Philanthropic Advisor

The Philanthropic Advisor is responsible for managing and leading key aspects of the major gift program for both current and planned gifts to Lutheran World Relief (LWR) with assigned donors and donor prospects. The primary focus of this position is external, involving the identification, cultivation, solicitation and recognition of donors through current gifts, multi-year pledge commitments, and planned gifts. This position may be based anywhere in the US.

1. Manage the process of implementing a comprehensive action plan to cultivate and solicit individual gifts, both current and future, from a major gift pool of assigned donors and donor prospects. Personally cultivate, solicit and sustain major gift prospects.
2. Maintain for each current and prospective donor an up-to-date record, including background information, cultivation process, contact, personal interests, and other relevant information. Play central role on LWR's constituent database team and actively maintain current and accurate information for assigned donor/donor prospects.
3. Work within the Philanthropic Engagement team to develop and implement strategies that connect major donors and donor prospects directly to the work of LWR. If needed, assist with the logistics and hosting of appropriate opportunities for donors and prospects at various educational and hospitality events offered for LWR by major donors and friends of LWR.
4. Prepare regular activity reports and updates on activities that clearly indicate progress on departmental and organizational goals related to major donor cultivation and return on investment in major donor operation. Meet with Director of Philanthropic Engagement biweekly to review activity reports and discuss moves management strategy for assigned donors and donor prospects.
5. Provide guidance and, when needed, participate in the development of solicitation materials and donor recognition and retention tools.
6. Develop personalized proposals that address the donor's interest.
7. If travel is required - Familiarity and compliance with LWR's safety and security procedures and protocols.
8. For all IPD and ER staff members - Willingness and ability to contribute to LWR's New Business Development initiatives.
9. Work with current donors and Lutheran World Relief friends to identify and gain access to additional prospects. Work with the LWR Development/Major gift team to refine and implement strategies that maximize current donor research tools.
10. Other 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. Five (5) years of face to face fundraising experience
3. Demonstrated success in Major and Annual Gift development
4. BA or BS in related field
5. Working knowledge of MS Office
6. Experience use Raiser's Edge or similar fundraising database
7. Experience in using Moves Management or other similar tool for donor/prospect development
8. Experience in using donor research tools in the development process
9. Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook
10. Ability to travel 60% of the time (domestic and international)
11. Ability to work independently in a team environment
12. Experience with and commitment to working in a very diverse workforce and donor base.
13. Familiarity with Lutheranism, church structures, and church member motivations and sensitivities preferred.
14. Commitment to the Association of Lutheran Development Executive's Code of Ethics and Donor Bill of Rights.