Director of Cornerstone Partnerships

Position Objective

The Director of Cornerstone Partnerships provides strategic leadership for cultivating and expanding financial support for Mount Hermon Association within all Youth Camps and MH Guest Groups. This role is responsible for developing and executing donor engagement strategies, managing a portfolio of gift prospects, and achieving measurable fundraising goals in alignment with MHA’s mission, vision, and values.

General Qualifications

• Mature follower of Jesus, still growing and developing in their faith
• Defines, cultivates, and leads MHA’s Christian community, conference programs, and retreats
• Works closely with the VP of Advancement and the Director of Strategic Funding to ensure full alignment
• Provides input for donor care strategies which create a unique donor experience through focused engagement, events, and communications
• Responds creatively to the ministry’s changing needs in the area of Advancement

Key Job Accountabilities

Donor Relationship & Portfolio Management

• Identify, cultivate, and steward gift prospects and donors
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies through in-person engagement
• Connect with donors through personal communications; establish relationships, learn the donor's personal Mount Hermon story and family dynamics (to be captured in Salesforce software)
• Create a written plan for identified strategic contacts with major donor potential designed to move the relationship in measurably deeper ways
• During non-summer months, connect regularly with donors

Strategic Planning, Goals & Innovation

• Prepare annual funding goals and detailed plans of action for Redwood Camp, Ponderosa Lodge, Kidder Creek and MH Guest groups
• Work creatively to meet or exceed these specific, agreed upon goals
• Provide input for donor care strategies which create a unique donor experience through focused engagement, events, and communications
• Ensure full alignment with all Donor communications
• Creatively respond to the ministry’s changing needs in the area of Advancement

Regional Focus & Travel

• Create and implement best practices to increase overall donor growth with focused attention on Redwood Camp, Ponderosa Lodge, and Kidder Creek and MH Guest Groups
• While the office for this position will be at Mount Hermon in Santa Cruz County, this individual should expect to be on the road as needed developing new donor relationships and having a personal presence at Kidder Creek during strategic times determined with Andy Warken
• When needed and directed, serve as a strategic presence at Kidder Creek for summer programs and other year-round events

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts preferred
• 1-3 years working directly with/at Mount Hermon or connection with the larger ecosystem of Christian Camping ministry
• Experience or certification in donor software, preferably Sales Force
• Experience with interacting with Kingdom-influencers and high-capacity individuals/couples
• Experience in dealing with significant travel arrangements and how to best prioritize specific visits
• Demonstration of initiative in lifelong learning
• Storytelling history/experience

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to work on a very collaborative, fast-paced, and opportunistic ministry team
• A “self-starter” with the high energy needed for discovery calls designed to grow our donor family
• Ability to gain the respect and support of various constituencies: existing and potential new donors, alum of all ages, board members and staff
• Excellent networking skills
• Meeting deadlines combined with superior communication skills are required, including verbal, written and presentation
• Requires minimal direct day-to-day supervision since they possess a high level of independent initiative and judgment
• Provides prompt response to request for information
• Provides complete, concise and accurate information as required or requested
• Returns phone calls and emails promptly (within 1 business day)
• Demonstrates candor and respect in individual and organizational relationships

Physical Demands

• Sitting, standing, squatting, stooping, twisting
• The ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and through electronic communication platforms
• The ability to perceive, interpret, and respond to verbal and non-verbal communication in professional settings
• Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law
• The ability, desire, and experience to travel extensively when needed

Additional Requirements

• Adherence to the basic principles as expressed in MHA’s Mission, Vision, Values and Commitment statements
• Able to clearly articulate the vision, mission, and future of Mount Hermon in a compelling way to both current constituents and those who have never heard of this ministry
• Adherence to company dress code and professional standards for personal grooming and appearance
• Satisfactory completion of background investigation as well as ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States
• For positions requiring driving, a valid driver’s license and satisfactory motor vehicle record are also required