EXECUTIVE SEARCH OPPORTUNITY PROFILE
For the position of:
Gift & Estate Design Specialist
Cru/The Great Commission Foundation Orlando Florida August 2016
SUMMARY OF THE OPPORTUNITY
This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-known and highly respected organization whose ministry is broadly based and diverse. Cru represents the work of over 20 ministries whose guiding purpose is to fulfill the Great Commission by bringing people to Christ. The Great Commission Foundation employs Biblical stewardship principles to assist their ministry partners in achieving objectives that include safeguarding their family’s financial future while investing in the Kingdom of God today and beyond their lifetime. The Gift & Estate Design Specialist will support the work of the various Cru ministries’ development teams providing gift and estate design services to ministry partners exploring ways to support their ministry investment interests.
ABOUT CRU/THE GREAT COMMISSION FOUNDATION
Recognizing the need to provide its partners with a way to support its ministries for the long term, Cru created The Great Commission Foundation in 1972. In doing so, Cru partners were provided with the tools and resources to achieve financial goals and ministry support interests. Since its creation, GCF has provided gift planning and estate design expertise and services to enable development professionals in Cru’s numerous independent ministries to offer strategies enabling ministry partners to achieve their interests in safeguarding their families and securing their lifestyles today, while investing in the Kingdom of God for the future. The efforts of The Great Commission Foundation have enabled Cru to help its ministry partners plan more than $1.5 billion in charitable gifts through estate designs alone.
As a ministry of Cru, The Great Commission Foundation works closely with each of Cru’s ministry organizations. Today some of the most notable ministries under the Cru banner include--The JESUS Film Project, Josh McDowell Ministry, Campus Ministry, Family Life, and Athletes In Action. Each ministry group operates independently of others including GCF’s involvement. In addition to providing support for various projects of these ministries, GCF seeks the means to provide support solutions for the missionary staff as well. While providing services to each of Cru’s ministries, the day to day operation of GCF remains independent, providing confidentiality for its donors.
While each ministry organization functions independently, they are tied together within Cru through several links that enable them to achieve continued success. First, there is sincerity in mission and the people who serve in Cru. Those associated with Cru view their involvement as a calling to serve the Kingdom of God in their various roles. The commitment to the mission and work of the individual ministries, as well as Cru as a whole, is deep and binds them to one another.
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Executive Search Services For the Non-Profit Sector Telephone: (800) 382-0094 ext. 508 Email: [email protected]
Second, the messaging of Cru has been consistent and focused since its beginnings in 1951. Cru’s purpose is “to fulfill the Great Commission through the power of the Holy Spirit by winning people to faith in Jesus Christ.” Through each of its ministries, the focus is to create and nurture spiritual movements that train and support disciples to go “out to bring others to Christ.” And finally, there is a sense of entrepreneurship that provides the freedom and flexibility to fully meet the potential that exists within each ministry. Cru is one ministry with different applications, encouraging creative approaches to evangelism and discipleship.
For a more in depth look and further information about The Great Commission Foundation’s programs, its history, financial accountability, testimonials, and more, click on the following link http://www.gcfccc.org/ .
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Great Commission Foundation (GCF) is seeking a Gift & Estate Design Specialist who will work closely with the various Cru ministry development teams enabling them to provide gift and estate design opportunities to ministry partners based on principles of Biblical stewardship. As a ministry of Cru, The Great Commission Foundation works in close partnership with development leaders in Cru ministries assisting their ministry partners in three ways: using gift planning strategies to safeguard their families; secure their lifestyle; and invest in the Kingdom of God. The Gift & Estate Design Specialist will provide expert knowledge and leadership to those seeking ways to fulfill their financial and ministry goals through straightforward, specialized estate and charitable gift planning tools and strategies.
A key distinctive of The Great Commission Foundation is to serve its partners with a focus on assisting in identifying, clarifying, and defining their individual, personal vision, enabling them to understand their unique calling for the cause of Christ. The new Gift & Estate Design Specialist will develop meaningful relationships through investing time in their partners, leading them to develop a deep, personal understanding and connection to the passion God has placed within them. Through this process of self-discovery, the partner will be able to more clearly articulate their passion thereby equipping the Gift & Estate Design Specialist to better guide them in achieving their personal ministry investment objectives.
The Gift & Estate Design Specialist will report to the Executive Director of The Great Commission Foundation and have the knowledge and understanding required to develop and present the unique concepts and strategies available in estate planning and design. In doing so, s/he will work hand in hand with Cru ministry and development leaders to identify, cultivate and enable those interested in exploring how they can use their assets to support their ministry interests while meeting personal financial goals. The Great Commission Foundation exists to help its partners “invest in building the Kingdom of God now, during retirement, and beyond their lifetime.”
