Associate Vice President of Development Services

Position Description
Associate Vice President of Development Services

Christian Union


Christian Union seeks a spiritually vibrant nation, marked by Christian values permeating every corner
of society. Our means of achieving this end is by identifying, developing and networking
transformative Christian leaders.

Christian Union’s Development Team supports Christian Union by securing the financial resources
necessary to advance the mission of Christian Union. The Associate Vice President of Development
reports to the Vice President of Development and manages the programs, technologies, tools, data,
and key processes that the Development Team needs to grow Christian Union’s revenue. The position
is critical to the success of the ministry.

As part of a religious organization, the AVP of Development Sevices has responsibility to participate in
daily prayer meetings, to participate in two annual five-day prayer movements, and give leadership
periodically in Bible study and prayer meetings. The AVP of Development has the responsibility to
maintain a vibrant, growing devotion to Jesus Christ.

In order to fulfill Christian Union’s mission, the AVP of Development is responsible for the
following.

Responsibilities

revenue from existing financial partners. Manage all aspects of the engagement with an
external vendor to ensure Christian Union realizes the expected return on our investment,
including the contract, scope of services, production schedule, results, and cash-flow.
Carefully manage the contract and project team members to deliver the results on-time and
under-budget.

• Manage select development communications to raise up new ministry partners and increased

revenue for the ministry, such as the annual multi-channel appeals to mid-tier and annual
donors.

• Supervise the Development Services Team by recruiting, onboarding, training, and coaching

members.

• Oversee the processes, tools, and data support provided by the Development Services Team.

This includes data analytics such as project estimating models, detailed RoI-tracking, and
revenue budget and projections.

• Manage current and future development fundables, such as the Bible course sponsorship

program.

• Oversee the Development Technical Services Team’s management of Christian Union’s

Constituent Relationship Management database and related tools. Manage the gift processing
services performed by the team.

• Support the VP of Development by providing Development Team management level

deliverables, such as development input to Board of Trustee reports, budgets, and team
personnel reporting.

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert for all areas of responsibility as noted above.

Key Characteristics of the Ideal Candidate

• Spiritually Mature – This person will have a solid, visible relationship with Christ which is

evidenced by a heart for God and genuine, deep love for others. Employees who would fit best
with Christian Union are those who are full of the Holy Spirit, and believe He is active today
filling and empowering believers, healing people, speaking to people, and guiding Christians in
God’s truth. Christian Union does not require that all employees believe in gifts of prophesy,
healing, and tongues. However, the ministry does expect everyone to be able to minister in an
environment where these gifts may be practiced by other staff.

• Experienced in Fundraising – The successful candidate ideally should have a minimum of 5

years of experience in fundraising, particularly in management of direct mail donor acquisition
and of the annual fund. Knowledge of development best practices and Raiser’s Edge
technology is preferred.

• Strong Analytical Skills – The right person will have significant development data and

financial analytical ability. The AVP should have proven experience with financial RoI and
project results tracking.

• Proven Program Building Skill – Because of the number and complexity of the programs

involved, it is critical that the candidate have significant abilities to strategize, create buy-in,
plan, execute and refine each of the programs. The candidate needs to be successful at 360
degree management, including cross functional management. The candidate will be to be
comfortable understanding how to analyze and use data to improve the program.

• Intellectually Sophisticated and Savvy – Since Christian Union ministers to an intellectually

curious and engaged audience, it is important that the ministry’s employees have a similar
posture toward life. This person will possess sophisticated verbal and written communication
skills.

Travel Expectations:
Travel of 10-20 days annually is expected:

• CU Staff and Faculty Conference (August)
• Development Team meetings quarterly
• 1-2 training events per year

Location
Anywhere in the US, but Northeast or Mid-Atlantic is preferred.

Process of Candidacy
If you sense that the gifts and experience God has given you are a good match for Christian Union, we
invite you to begin the inquiry process. Please send your resume and cover letter to:
opportunities@ChristianUnion.org.