Job Opening: Program Associate, Resource Development

by Global Ministries | published on Jan 23, 2024

Position:         Program Associate for Resource Development
Ministry team: Resource Development
Reports to:     Director of Strategic Engagement
Location:         Hybrid Position* ~ Indianapolis, Indiana based

The Office of Resource Development works extensively with constituencies of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, as well as closely with all Global Ministries programs and staff in activities of fundraising and development to carry out fundraising efforts. The office also nurtures relationships with donors to provide direct and planned gifts to Disciples Overseas Ministries (DOM) and the United Church of Christ (UCC). They accomplish this by initiating, nurturing, and maintaining relationships with current and potential individual, church-based, and other organizational donors. Additionally, they seek out donor prospects to develop relationships in such a way that strengthens the organizational donor base.

Resource Development staff members fill a critical role of strategically managing donor campaigns and development activities to help the organization meet its revenue goals and access the resources necessary to fulfill its mission. Staff members develop new sources and modalities of giving to Global Ministries through nonconventional/innovative special giving opportunities, social media, as well as coordinate with other Global Ministries programs in the development of multimedia materials and communications tools throughout the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), United Church of Christ, and constituency at large.

Primary Functions of the Program Associate for Resource Development
Provides program support in Resource Development and carries lead grant-writing responsibility in the procurement of new corporate, foundation, and private grants. The Program Associate, in consultation with the Global Ministries Director of Strategic Engagement and Co-Executives, will identify, define, and develop funding sources to support existing and planned program activities as well as lead the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals. Primary responsibilities include preparation of proposals and grant applications and reports, communication of information on grant opportunities, and responsibility for professional and administrative work in identifying, developing, and responding to grant opportunities in areas that support programs and projects. The position is also responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on the performance of program activities that are funded.

This position will also service a select portfolio of donors to assist with the fundraising efforts of the Resource Development department.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

Researches and identifies new corporate, foundation, and private funding prospects to support Global Ministries; Works with appropriate staff to research, develop, write, and submit letters of inquiry, concept papers, and grant proposals.

Generates high-quality proposals and supporting documents in response to requirements and guidelines of the funding agencies; Coordinates with the Finance team to create expenditure and income budgets to accompany proposals; identifies and promotes new unconventional, and innovative fundraising strategies.

Generates revenue for Global Ministries programs through submission of grant proposals.

Maintains primary responsibility for grant schedules and tracking grants; Coordinates and follows-up on the progress of submitted proposals.

Meets regularly with Co-executives, Director of Strategic Engagement, and staff to discuss current and new funding needs; Informs appropriate staff on the progress of all grants and issues that may arise with each grant.

Works with staff to complete reports for grants rewarded with timely submission.

Services a portfolio of current and prospective donors to cultivate relationships, with emphases on a) responding to fundraising relationships with Disciples and UCC congregations, judicatories, and racial/ethnic constituency ministries and b) implementation of new approaches to fundraising for program and missionary support.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform successfully in this position.

The preferred candidate will have at least three to five years of fundraising experience, with proficiency in grant writing for fund development or related field. The ideal candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be self-directed, and demonstrate a strong ability to work well with a wide range of individuals and groups. Proficiency with donor databases and websites is highly desirable. Applicants should possess the ability to exercise independent judgment and take initiative. Bilingual professional (English and Spanish) preferred.

Bachelor’s degree required.

Comprehensive knowledge of research, and the ability to distinguish and identify opportunities for Global Ministries; Proficiency in research, interpreting, and analyzing diverse data; Knowledge of grant application process, scoring criteria and funding cycles.

Demonstrated success in working in fundraising and donor development theory highly preferred.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, exercising initiative with appropriate follow through.

Be highly organized with the ability to implement systems and follow-up processes.

Travel (35-40%) to provide face-to-face communication with current and prospective individual and organization donors.

Knowledge of the structure and work of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and/or United Church of Christ and the work of Global Ministries.

Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Word, Access, PowerPoint, Teams, and Excel), and database management skills.

Ability to handle a variety of issues and personalities with tact and courtesy.

*This position is offered with the possibility of deployment. Relocation to Indianapolis will not be necessary. If not within a 100-mile radius of Indianapolis, travel to the Indianapolis office is required at a minimum of six times per year.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position and is subject to review and change at any time in accordance with the needs of the ministry. Since no job description can detail all duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a position, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a position shall also be considered part of the position holder’s responsibility.

Applicants who receive a conditional offer for employment will be required to provide documentation or proof of COVID-19 vaccination status prior to first day of employment.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, and resume to: Viktoria Varnado- Wooten, Executive Assistant to the President at vvwooten@dom.disciples.org.

The Disciples Overseas Ministries is an equal opportunity employer.