Executive Search Services For the Non-Profit Sector Telephone: (800) 382-0094 ext. 508 Email: [email protected]
THE POSITION
The Gift & Estate Design Specialist will be responsible for developing relationships with Cru ministry development professionals and their ministry partners to support the creation and implementation of gift planning strategies and programs. S/He will have a discernible track record of success in gift and estate design roles including measureable success in donor/client identification and cultivation as well as possessing advanced knowledge of estate planning concepts, Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Trusts, wills and bequests, among others, and assist ministry partners in developing gift plans that reflect Biblical stewardship principles and values.
The Gift & Estate Design Specialist will act as an advisor with the ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts in ways that will enable ministry partners to understand how their objectives will be met. S/He will have a passion for assisting ministry partners in defining their objectives and developing plans to achieve them. Her/His experience will have resulted in the ability to communicate the difference these gifts will make in the ministry partner’s life, freeing them to give more generously. In all of their efforts, this Specialist will communicate the mission of Cru and personally model a mature, growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and nurture relationships with Cru ministry organizations enabling GCF to provide gift planning/estate design services to their ministry partners and donors. Coordinate gift & estate design tools to promote support of the work of Cru’s ministries. Communicate effectively in face to face and telephone interactions, developing relationships that reach the target audience and motivate individuals to meet, learn and utilize GCF services. Gather personal and financial information necessary to analyze and design an appropriate plan tailored to each ministry partner’s interests and capacity. Present gift and estate vehicles to meet the expectations and needs of the individual ministry partner and effectively communicate it in terms they can understand and appreciate. Plan and conduct ministry partner seminars. Maintain relationship with ministry partners, assisting in plan implementation and follow- up as appropriate. Possess excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to effectively present to small and large audiences. Demonstrated organizational skills to include maintenance of accurate records, files, documents, and reports, follow-up with partners and donors, and effective time management. Ability to travel frequently within the United States. Mentor Cru ministries’ representatives in the art of discovering gift & estate opportunities and how to introduce the Gift & Estate Design Specialist and services. Model a mature and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and wholeheartedly embrace the Cru statement of faith.
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Executive Search Services For the Non-Profit Sector Telephone: (800) 382-0094 ext. 508 Email: [email protected]
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Demonstrate a passion and commitment to the Great Commission and model a daily walk with Jesus Christ. Ability to remain flexible and readily adapt to unique situations presented by ministry partners and donors. Work systematically and tirelessly to achieve objectives of GCF/Cru through meeting the needs of ministry partners and donors. Proven ability to lead, motivate and influence a diverse group of ministry partners. Ability to question and listen to partners, effectively communicating to identify approaches to achieve the objectives of all involved.
EDUCATION & OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience and training in gift planning, financial planning/advisement, or related fields or equivalent combination of experience and education. Bachelor’s degree required in Business Administration, Philanthropy or related field with a MBA preferred. Professional designations may include, or similar to, CFP, ChFC, and /or CAP. Advanced knowledge and understanding of the following preferred with the ability to apply and explain the principles and legal requirements involved in: estate planning, charitable giving techniques, gift annuities, charitable lead trusts, charitable remainder trusts, among others. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on complex topics. Ability to write persuasively and concisely. Capacity to communicate trust and respect to ministry partners. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation and benefits for this position are competitive with comparable opportunities. Cru/The Great Commission Foundation is committed to attracting and retaining quality staff members.
THE LOCATION
Due to the nature of the position and its work with ministry partners across the United States, the location of the Gift & Estate Design Specialist is negotiable given close proximity to a major airport to facilitate the travel requirements of the position.
Executive Search Services For the Non-Profit Sector Telephone: (800) 382-0094 ext. 508 Email: [email protected]
THE SEARCH AND SELECTION PROCESS
Keystone Executive Search and Recruitment, www.keystone-executive-search.com, has been retained by Cru/The Great Commission Foundation to conduct this search for a Gift & Estate Design Specialist. Candidates will be identified through a number of sources, and the Keystone consultants will review and evaluate all interested parties in the process of determining a final group for consideration. The search will be coordinated by The Great Commission Foundation senior leadership team who will be involved in all aspects of the process, including interviewing finalists and making the final selection decision.
The search will be conducted in a professional, consistent manner with a commitment to all potential candidates being afforded the same considerations by the search firm and the Client. Cru/The Great Commission Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and strictly adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination with regard to race, color, sex, handicap, or national origin. All reasonable efforts will be made to protect the confidentiality of candidates.
Additional information on the search process may be obtained through Ron Infinger, Vice President, Executive Search at Keystone Executive Search, or by visiting http://www.keystone- executive-search.com and clicking on the “Browse Jobs” page for position information and to submit an application online.
For further information on this search, please contact:
Ron Infinger, Vice President, Executive Search Telephone: 800-382-0094 ext. 508 Email: [email protected]
1998 Hendersonville Road, Suite 23 | Asheville NC 28803 www.keystone-executive-search.com
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Executive Search Services For the Non-Profit Sector Telephone: (800) 382-0094 ext. 508 Email: [email protected]