FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Development Coordinator Position
The Mission of the Thich Nhat Hanh Continuation and Legacy Foundation of the Unified Buddhist Church (UBC) is to facilitate and oversee the engagement of the lay sangha in providing financial support to the United Buddhist Church, a 501(c)3 organization. The Foundation Board will work mindfully to continue the work of our dear teacher, support our practice centers around the world, and engage in sangha building in order to foster peace and transform suffering in people, animals, plants, and our Earth.
Organization Description
The Unified Buddhist Church was founded by Thich Nhat Hanh in 1969, during the Vietnam War. The Unified Buddhist Church is the governance body for Plum Village in France, Blue Cliff Monastery in New York, Deer Park Monastery in California, the Magnolia Grove Meditation Practice Center, the Community of Mindful Living and Parallax Press. The Unified Buddhist Church, Inc. (UBC), a nonprofit corporation, was founded in 1998 to officially represent Thich Nhat Hanh and his sangha in the U.S.
Position Description
The Foundation Coordinator will support the work of the Thich Nhat Hanh Continuation and Legacy Foundation. The Foundation Coordinator will be responsible for a variety of projects related to data management, monthly giving, legacy giving, marketing material production and management and major gifts. The fundraising program’s growth will provide natural opportunities to learn and grow and the position will require the ability to remain flexible and adaptable in regard to work assignments. One key difference in this position compared with a traditional fund development opportunity is that the Coordinator will use a mindfulness practice based approach to conduct the work and to engage a multicultural, worldwide community.
Key Responsibilities
The Development Coordinator reports to, and supports the goals of, the Foundation Board. Responsibilities include:
- Process incoming gifts and input data in Donor Perfect;
- Prepare regular gift reports and run queries in Donor Perfect;
- Generate gift acknowledgments and pledge reminders;
- Prepare and send fundraising emails to targeted mailing lists;
- Support monthly giving program through implementation of acquisition and marketing strategies to grow monthly giving donors;
- Support legacy giving program through implementation of acquisition and marketing strategies to grow legacy giving;
- Support implementation and growth of program through integration of mindfulness practice in all aspects of the work;
- Oversee monthly gift processing;
- Provide assistance in stewardship of major donors;
- Coordinate mailings, including special appeals and monthly donor acquisition and renewals and legacy giving acquisition. Prepare mailing lists, mail package contents, and coordinate with print and mail house vendors;
- Support Foundation Board and fundraising committees by maintaining rosters, taking and distributing materials, preparing materials, reserving meeting space, and other general administrative support;
- Maintain general fundraising, monthly giving and legacy giving marketing materials and donor recognition lists;
- Assist with prospect identification and management, research and development of donor profiles;
- Assist with events and programs designed to cultivate relationships with donors and maximize giving potential;
- Assist monastics and lay-volunteers with site-specific fundraising projects as necessary and as time allows
- Prepare donor communications, requests for information and other correspondence;
- Manage donor electronic and paper records.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
Compensation
- Salary is commensurate with experience. Position will remain open until filled and may be divided into multiple positions.
- Benefits include paid vacation, health care, sick leave.
- Position is full-time (a minimum of 40 hours/week); ability to work some flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required
Desired Skills
- Excellent computer skills, specifically MS Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher or other design software) and donor management software (Donor Perfect preferred).
- Ability to thrive and work effectively independently and as a part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy, the ability to prioritize and organize multiple projects, meet deadlines, problem-solve and multi-task.
- Excellent English written and verbal communications skills. Vietnamese language skills highly desirable. Other language skills consistent with working with an international organization desirable.
- Ability to build rapport with donors with diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, and inclusiveness.
- Ability to work with and engage youth and to utilize significant opportunities for voluteer assistance from a dedicated community support base.
- Ability to enjoy and thrive in a multi-cultural environment.
- Ability to travel to Deer Park Monastery, Escondido, California as needed.
- Valid driver’s license required.
Desired Experience
- Bachelor’s degree and one year of professional work experience, preferably in a development office or commensurate experience.
- Experience or interest in a career in fund development for spiritual communities or non-profit organizations essential.
- Experience and ability to operate in a mindful work environment essential. Practitioner in the Plum Village Tradition highly desirable.
How to Apply
Submit electronic resume, cover letter and salary requirements by November 15, 2011 to the Continuation Foundation Search Committee at phaphai@plumvillage.org or:
Deer Park Monastery
Attn: Phap Hai
2499 Melru Lane
Escondido CA 92026
Please direct questions to Laura at earthlover@sbcglobal.net
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