Description

MISSION & VISION:  Through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we connect leaders, unify the body of Christ and mobilize people to transform Lexington into a City for God.

Lexington Leadership Foundation (LLF) is a Christian nonprofit in its 25th year of Kingdom work. In 2024, LLF mobilized 400+ volunteers from 60+ local church congregations to serve 4,525 individuals across multiple sectors, in a collaborative and strategic effort to see the Kingdom come in Lexington as it is in heaven. 

As the Director of Development, you will play an integral role in providing back-office support and fiscal management to LLF’s 5 strategic initiatives and numerous programs across three ministry locations (The Prayer Room, Center for Fathers and Families, and Woodhill Community Center). Responsibilities include financial partner care & stewardship, new partner development, fundraising events, grant research and writing, planned giving, database management, and developing sustainable revenue strategies. Additional responsibilities include community relations, developing written and digital impact stories, and co-managing social media. 

The ideal candidate will:

o   Personally align with LLF’s statement of faith and core values.

o   Possess a passion for stewardship.

o   Have a capacity to manage multiple projects concurrently.

o   Demonstrate high fiscal aptitude.

o   Showcase excellent communication skills. 

o   Have an ability to write and edit grants.

o   Work well independently and in a team environment.

A bachelor’s degree or 5+ years’ experience in Development is preferred. Experience in DonorPerfect and Wix is a plus. 

Interested persons should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for four references (at least two professional) to Carly McCullough (CMcCullough@LexLf.org). Selected applicants will be contacted for personal interview. 

LLF is prayerfully pursuing filling this position by December 31, 2025. 

SALARY, BENEFITS, WORK SCHEDULE

Work Remotely:  No 

Job Type: Full-time (40 hours/week)

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000

Benefits: Full benefits package & flexible Schedule

Schedule: Monday - Friday, some weekend (events + sharing LLF with congregations), some evening availability required.

REPORTS TO: CEO

PRIMARY PURPOSES

1.     Oversees the development and implementation of a strategic funding plan for LLF General Fund and all ministries.

2.     Provides oversight and direction to LLF development/fundraising activities.

3.     Provides direction to LLF ministry leaders for the development and completion of annual strategic funding plans.     

4.     Manages all grant writing projects and oversees grant reporting.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

I. Donor Care 

      Develops and oversees donor database for LLF general fund and all initiatives.

      Coordinates work plans with CEO and team members to ensure donor care occurs in all ministries. 

      Ensures donor care strategies such as monthly notes, phone calls and meetings occur with all current donors.

      Provides donor reports to CEO and all ministry leaders as needed.

      Craft communication and stewardship plans to share impact stories with donors.

II. New Donor Development 

      Ensures all new contacts are entered into donor care database.

      Coordinates follow up through CEO and ministry directors for all new contacts garnered from networking events, ministry events and fundraising events.

      Develops a comprehensive pipeline of donors and foundations for the general fund and each ministry. 

      Develops strategies and implements events that attract new donors.

      Meets monthly with directors and weekly with CEO to coordinate new donor follow up and ensure any needed communication/tools are available for directors and CEO.

III. Donor Solicitation

      Oversees and implements year end funding campaign and/or any direct mail campaigns.

      Meets with potential donors, as assigned to share vision and request funding.

      Oversee and implements all solicitation activities at fundraising events.

      Manages online giving and social media donations.

III. Fundraising Events

      Assists CEO, Staff and Board in coordinating annual fundraising dinner for LLF.

      Develops and coordinates small group funding dinners or other fundraising events.

      Recruits sponsors, donors and participants for all LLF fundraising events.

      Provides direction to LLF staff as needed for fundraising events.

IV. Grant Writing 

      Researches and develops list of potential grant funders matching LLF.

      Coordinates grant writing activities if contracted.

      Writes and or oversees other staff members for any in-house grant writing. 

      Creates and oversees an 18-month continuously rolling grant calendar. 

V. Sustainable Revenue Strategies (after year one)

      Develops and/or launches creative business strategies or products that will develop sustainable revenue sources for LLF initiatives.

Requirements

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

1. Knowledge and ability

      A bachelor's degree is desirable or equivalent experience.  

      Proven history of coordinating development activities.

      General level of understanding of marketing.

      Strong ability to craft short and long stories.

      History working within Donor Perfect desirable. 

2. Skills

      Effective problem solving.

      Analyze complex problems and offer working solutions.

      Communicate effectively and be responsive to verbal and written correspondence.

      Graphic design skills desirable.

      Proficiency in Wix desirable.

      Awareness of and ability to utilize social media and online giving platforms.

      Experience developing and managing a database.

3. Embrace the core values of leadership foundations

      We value the city as a place of refuge and grace.

      We value the vulnerable as we work with the powerful.

      We value empowerment and freedom from oppressive structures.

      We value the church. The Body of Christ in a city has tremendous resources to bring.  We seek to connect these resources with those of other sectors to renew our cities.

      We value reconciliation through partnerships and networks in ministry with both people of faith and those of good will.

      We value risk because creative vision and passion will be necessary to bring renewal to persons and place. We seek the priority of the kingdom of God over institutionalism.

      We value leadership, believing that lasting city-wide transformation requires diverse leadership to be engaged and that Biblical leadership seeks the welfare of others. Isaiah 61:1-4 paints a picture of how cities will be restored through indigenous leaders.