Fund Development Officer

Job Title: Fund Development Officer

Compensation: Negotiable

Reports to: President

Lydia Patterson Institute (LPI) is seeking a passionate and experienced Fund Development Officer to lead its financial support efforts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fundraising, a proven record of securing major gifts, and a commitment to education advocacy. This role is part of a Christian ministry dedicated to selflessness, service, and creating positive change in the world.

Position:

The Fund Development Officer will design and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy focused on major gifts, annual appeals, planned giving, and endowment growth. The officer will also be responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and maintaining relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government entities, aiming to raise $1 million annually. This is primarily an in-person role with flexibility for remote work when not traveling or attending meetings.

Travel is required at least 30% of the time to meet with donors and attend key events, with some in-office presence expected. Additionally, 20% of the role will be dedicated to developing a scholarship endowment, ensuring LPI’s long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

- Design and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy focused on major gifts, annual appeals, planned giving, individual giving and endowment growth.

- Cultivate, solicit, and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government entities to raise $1 million annually.

- Continue to cultivate and extend relationships within the United Methodist Church.

- Collaborate with the President and Grants Manager to meet annual fundraising goals and expand LPI’s financial resources over the next five years.

- Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising events, including galas, donor appreciation events, and community outreach initiatives.

- Manage nonprofit software fundraising and relationship management program

- Manage donor communications, including newsletters, appeals, acknowledgments, and

recognition.

- Create annual reports for stakeholders.

- Develop and grow a scholarship endowment to support scholarships long-term

- Develop and grow existing endowments by focusing on planned giving, ensuring the financial health of LPI.

- Work with the President and Board of Trustees to foster a donor-centric culture within the organization.

- Monitor and report on progress toward fundraising goals, donor engagement, and endowment growth.

- Serve as an ambassador for LPI, communicating the organization’s mission to external audiences and representing LPI at donor meetings and events.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.

- Minimum of 3 years of fundraising experience with a proven track record of securing major gifts and achieving fundraising goals of over $1 million annually.

- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners.

- Experience with nonprofit software.

- Experience with donor management software, Google Drive, Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, and Canva.

- Experience in endowment building and planned giving.

- Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.

- Willingness to travel at least 30% of the time.

- Deep respect for Christian values and LPI’s mission.

Work Environment:

- Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel up to 30% of the time.

- Flexibility for remote work when not traveling or attending meetings.

- Evening and weekend work may be required.

- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

- Flexible position with competitive compensation.

- Opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of underserved students.

- Work with a mission-driven organization focused on education and service.

How to Apply:

We aim to offer a competitive package that aligns with the candidate's needs and preferences. The total compensation package will be influenced by the benefits provided. Depending on the selected employment arrangement (full-time or consultant), the value of the benefits—such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off—will factor into the final compensation amount.

Please submit your salary expectations along with your resume, cover letter, writing samples, two professional references, examples of your experience with major giving, endowment building, and securing successful fundraising, detail funding amounts and the number of donors managed.

Email to info@lpi-elpaso.org. Write “Fund Development Officer” on email’s subject line.

Lydia Patterson Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is clear: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation.

We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates.

Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Fundraising: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• El Paso, TX 79901: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in El Paso, TX 79901

Salary : $85,000 - $100,000