About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,600 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of approximately 400, under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, serve as administrators, advisors, conveners, partners, and resource people for the ELCA and its ministries. Staff lead the work of national, domestic, and global ministries and programs including Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, Service & Justice, Christian Community and Leadership, and Innovation. We are also home to five of our separately incorporated ministries: The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, Women of the ELCA, Lutheran Men in Mission, the ELCA Foundation and the ELCA Federal Credit Union.

About the ELCA Foundation

As a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the ELCA Foundation works with individuals, congregations, synods, the churchwide organization, and all other ELCA-related entities to develop gifts and oversee the management of assets that sustain and grow ministries of the ELCA. With over $1.5 billion in gifts and assets managed on behalf of the ELCA, the Foundation provides gift planning, endowment management, investment services, and donor engagement rooted in stewardship, integrity, and service.

About the position

The Regional Gift Planner (RGP) is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and securing planned and current gifts from individuals in support of churchwide ministries, congregations, synods, and other ELCA-related ministries. Gift planners work in partnership with synods, ELCA related organizations and institutions to expand the network of prospective donors, increase support for ELCA-related ministries and present opportunities to invest in the Endowment Fund Pooled Trust. Gift Planners provide ongoing, regular stewardship of planned giving donors and participants in the Endowment Fund Pooled Trust.

The Regional Gift Planner will collaborate closely with the bishops within their territory, along with several other regional partners. Additionally, they are expected to collaborate with other regional gift planners, and gift officers of the ELCA, as needed.

Reporting to the Director of Gift Planning, this position is part of a nationwide network of twenty-three professional gift planners.

Each Gift Planner lives and works within their assigned territory (home office).

This is a full-time, regular, exempt, location specific remote position.

The eligibility of a candidate for remote or hybrid positions may depend on the residency of the candidate, and the budget for the role, including salary or pay, insurance coverage, and/or tax burden. Candidates for this position must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

1. Meet with prospective donors to conduct discoveries, present gift plan proposals and secure planned and current gifts through estate plans, CRTs, CGAs, named endowments, QCDs, cash, properties, and other gifts.

2. Steward and strengthen the relationship between the ELCA Foundation, synods, and organizational partners. Cultivate and develop additional partnerships with relevant regional ELCA affiliated institutions. Coordinate with partner organizations in identifying gift planning prospects and engage in joint discovery meetings with partner gift officers.

3. Cultivate and solicit ELCA affiliated institutions to invest funds in the Endowment Fund Pool Trust and provide ongoing stewardship of these institutions.

4. Support congregations and ELCA related ministries in the development and promotion of planned giving programs.

5. Manage ongoing donor/organizational relationships and gift planning activities in CRM software, having regular reviews with the Director of Gift Planning.

6. Other duties as assigned.

1. Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

2. Experience in resource development, planned giving, financial/estate planning, sales, or related career, with a solid understanding of the development process and planned giving instruments.

3. A commitment to supporting best practices in fundraising and development. Excellent communications and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interview potential donors about their passions for ministry and available assets, present proposals, and ask for planned gifts.

4. Ability to utilize a constituent information system as an integral part of the moves management strategy.

5. Ability to work independently from home, while remaining self-disciplined and organized to be most effective.

6. Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.

7. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

8. Minimum Technical Competency: Computer knowledge that enables you to operate a Windows Computer and follow basic troubleshooting instructions. Software skills to efficiently use computer programs and applications. Ability to leverage computer knowledge and software skills to understand new software, follow process, and identify opportunities for improvement. Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) preferred.

Physical

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

Must be willing and able to travel by air and automobile; up to 50% of the time, including overnight stays.

Benefits

The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer paid health premiums for employees, health and dependent care FSA’s, a health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required). We also offer a generous paid time-off policy including 17 paid holidays. All benefits commence on your start date.

Contact

If you have questions about this job or your application, please complete this form to contact Human Resources.

Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.