Church Relations Officer

Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM) is a humanitarian, faith-based, non-profit organization based in Irvine, California, USA. Our mission is to “Transform lives through the gift of mobility to people with disabilities living in developing nations as motivated by Jesus Christ.” We provide wheelchairs to an estimated 80 million people in need worldwide, bringing transformation that opens doors to education, employment opportunities, and community.

About the role

Manage and grow a comprehensive church partnership program by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, stewarding, and expanding long-term relationships with current and prospective church partners. This role is responsible for generating new church partnerships, increasing engagement and financial support, managing a portfolio of church relationships, and contributing to annual revenue goals. The Church Relations Officer serves as a key representative of Free Wheelchair Mission through church presentations, speaking engagements, and relationship-building opportunities while partnering closely with Major Gifts Officers on strategic opportunities to build and grow our focus markets.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a portfolio of base- and mid-level church partnerships.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward church partnerships by making direct asks for financial support, securing commitments, and identifying and pursuing giving opportunities such as missions budgets, special offerings, event or program sponsorships, matching gifts, and multi-year commitments.
• Develop and execute a strategic plan to retain and grow existing church partnerships and establish new church relationships nationwide.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development to refine the approach and achieve a 15% year-over-year revenue increase for the program.
• Proactively identify and pursue new church leads through outreach, networking, cold calling, and relationship development.
• Manage a qualified church pipeline with projected revenue, next steps, target ask amounts, and clear movement toward commitment.
• Meet annual revenue goals for the church program and provide timely, accurate forecasts based on portfolio activity and donor readiness.
• Serve as a dynamic spokesperson for Free Wheelchair Mission at churches, conferences, and events—delivering compelling presentations that inspire engagement and partnership.
• Establish and develop strong relationships with churches by identifying partnership opportunities within Orange County and out-of-state as needed. Conduct face-to-face meetings with potential and existing churches. Sunday work will be required.
• Available for occasional domestic and international travel, including weekends, to speak on behalf of Free Wheelchair Mission at churches.
• Partner closely with the Major Gifts Officers on larger opportunities while continuing to advance and close appropriate opportunities within the Church Relations portfolio.
• Maintain consistent and accurate records of all communications and activities in the database.
• Maintain high levels of outreach activity, including calls, meetings, and follow-up, with a strong emphasis on pipeline development.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned by the direct supervisor.
• Share the message of Free Wheelchair Mission and our vision.

Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in sales, business development, or nonprofit development.
• Demonstrated prior success securing financial commitments through fundraising, sales, business development, church partnerships, or ministry fundraising.
• Experience serving church staff, in pastoral leadership, or as a key volunteer, with a deep understanding of church structure and decision-making processes.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in ministerial environments is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of church organizational and decision-making processes.
• Confident and compelling public speaker with experience preaching, teaching, or presenting in church or ministry contexts.
• Familiarity with denominational distinctives, staff positions, and responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to initiate outreach, including cold calling or direct engagement with churches to build relationships.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and email communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, solve problems, and work as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact diplomatically with diverse donors and groups.
• Proven ability to identify giving potential, move relationships forward, make direct asks, and convert interest into financial partnership.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Pay

The annual salary range is $70,000–$90,000, depending on qualifications and experience.