Job Description

Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM) is a faith-based, non-profit organization based in Irvine, California.  Our mission is to “Transform lives through the gift of mobility to the physically disabled poor in developing countries as motivated by Jesus Christ”.   Our vision is to “To creatively partner with like-minded international humanitarian and indigenous organizations to place 20 million wheelchairs”. 

Free Wheelchair Mission has grown rapidly over the last six years and has delivered over 280,000 wheelchairs since being founded in 2001.  In order to manage this growth, the organization needs to recruit and develop excellent staff members, who can grow with the organization and fill new positions of responsibility as the organization grows. 

Job Summary:  Develop a comprehensive program for Core donors. Free Wheelchair Mission has a solid base of 20,000 plus core donors who are currently cultivated through monthly mailings.  An essential part of the position will be to build the Core donor program, increase the involvement of donors, grow the number of donors and increase the total core-donor contributions.  This position works closely with the Development team and reports directly to the CEO.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop strategies for cultivating, soliciting, stewarding and recognizing new base-tier donors
• Maintain the integrity of donor relationships and maintain correspondence
• Recommend prospects and solicit for new donor gifts
• Work with Development team to track donor activity through fundraising software (Raiser’s Edge)
• Ensure that fund development is carried out in keeping with Free Wheelchair Mission’s mission, vision, and values
• Available to travel to local and regional events for fund development purposes
• Work with staff, board members and other volunteers to develop a strategic plan for substantially expanding the base-tier donor program
• Motivate and energize board members to participate in donor fundraising activities
• Assist in large donor campaigns and other development team projects
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned in support of daily job duties
• Share the message of Free Wheelchair Mission and our goal, “to provide the transforming gift of mobility with the disabled poor in developing countries.”

Experience Required:

• At minimum of at least 5 years in fundraising or major giving
• Familiarity with missionary organizations or disabilities beneficial
• Experience in the non-profit or philanthropic sectors highly desirable
• Bachelor’s degree (B.S. / B.A.) 

Knowledge and Critical Skills:

• Ability to identify, cultivate, acquire and steward gifts from individuals and foundations from the base-tier donor level
• Participate in, oversee and coordinate donor-development efforts
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, problem solve, and work as part of a team
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills that can articulate a compelling case for donating to Free Wheelchair Mission
• Strong e-mail communication skills
• Ability to mobilize others to fulfill the vision of Free Wheelchair Mission and increase donations from the base-tier level
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact diplomatically with diverse donors and groups
• Comfortable in fast-paced environment and handling multiple deadlines
• Commitment to the mission and vision of Free Wheelchair Mission
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel and proficiency in using computer software and knowledge of donor base management; experience with Raiser’s Edge database a plus.
• Ability to prioritize multiple jobs at once
• Willingness and available to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Good sense of humor!

Additional Qualifications:

• Passionate and trustworthy
• Highly productive worker who motivate others
• Past work or volunteer experience with nonprofits beneficial
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and committed to excellence
• Excellent time management skills
• Must meet agency conditions for employment

FREE WHEELCHAIR MISSION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Core Donor Development Manager is employed “at will” by Free Wheelchair Mission.
Compensation: salary dependent upon qualifications and experience,
comprehensive benefits package included.