Letter to PTM’s Future Advancement Director by Chan Sheppard

March 5, 2015

Dear Future Advancement Director,

PTM’s board recognized before I did PTM’s need for a full-time development director.  I kept trying to make the argument that we need to spend our resources on program rather than a “professional fundraiser.”   We did, however, decide in 2009 to hire a part-time development director (Katherine).  Similarly, PTM hired a full-time Volunteer Coordinator in 2012 (Martha).  With the addition of Katherine and Martha not only has PTM grown in volunteers and funding, but these additions have led to much stronger and deeper programs for more students.  To continue this growth, PTM recognizes the need for someone like you to focus on increasing our volunteer and donor base even further and to direct the efforts of our staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, and donors in multiplying the impact of PTM programming.

I am so grateful that you not only recognize the value of advancement, but you see it as a calling and a ministry.  You recognize that there remains significant need in our community, that PTM’s strategy is a good one, and that you have the skills and work ethic to mobilize a community of believers to help meet that need.  Specifically, here are some of the gifts I see in you.

You are passionate about God and desire deeply to follow God’s will for your life.  God’s will directs every decision you make and your deepest desire is to bring glory to God in all that you do. You are grounded in scripture and in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  You embody the very core beliefs that we want desperately the youth of PTM to know, feel, and believe. ( https://prestontaylorministries.org/about/core-beliefs/ )

You are a dreamer.  You value those who are cautious, thoughtful, and realistic.  But, you are not slowed down by what is humanly possible.  You approach life with optimism and hope and feel as though nothing is impossible.  You are not scared by ambitious goals of volunteer recruitment or fundraising, but recognize that God consistently provides far more than we can ask or imagine.  You crave a challenge and know the feeling of exceeding high expectations.

You are hard for people to say “no” to.  You are not manipulative or fake.  You are genuine in your concern for the person in front of you.  You are able to help people see that giving themselves away to God is good for them.  You are trustworthy.  People know when they say “yes” to you that they are saying “yes” to a request that will help grow opportunities for at-risk youth.

You are creative.  You have great ideas about how to connect people with the mission of PTM.  You recognize that a 4 th grader who volunteers through VBS to serve at PTM grows into a high school intern who grows into a LEAP Year intern who grows into a $5,000 a year donor.  You know that every volunteer is more than just a volunteer, but one who will bring others into PTM.  You know that many of our volunteers will become donors.  You find ways to get people involved in an authentic and meaningful way.

You have the very rare gift of being both task-oriented and people-oriented.    You can connect comfortably with a donor while sipping on a hot beverage as easily as you can lead a committee meeting following a very specific agenda.  You can handle multiple deadlines while eagerly taking on new responsibilities.  You do all of this while maintaining personal boundaries and a commitment to self-care.

You are a leader.    You know the joy of working as part of a team and of being the one leading the team.  You are excited about working with Katherine and Martha, with PTM’s board, and with volunteers and will provide direction and energy that will inspire and motivate.    You are ambitious in meeting goals and able to rebound quickly when you fall short.  You are a risk-taker and are easy to follow.

As demanding as this job will be, there will be some benefits that were tailor-made for you.  You will enjoy the PTM staff and will fit in like family.   The hours are pretty flexible and allow for time to work offsite.  The salary will be $40,000.  PTM will also provide $2,400 per year for health care—either through enrollment in PTM’s plan or in reimbursement for your own plan.  Additionally, there will be three weeks of paid leave built into the rhythm of the year.  Like for me, the biggest benefits will come in the satisfaction of serving God and others doing something that is fun, that makes a difference, and that provides many opportunities for relationships with outstanding people.

If interested in this position, please email me a cover letter and resume by April 30, 2015. (chan@prestontaylorministries.org). I am very excited about meeting you and serving with you.  You will make PTM better.

Very gratefully yours,

Chan

For a complete job description, please click Job Description–Advancement Director.

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