The Director of Donor Engagement is responsible for securing major funds by fulfilling the passions and interests of high-capacity donors through giving opportunities that advance the mission of Christianity Today (CT) and contribute to campaign initiatives. The director will steward active major donors and identify and cultivate potential donors in order to increase overall major giving, grow the major donor base, and insure long-term donor engagement with the ministry.

Functions and Responsibilities

• Build authentic, trusted relationships with a caseload of 125-150 assigned donors, inspiring and aligning those donors with CT’s mission and values, resulting in achievement of the annual major gift budget.
• Strategically partner with the President and VP of Mission Advancement to increase philanthropic engagement from the Board, President’s Council, and other groups. Work creatively with the President, Mission Advancement team, Executive team, President’s Council, and Board of Directors to foster a culture of philanthropy with all ministry stakeholders. Serve on the Mission Advancement Committee for the Board of Directors.
• Create individual giving goals and stewardship/ask plans relevant for each donor within the assigned caseload, based on the individual donor’s passions, interests, motivations, giving history, and giving capacity. Consider various areas of giving, including planned giving vehicles like wills, non-cash assets like stock, etc. Execute these plans in a timely, cost-effective manner resulting in the upgrading of average gifts and improved donor retention.
• Develop and maintain a major donor pipeline by identifying target areas/locations for major donor prospects through ongoing personal networking, CT events, prospect research, and the screening of CT’s current donor and subscriber databases. Determine those with the highest giving potential for the ministry, and in collaboration with the President and VP of Mission Advancement, establish a “relationship manager” and a cultivation plan for each qualified prospect. 
• Collaborate with the President and Executive Assistant to provide guidance for the President’s Council composition, communication, and engagement to cultivate a satisfying leadership experience for this generous advisory council. 
• Maintain updated constituent records and provide monthly reports to accurately reflect meaningful connections and meetings, updates, and performance.
• Collaborate with the President and VP of Mission Advancement to craft strategic plans, annual budgets, and donor communications that achieve the long and short-term funding goals of the ministry.
• Support an innovative event strategy on behalf of the President, Board, and President’s Council as well as major donors in order to enhance CT’s vision and mission to advance the stories and ideas of the kingdom of God.
• Stay current on fundraising best practices, including major gifts, endowments, non-cash asset gifts, and planned giving.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• 7+ years fundraising and major gifts experience
• Christian nonprofit experience

Competencies and Additional Criteria 

• Major donor cultivation and proposal writing
• Proven track record of building donor relationships that result in multiple annual gifts of $5,000 or more
• Ability to authentically represent the ministry’s mission, vision, and values
• Strong communicator; excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to travel two times a month on average

Employment Details

• CT headquarters are located in Wheaton, Illinois
• Work Location: Remote
• Type: Full time, 37.5 hour workweek
• Classification: Salaried, Exempt FLSA status
• Benefits: CT offers a comprehensive benefits package - check out our careers page to learn more

Exact compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and location.