Director of Development & Donor Relations

Who We Are

At the Institute for Creation Research, as a Christian non-profit organization, we want you to know God’s Word can be trusted with everything it speaks about—from how and why we were made, to how the universe was formed, to how we can know God and receive all He has planned for us.

That’s why ICR scientists have spent more than 50 years researching scientific evidence that refutes evolutionary philosophy and confirms the Bible’s account of a recent and special creation. We regularly receive testimonies from around the world about how ICR’s cutting-edge work has impacted thousands of people with God’s creation truth.

Position Overview

The Director of Development & Donor Relations at the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) plays a pivotal role in driving the organization’s fundraising and donor engagement strategies. ICR’s philosophy toward appealing for financial support is low key and is not characterized as high pressure, high volume, fear mongering or doom and gloom, melodramatic, or “Madison Avenue.” Consistent with our philosophy, this position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising plans that promote our mission and successes. ICR seeks to increase awareness of ICR’s research and educational initiatives, garner donor support through strategic planning of our appeal efforts, cultivate and manage donor relationships, and glorify the Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ. This role requires personality and skills to successfully introduce ICR to churches and potential donors on a national level, but particularly within the DFW area, develop relationships, and request annual support for ICR within their home-missions budget. This candidate must by adept in studying grant-giving organizations, identifying those suitable for ICR, and composing applications with a strong appeal. If you are an energetic leader who is passionate about advancing the mission of ICR with a heart for ministry and a knack for building meaningful relationships, we invite you to apply to join our team and help make a significant impact for the church around the world.

Essential Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning – Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising plans that align with ICR’s mission, philosophy of giving, goals, and initiatives that increase awareness of ICR and donor support for the ministry.
• Donor Cultivation – Identify, cultivate, and solicit gifts of all sizes from individuals, churches, corporations, and foundations. Oversee management of constituent database and motivate increased support from current constituents.
• Relationship Management – Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with donors through personalized communication, thank you letters, recognition, and engagement.
• Campaign Management – Lead capital campaigns (as needed), annual giving programs, and other fundraising initiatives. Develop compelling case statements and campaign materials.
• Department Leadership – Manage Donor Relations Department staff and foster a collaborative and productive work environment with all departments. Provide mentorship, training, and support to staff involved in fundraising activities.
• Grant Management – Oversee both the identification of grants appropriate for ICR and the preparation or authoring of submissions of grant proposals to foundations and other grant-making organizations.
• Legacy Giving – Supervise ICR’s Legacy Giving campaign, which consists of charitable trusts, CGAs, estate gifts, etc. Analyze and propose strategies to optimize and grow our legacy giving. Ability to become familiar with state laws, regulations, and requirements for Legacy Giving programs.
• Reporting and Analysis – Track and analyze fundraising data to assess the effectiveness of strategies and programs. Prepare regular reports for senior leadership and the board of directors.
• Budget Management – Prepare and manage the department’s budget, ensuring prudent use of resources and adherence to financial goals that meet Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) standards.
• Compliance – Ensure the ministry is in complies with all state and governmental regulations and that all fundraising activities comply and/or align with legal, ethical, and biblical standards.

Qualifications

• Written testimony of faith/salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Knowledge and acceptance of ICR’s core principles and purposes (see the official ministry tenets of ICR at www.icr.org/tenets) with specific knowledge of creation science; willingness to learn ICR’s current projects to carefully communicate with donors.
• Education – Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, non-profit management, or a related field required. Master’s degree in business, management, or non-profit management preferred.
• Experience – 5 years of experience in development, fundraising, or donor relations, preferably within a non-profit setting.
• Skills:
• Proven track record of successfully securing major gifts and managing development and donor relationship functions within similar organizations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and proposals.
• Proficiency in using donor management software and databases. Experience in Blackbaud Raisers Edge a plus.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple projects, and meeting deadlines.

Personal Attributes and Characteristics

• Possesses a strong commitment to the Lord Jesus, maintains a consistent prayer life, and aligns with the mission and values of the Institute for Creation Research.
• Exemplary integrity, professionalism, discernment, and confidentiality.
• Energetic and gracious, with a positive attitude and proactive mindset.
• Ability to build rapport and establish credibility with donors, board members, and staff.

To apply, please email your resume to [email protected].

NOTE: This position overview is not intended to be all-inclusive and is subject to change. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.