Fundraising Consultant

COMPANY OVERVIEW 

Since 2007, Mission Advancement has focused on bringing our distinctive, relationship-based fundraising philosophy to human service nonprofits and independent schools. As principal and major gifts specialists, Mission Advancement counsels organizations through developing and increasing capacity for capital campaigns, growing annual operational funding, and creating long-term development strategies. For more information, visit missionadvancement.com.  

POSITION SUMMARY

At Mission Advancement, our Consultants play a pivotal role in partnering with a diverse array of clients and adeptly navigating a broad spectrum of organizational cultures. As a crucial member of our Client Service team, this role is primarily dedicated to assisting clients who seek guidance and support in the domain of capital campaign and development counsel. Depending on prior experience, our Consultants may also extend their valuable assistance to clients in campaign fundraising, annual fundraising, or related services. This position offers growth potential into various service lanes based on performance and company priorities. A key prerequisite for success in this role is a robust background in nonprofit development, which includes proficiency in relational skills, major gift fundraising, and grant writing. As client engagement is a fundamental aspect of this role, travel is an anticipated requirement.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership and Management

• Cultivate and sustain an effective major gifts program, drive the success of campaigns, and provide assistance in other engagement services offered by Mission Advancement.
  
• Conduct assessments of organizational health by employing diagnostic activities aligned with industry best practices.
  
• Harness the methodology, personal expertise, and experience provided by Mission Advancement to craft tailored strategies for problem-solving and deliver effective solutions to each client engagement.
  
• Collaborate with the organization and volunteer leadership to bring the proposed action plan to life.
  
• Offer guidance, support, and serve as a valuable resource for all members of the organization's advancement team, as well as others involved in the engagement.
  
• Provide orientation and training through formal and informal methods aimed at enhancing the skills of the organization's leadership, advancement staff, and volunteers.
  
• Lead the resource mapping process, which includes prospect identification, research, interviews, and evaluation.
  
• Develop cultivation and solicitation strategies for key donor prospects, including briefing and preparing the solicitation team for their respective roles.
  
• Uphold open communication through post-visit follow-up memos, in addition to phone and email exchanges with the client and key volunteer leaders when off-site. Accessibility and responsiveness to the client are paramount.
  
• Elevate the level of professionalism within the client's organization to ensure impactful success for the initiative and the mission of the organization.
  

QUALIFICATION AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• A positive attitude, personal humility, professional tenacity, and an unwavering passion for the work.
  
• A bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of an advanced degree and relevant experience.
  
• A proven track record of working with nonprofit organizations is essential.
  
• Exceptional skills in oral and written communication, interpersonal interactions, and presentations.
  
• A willingness to collaborate with faith-based organizations and an ability to comprehend their unique organizational cultures.
  
• A proactive and independent approach to all duties and responsibilities, both internally and with clients.
  
• Proficiency in working with organizational and volunteer leadership while exhibiting a professional management style.
  
• A mature understanding of the specific needs of nonprofits and fundraising best practices.
  
• Strong relationship-building skills, leadership capabilities, and the ability to drive results through others.
  
• A collaborative mindset, the ability to follow directions, and a team-oriented approach, irrespective of position or title.
  
• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
  
• Efficient time management skills and the ability to prioritize workloads effectively.
  
• Willingness to travel (up to 75%) for client engagements that require multiple days on-site, including overnight stays in hotels, etc.
  
• Proficiency in computer applications and the ability to adapt to new software platforms.
  
• Private school experience preferred.
  

This comprehensive summary highlights the essential responsibilities and qualifications for the Consultant role at Mission Advancement. Our Consultants are expected to bring their expertise to the table while demonstrating a commitment to achieving meaningful results for our clients and their missions. The inclusion of private school experience is a preferred qualification that aligns with our client base and may enhance an applicant's candidacy for this role.