JOB SUMMARY

The Benefactor Relations Officer solicits gifts and cultivates productive relationships that benefit those served by Methodist Children's Home. This individual is supervised by the Director of Giving (Annual Giving) or his/her designee. The Benefactor Relations Officer fulfills department initiatives and, at times, receives assignments from the Director of Giving (Annual Giving) in order to initiate, maintain and solicit charitable contributions to support the annual operating budget. The Benefactor Relations Officer meets established fundraising goals and objectives through personal solicitations, speaking events intended to generate contributions, donor visits to cultivate relationships with MCH benefactors and other best-practice fundraising methods. The Benefactor Relations Officer must maintain a healthy value system, including moral and ethical behavior consistent with the agency's mission and core values.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engage a portfolio of donors located primarily in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro and East Texas areas.
• Implement a plan to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward annual and major gift donors.
• Personally visit and thank donors who give at various gift levels with a goal to establish and strengthen relationships that encourage continued and, at times, increased financial support to the annual fund.
• Professionally solicit gifts on a regular basis that ensure the mission of MCH is fulfilled, while adhering to AFP Code of Ethics and MCH charitable giving policy.
• Prepare or receive a productive weekly travel schedule and then follow it so the maximum amount of time is spent visiting and soliciting prospects, benefactors, churches and foundations, rather than being in the office.
• Implement a plan to identify and solicit major gifts from charitable foundations through grant writing.
• Gain insight into the unique child care programs at MCH through its Waco campus, Boys Ranch, aftercare services and Family Outreach in order to clearly communicate the MCH mission to donors and prospects, and match their resources and interests with the organization's needs.
• Discover the need for and then coordinate, as directed, visits between benefactors and the MCH President, Vice President for Development, Director of Annual Giving, or other staff with the goal of increasing support for MCH.
• Identify and build relationships with individuals who have the possibility of making planned gifts and request assistance from the Director of Major Giving or the Vice President for Development in making such calls and securing these types of gifts.
• Accurately record all contacts made by phone, electronically or in person, review those contacts when needed with the Director of Annual Giving, and ensure receipt of updates for all correspondence and future solicitation plans.
• Accept assignments to make presentations before church organizations or civic clubs in the assigned geographic territory and, at times, travel outside that territory.
• Accept continuing education assignments to improve awareness of fundraising, and marketing best-practices and a working knowledge of current charitable law and changes in such law.
• Follow Board-approved policies and procedures regarding vehicles and travel. Great care should be taken in spending MCH resources while traveling and accurate records of expenditures are required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Benefactor Relations Officer is considered a professional position and may require more than the normal 40-hour workweek. Ideally, the candidate will reside in Waco, Dallas/Fort Worth or East Texas, as frequent travel throughout these areas will be necessary. The work schedule will vary and will include some nights and weekends as well as travel. This staff member must perform in a professional manner, taking care to keep the interest of benefactors in mind, as well as that of Methodist Children's Home. A cell phone is required, and a stipend is provided to offset the business use of the cell phone.

EDUCATION/LICENSURE

The Benefactor Relations Officer must have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a broad-based education that will facilitate communication on a variety of topics. Helpful courses of study include philanthropy, business, sociology, psychology, gerontology and the arts.

TRAINING

Training hours must be completed annually to comply with licensing and accreditation standards, as well as MCH policy.  The employee's supervisor may require additional training to meet specific job requirements or enhance professional growth.  Completion of training requirements is mandatory for continued employment.

OTHER

The individual who will perform best in this position will be friendly, assertive, easy to talk to, mature and able to enjoy visiting with a variety of individuals.  The Benefactor Relations Officer will understand the importance of self-motivation and goal direction, both on a professional and personal level.  This staff member must be able to accept supervision since much of the work involved will be carefully reviewed. The Benefactor Relations Officer must have an overall view and be able to discuss the Federal Tax system, the stock market, charitable giving and the rules involved in making contributions through charitable giving.

The Benefactor Relations Officer must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid Texas or New Mexico Driver's License, an excellent driving record that meets the standards set forth by the liability insurance company and Methodist Children's Home, no criminal history and acceptable references.

If interested, please apply at https://mch.e3applicants.com/careers/Benefactor-Relations-Officer-DFW--East-Texas-Region-83

Please contact Jo Hewitt at jhewitt@mch.org or (254)750-1218 with any questions about the role, Methodist Children's Home or the application. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications!