Job Description

Meet City Union Mission:

Since 1924, we’ve offered hope to men, women, and children struggling with huge challenges. Homelessness. Addiction. Poverty.

We start by extending a welcoming hand and helping to meet their immediate needs – food, shelter, clothing.

From there, we offer them a new foundation for their lives through Christ – and life-changing programs that move them toward physical, emotional,l and spiritual wholeness.

For nearly 100 years, City Union Mission has provided warm beds, nutritious food and a place of safety for thousands of men, women and children looking to overcome poverty and homelessness.

Founded by Rev. and Mrs. David Bulkley, one of their primary reasons for beginning this evangelical Christian ministry was to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the hurting and the lost. Today, the Mission’s staff continues to uphold that commitment to serve as the Lord’s hands and feet to a community in need.

City Union Mission receives no government support and is not a United Way agency. The Mission depends solely on the gifts of God’s people – individuals, churches, groups, foundations, and businesses who have a heart for the poor and homeless in Kansas City and want to partner with us in our ministry.

About the Chief Development Officer

City Union Mission seeks an accomplished and visionary Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our fundraising, donor engagement, marketing, and brand strategy initiatives. As a critical member of the executive leadership team, the CDO will shape the Mission’s financial future by designing and executing innovative fundraising strategies to meet and exceed annual revenue goals. This role is ideal for a strategic leader with a passion for building impactful relationships, enhancing the donor experience, and positioning the Mission as a leader in the nonprofit sector.

The Chief Development Officer’s responsibilities include:

Strategic Fundraising and Revenue Growth:

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive fundraising strategies, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, planned and monthly giving, annual campaigns, special events, and digital fundraising.
• Set and achieve ambitious fundraising targets to support the Mission’s operational and strategic goals, ensuring a diversified and sustainable revenue base.
• Spearhead capital campaigns, guiding all phases from initial planning to successful completion to fund new programs and facilities.

Donor Relations and Stewardship:

• Cultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations, delivering personalized engagement, recognition, and impact reporting.
• Utilize data-driven insights to analyze donor behavior, refine segmentation, and develop tailored engagement strategies that foster long-term commitment and donor loyalty.
• Design a robust donor pipeline that prioritizes acquisition, retention, and growth, ensuring sustainable revenue development.

Brand Strategy and Communications:

• Lead the Mission’s brand strategy, collaborating closely with the Creative and Marketing team to craft compelling narratives that communicate the Mission’s impact and values.
• Oversee the creation and execution of marketing and communications materials, ensuring consistent and inspiring messaging across all digital, print, and public channels.
• Stay ahead of trends in nonprofit marketing, utilizing social media, storytelling, and digital advertising to enhance brand visibility and public engagement.

Volunteer Program Engagement:

• Support the volunteer program to deliver a best-in-class experience, positioning volunteers as vital ambassadors of the Mission through strategic engagement.
• Collaborate with other departments to create meaningful volunteer opportunities that align with the Mission’s goals.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Mentor and inspire the Development team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture that drives innovation and excellence.
• Identify and promote professional development opportunities, equipping staff with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.
• Implement performance metrics and accountability standards to ensure team alignment with the Mission’s strategic objectives.

Budgeting and Financial Oversight:

• Lead the development department’s budgeting process, aligning financial planning with strategic priorities to optimize resource allocation and maximize impact.
• Oversee the financial performance of the Development department, ensuring prudent management of funds and achievement of revenue targets.
• Set and monitor quarterly Development goals in conjunction with cross-department objectives to drive organizational success.

Innovation and Trends in Fundraising:

• Stay at the forefront of industry trends, continuously exploring new approaches to fundraising, donor engagement, and marketing.
• Leverage current technology, including AI and data analytics, to enhance donor experience and fundraising effectiveness, driving informed decision-making and strategy refinement.
• Represent the Mission at conferences and seminars, bringing back insights and best practices to elevate our fundraising efforts.

Cross-Department Collaboration:

• Foster strong relationships across the Mission, working collaboratively with other departments to integrate fundraising and development efforts into broader organizational strategies.
• Ensure alignment between development initiatives and overall Mission goals, creating synergies that amplify our impact in the community.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Chief Development Officer:

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business, Marketing, or a related field;
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of proven success in nonprofit fundraising, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated track record of achieving significant fundraising targets and scaling revenue streams.
• Have good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Have a working knowledge of planned giving, grant writing, the Missouri Tax Credit program, digital strategies, and the marketing world.

Personal characteristics and qualifications

• Visionary Leadership and Strategic Thinking
• Donor-Centric Approach and Relationship Management
• Data-Driven Insights and Analytical Decision-Making
• Collaborative Team Leadership
• Innovative, Forward-Thinking, and Results-Oriented
• Be a born-again, mature Christian able to clearly communicate the Gospel as opportunities arise during the workday. (1 Peter 2:21, 3:15)
• Have a desire to serve the Lord through widely varied responsibilities to advance ministry to those currently homeless and the urban poor of Kansas City with a compassionate heart.
• Agree to City Union Mission’s Statement of Ministry:
• Be a genuine believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, as expressed by personal testimony and conduct.
• Be a member in good standing of a recognized protestant, evangelical church for one year or more.
• Have a genuine concern for the ministry of City Union Mission.
• Have a minimum of one year of sobriety from alcohol and drugs and six months from tobacco.
• Agree to abstain from alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and tobacco while employed by City Union Mission.
• Have a lifestyle that is free of sexual sin, as clearly defined in the Bible.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Expertise in brand management, marketing strategy, and leveraging digital tools for fundraising and engagement.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, financial oversight, and strategic planning.
• Passion for the Mission’s work and a commitment to advancing its values and impact.

What it’s like to live in Kansas City, MO

Kansas City is an excellent place to live due to its affordability, vibrant culture, and strong sense of community. Unlike many large metropolitan areas, Kansas City offers a lower cost of living, making it an attractive destination for families, young professionals, and retirees. Housing is significantly more affordable compared to cities like Chicago or Denver, allowing residents to enjoy spacious homes and high-quality amenities without breaking the bank. Additionally, the city has a growing job market, particularly in industries such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, making it a great place for career growth and stability.

Beyond affordability, Kansas City boasts a rich cultural scene that appeals to a wide range of interests. The city is known for its world-famous barbecue, thriving jazz music heritage, and impressive arts scene, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Sports fans also have plenty to cheer about with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals creating an electrifying atmosphere for locals. The city’s many entertainment districts, such as the Country Club Plaza and Westport, offer diverse nightlife, shopping, and dining experiences that make everyday life exciting and dynamic.

Another key reason to live in Kansas City is the strong sense of community and Midwestern hospitality. Residents are known for their friendliness and willingness to support local businesses and initiatives. The city is home to numerous parks, trails, and recreational areas, making it an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a high quality of life. With its excellent schools, low crime rates in many neighborhoods, and welcoming atmosphere, Kansas City is an ideal place for people looking to enjoy a well-balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to its economic advantages, cultural vibrancy, or warm community spirit, Kansas City is a fantastic place to call home.

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