As the Chief Development Officer for the Lausanne Movement, you will serve as a key leadership team member and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting the overall movement. In this vital senior staff role, you are charged with developing and executing a North American fundraising strategy that aligns with Lausanne’s vision, mission, and ministry goals. This position will ultimately involve leading our development initiatives across the globe, expanding and diversifying our donor base/funding sources, and nurturing a culture of giving and engagement across our global community. The CDO will ensure that Lausanne is viewed as a leader in visionary philanthropic engagement within the evangelical community and by all stakeholders, both current and potential.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Global Leadership: Shape and execute a forward-thinking fundraising strategy that aligns with Lausanne’s vision and strategic objectives.
- Donor Relations and Major Gifts: Cultivate deep, enduring relationships with donors by elevating the donor experience through strategic relationship building and meticulous stewardship. Implement personalized, transformational fundraising methods that ensure donors feel a profound connection to the Kingdom impact of their contributions. This dual focus on relationship and strategy is essential for transitioning from transactional fundraising to Lausanne’s vision for transformational engagement.
- North American Fund Development Expansion: Initially focus on the diversification and growth of funding sources in North America. Lead strategic initiatives such as capital campaigns, corporate partnerships, digital fundraising, and the establishment of donor-advised funds and endowments. The officer must balance strategic development with hands-on relational tactics to maximize contributions toward Kingdom impact.
- Global Fundraising and Expansion: Spearhead the diversification and growth of funding sources globally, with an emphasis on strategy development, recruitment of international representatives/teams, and launching global fundraising initiatives.
- Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and expand the development team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation. This responsibility involves strategic planning for team development while maintaining strong, supportive relationships to enhance team alignment with Lausanne’s global mission.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with the Board, senior leadership, and key stakeholders, ensuring that fundraising efforts align with Lausanne’s strategic priorities. This role requires a strategist who is also an effective communicator and relationship-builder, capable of representing Lausanne’s fundraising goals at major global and regional events.
- Operational and Regulatory Excellence: Oversee the implementation of efficient fundraising processes and systems, ensuring compliance with North American standards as well as global fundraising regulations. The officer must strategically develop these systems while maintaining transparent, relationship-based practices that foster trust and compliance.
- Brand Ambassadorship: Enhance Lausanne’s visibility and reputation in the global philanthropic community as a leader in evangelical missions and development. This role combines strategic brand positioning with active, relational engagement in philanthropic networks, starting with North America.
Position Requirements:
Professional:
- A proven track record of leadership in fundraising and development, with demonstrated success in securing significant philanthropic investments.
- Extensive experience in strategic planning, major gift fundraising, corporate partnerships, and, preferably, international development.
- Willingness to travel extensively, including international travel, to engage with donors, partners, and global teams.
- Strong strategic vision with the ability to lead innovative fundraising initiatives that align with Lausanne’s mission.
- Preferably, an understanding of global markets and the ability to engage with diverse cultures and perspectives.
- Mastery of donor experience design and implementation, with a focus on creating impactful, meaningful engagements for donors.
Spiritual
- A committed follower of Jesus Christ who wholeheartedly endorses the Lausanne Covenant and Cape Town Commitment.
- A leader who embodies the values of the global Body of Christ, fostering unity and collaboration across diverse theological and cultural backgrounds.
Qualifications and Preferences
- Advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
- A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in a senior development role within a non-profit, NGO, or similar organization. Experience with a global organization is preferable.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, capable of effectively engaging and inspiring a wide range of audiences.
- A commitment to serving in the role for a significant tenure, with a vision for long-term impact.
- To be based in the United States, to facilitate coordination with the Development team, CEO and key stakeholders.