizing strategies.

8.                  Expertise in all areas of communication, including the ability to speak confidently in public and to write engaging and appropriate copy.

9.                  Ability to work as part of a team, both internally with fellow staff as well as with partners and allies; excellent interpersonal skills.

10.              Creativity, imagination, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adjust direction and strategies.

11.              Demonstrated ability to meet multiple deadlines and manage multiple priorities by maintaining a high level of organization.

12.              Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 40% percent of the time. 

13.              Proficiency with Microsoft Office software required; experience with Raisers Edge or other database management programs a plus.

14.              Experience with and commitment to working in a very diverse workforce.