Job Title: Director of Advancement

Supervision: Vice President of Advancement & Communications

Job Purpose & Summary:

The Director of Advancement leads the execution of WGM’s fundraising strategy to grow unrestricted revenue, strengthen long-term donor relationships, and inspire generous participation in WGM’s Great Commission ministry. The role oversees annual giving, stewardship, planned giving, grants, and donor communication.

The Director supervises the Development Coordinator and works in partnership with the Major Gifts Officer, who shares the same reporting relationship to the Vice President of Advancement and Communications. Together, they align fundraising efforts, strengthen donor engagement, and connect donors interests with ministry priorities to advance WGM’s Great Commission mission.

Location: Marion, Indiana

Employment Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Main Responsibilities:

1. Direct Fundraising Strategy
   1. Lead the execution of an integrated fundraising strategy across annual giving, major gifts, stewardship, estate and planned giving, grants, and donor retention.
   2. Translate ministry priorities into clear donor opportunities, campaigns, and coordinated donor journeys that grow unrestricted revenue and deepen long-term partnership.
   3. Use donor data, fundraising results, and industry best practices to evaluate performance, set priorities, improve effectiveness, and recommend adjustments.
   4. Cultivate and steward a focused portfolio of donor and foundation relationships through personal calls, correspondence, proposals, presentations and timely follow-up.
2. Move Strategy to Action
   1. Translate strategy into clear goals, assignments, timelines, and expectations for the Advancement team, executive leaders, and outside partners.
   2. Supervise, coach and support the Development Coordinator, providing clear direction and accountability.
   3. Coordinate with the Major Gift Officer and Executive Team to align donor cultivation, stewardship, communications, grants, and events.
   4. Foster a collaborative, service-oriented team culture that reflects WGM’s mission and commitment to excellence.
3. Own Donor Communications and Campaigns
   1. Own and maintain the master Advancement calendar for appeals, donor communications, grants, presentations, stewardship activities, events, and other fundraising initiatives.
   2. Develop donor communications, proposals and presentations that reflect WGM’s voice and brand while clearly communicating donor intent, ministry impact, and faithful stewardship.
   3. Support donor cultivation and stewardship events, community events, special campaigns, and other fundraising initiatives.
   4. Keep the VP of Advancement & Communications and other leaders informed of priorities, progress, results, and decisions requiring input.
   5. Perform other duties as assigned.

Special Requirements:

1. Ability and willingness to travel occasionally within the US.
2. Exceptional relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage, influence, cultivate, and steward donors and collaborate effectively with Executive Leadership, missionaries, staff, and ministry partners.
3. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Qualifications:

1. A committed Christ-follower with a heart for global missions and alignment with the mission and values of WGM.
2. Bachelor's degree in non-profit management, business, communications or a related field. A Master's degree or Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential is preferred.
3. Experience of 5+ years in Christian missionary or nonprofit fundraising with demonstrated success in developing and growing unrestricted revenue through strategic donor engagement, cultivation and stewardship.
4. Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution and attention to detail.
5. Strong storytelling, writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate ministry impact compellingly and authentically.
6. Understanding of missionary support models, church-based giving, and Christian philanthropy preferred.
7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Asana, MailChimp, and Raisers Edge NXT CRM.

Application Process: 

The World Gospel Mission application process includes completing two forms: 

• Statement of Faith
• Application for Employment

Questions? Email hr@wgm.org.