Church and Business Relations Officer

Job Title: Church and Business Relations Officer

Team: Development

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Director of Development

Direct Reports: None

Effective Date: February 2025

Position Summary

The Church and Business Relations Officer leads the strategy to grow and sustain Oliver Gospel’s church and business partnerships. This role focuses on building strong relationships with local and national business partners to support the organization’s strategic objectives such as prayer, volunteer efforts, in-kind contributions and financial giving while also empowering them to fulfill their biblical mandate to serve the poor and homeless.

As a key member of the Development Team, this position directly manages a portfolio of Church and Business development prospects. The role also oversees stewardship initiatives, Church and Business giving campaigns and engagement strategies.

Working closely with the Director of Development and team members, the Church and Business Officer ensures that partners feel valued and inspired to invest in Oliver Gospel’s mission.

The ideal candidate is a motivated, visionary and charismatic professional with a strong understanding of development principles. They excel at relationship-building, possess exceptional communication skills and are comfortable engaging with executives and stakeholders.

Position Qualifications

For Employment with Oliver Gospel

A born-again believer in Jesus Christ

Affirm without reservation Oliver Gospel’s Statement of Faith

Fully support Oliver Gospel’s Statements of Mission, Vision, and Values

Ability and desire to work in harmony with other Oliver Gospel employees

Due to sensitivity for potential impact upon Oliver Gospel’s Program Participants, the use of tobacco

and/or vaping products is not permitted during scheduled work hours or at any Oliver Gospel event

Valid South Carolina driver’s license

For Church and Business Officer

Bachelor’s degree in business, Nonprofit industry, or a related field preferred

Experience in donor relations, fundraising, or customer success management in a nonprofit or similar environment preferred

Exceptional public speaking, writing and typing skills preferred

Knowledge of PC-based software and relevant applications and office equipment preferred

Position Responsibilities

Design and execute strategies to identify, manage, grow and engage Church and Business partners to secure financial contributions and foster long-term support for organizational initiatives.

Develop measurable goals for engagement, including metrics for new church and business partnerships and re-engagement of lapsed donors.

Assess and align each church and Business’s vision and needs with the mission and objectives of Oliver Gospel to provide meaningful cultivation and engagement opportunities.

Engage partners in volunteer activities, fundraising efforts and special projects to cultivate deeper relationships and shared impact.

Build and manage a portfolio of Church and Business partners, fostering meaningful, long-term relationships.

Partner with marketing and development teams to create tailored outreach materials, messaging and engagement opportunities that resonate with churches.

Develop and execute plans for ongoing stewardship, ensuring partners feel valued, connected and aligned with the mission of Oliver Gospel.

Represent Oliver Gospel by delivering compelling presentations to congregations and leadership groups, inspiring action and partnership.

Follow up with partners to track engagement and determine next steps for continued relationship development.

Participate in regular development and marketing team meetings to ensure alignment across organizational goals.

Provide support for special events and campaigns initiated by the development and marketing teams.

Prepare reports on partner engagement activities and outcomes for leadership review.

Maintain detailed records of church cultivation and engagement efforts using donor database software.

Increase exposure and understanding of Oliver Gospel’s mission within the community by making in-person visits, speaking to stakeholders over the phone and virtually to develop relationships and secure new support.

Prepare and present quarterly financial reports and progress updates to the Development Director.

Core Competencies

Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including executives and stakeholders.

Proactive and self-motivated, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities at work independently.

Detail oriented, organized and skilled in time management.

Confident public speaker, capable of delivering engaging presentations in a corporate setting.

Experienced in creating consistent and compelling messaging that aligns with organizational values and branding.

Skilled at using written, verbal and oral interpersonal communication to inspire support and build meaningful relationships.

Mental and Physical Demands

In-person position with most of the work conducted indoors in a typical office environment.

Frequent computer and/or telephone use at workstation up to eight hours at a time.

Fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and shifting priorities.

Responsibilities may require an adjusted work schedule and evening/weekend hours to meet deadlines, engage with donors and participate in awareness and fundraising events.

Ability to work in a changing, growth-oriented environment

Ability to concentrate and apply mental processes

Ability to respond appropriately to stressful situations

Ability to work with disruptions, critical issues and emotional individuals

Ability to operate with a positive attitude

Ability to move seamlessly from one task to another

Ability to participate in travel experiences

Ability to move about inside the facility to engage employees, residents and/or guests

Ability to operate a computer and other office machinery for long periods of time

Ability to climb stairs, bend, squat, kneel, and reach upward and/or outward in performing tasks

Ability to frequently lift, carry, push and/or pull items weighing up to 10 pounds

Ability to engage in limited exposure to health-related issues, such as colds, viruses, etc.