Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) has been serving the D.C. metro area for more than 100 years and is entering an exciting new chapter, expanding its impact through innovative programs that strengthen families and communities. The Vice President of Institutional Advancement (VP IA) is a key member of LSSNCA’s Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the CEO, who will lead the organization’s comprehensive advancement strategy to secure sustainable philanthropic support for existing and expanding initiatives such as Child, Youth, and Family Well-being Services; Refugee and Immigration Services; and Affordable Legal Services, and launching new social enterprise initiatives such as a Behavioral Health Clinic, Child Care, and a Thrift Store. This executive role is responsible for designing and executing a multi-pronged fundraising, marketing and communications, and government relations strategy that aligns with LSSNCA’s vision for growth, leveraging a team of eight and the Board’s Stewardship Committee to help execute this strategy. The VP IA will cultivate relationships with individuals, foundations, corporations, and faith-based communities to achieve annual unrestricted revenue goals of $1.1–$1.3 million within an organizational budget of $13–$15 million.

Essential Functions

• • Develop and implement a three-year advancement plan to increase visibility and secure diversified, sustainable, and renewable funding streams for new and existing programs.
  • Lead capital campaigns and planned giving initiatives to support long-term sustainability and major program expansions.
  • Collaborate with program directors to identify funding priorities for Child, Youth, and Family Well-being Services; Refugee and Immigration Services; Affordable Legal Services, Behavioral Health Clinic, Child Care, and a Thrift Store.
  • Directly supervise and mentor the Director of Development Operations, Director of Communications and Government Relations, and Thrift Store Manager to execute fundraising, marketing, and advocacy strategies, and the launch and operations of the Thrift Store.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with religious congregations, leveraging faith-based networks to promote LSSNCA’s mission and secure support.
  • Oversee individual giving, major gift cultivation, foundation grant-seeking, corporate partnerships, and annual giving campaigns.
  • Plan and execute donor cultivation and appreciation events, both in-person and virtual.
  • Provide strategic leadership for communications and marketing to enhance LSSNCA’s visibility and impact.
  • Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations and best practices in coordination with Finance.
  • Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy and policy development.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Divinity, Communications, Marketing, Business, Nonprofit Management, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
  • Proven success in major gifts, institutional fundraising, and donor engagement.
  • Experience working with faith-based communities and willingness to represent LSSNCA in religious settings.
  • Strong knowledge of Washington, D.C. philanthropic landscape preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license, access to an automobile, insurance, and willingness to drive to off-site locations, highly preferred.
  • Ability to travel up to 20%.

Preferred Skills

• • Commitment to LSSNCA’s mission and values.
  • Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to execute complex fundraising plans.
  • Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge), email marketing platforms, and social media fundraising.
  • Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment with competing deadlines and demands.
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

All typical non-profit org benefits