Director of Advancement

Nashotah House Theological Seminary
Nashotah, WI (or remote)

THE ORGANIZATION

 

As a leading theological seminary in the Anglican tradition, Nashotah House has formed Christian leaders to serve the Church and spread the Gospel since 1842. Our lakeside campus is located in Nashotah, Wisconsin, situated between the metros of Milwaukee and Madison. We deliver our academic programs through three educational contexts: a fully residential program, a hybrid-distance program, and an advanced degree program for professionals seeking additional professional development. All of our academic programs are rooted in a classical education approach, equipping seminarians with a deep and comprehensive understanding of Christian tradition and with the practical tools needed to lead congregations.

 

THE POSITION

 

The Director of Advancement oversees all development activities at Nashotah House Theological Seminary. Collaborating closely with the Dean, the Director of Advancement spends most of their time working with top donors to the Seminary; direct experience soliciting and stewarding major gifts is required. The Director supervises a small team to manage communications and events for the entire donor base (major, mid level, and mass donors), alumni, and the campus community. The position is ideally based in Dallas, Sarasota/Tampa, or Nashotah House; travel will be at least 25%, depending on location. On campus housing may be available if the candidate and family wish to live at Nashotah House. The ideal candidate will be strategic, proactive, collaborative, and excited about working closely with a small and energetic team. Knowledge about The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church in North America, and the Anglican tradition broadly is a plus, as is experience in Higher Education. 


 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and Planning

  • Develop and execute a highly-personalized end-to-end donor journey designed to elevate donor engagement and revenue.
  • Collaborate closely with Dean, seminary leadership, and Board of Directors to strategize Advancement initiatives for the long-term financial sustainability of the seminary.
  • Develop best practices in donor opportunity management, donor engagement, stewardship, and marketing and communications.
 

Networking and Partnerships

  • Cultivate relationships with existing major donors to increase funding levels and develop relationships with other individuals and foundations, resulting in new major donors to Nashotah House.
  • Champion bringing individual donors to major donor status by identifying and building relationships with givers with greater capacity.
  • Identify new donors; develop, nurture, and maintain individual relationships, leading those individuals to make joyful financial investments.
  • Collaborate with team members in planning and implementing events, resulting in increased funding support from current donors and an introduction of new potential donors to the work of Nashotah.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate programs to recognize, thank, and educate current donors.
  • Management
  • As a key member of the Leadership Team, participate in regular strategy meetings with the Dean, Director of Community Life and Operations, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and Chair of the Faculty; participate in meetings with the Board of Directors.
  • Supervise Director of Communications and Marketing, Advancement Associate, and Events Coordinator; oversee planning of Advancement events both on campus and off campus.
  • Oversee budget for all Advancement activities, including events, marketing, and hospitality.

Reporting

  • Track and report on effectiveness of all solicitations; ensure accurate and complete data capture to drive effective reporting.
  • Oversee production of annual giving reports and provide analysis of giving trends to inform future initiatives.
  • Deploy best practices in donor opportunity management, donor engagement, stewardship, and marketing and communications.

Key Result Areas

 The success of this role is measured by:

  • Significant growth in major donor revenue.
  • Industry-leading donor retention and engagement.
  • Accurate and complete data capture to drive effectiveness, learning, and innovation in results reporting.
 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • At least five years’ experience in development and fundraising in a nonprofit. Higher education experience is a plus, as is experience in the Anglican tradition.
  • Demonstrated track record of fundraising success, particularly in soliciting and stewarding large gifts.
  • Ability to travel at least 25%, depending on location.

Technical Competencies

  • Extensive experience with donor cultivation and donor portfolio management.
  • Proven ability to effectively develop, nurture, and maintain individual relationships and the skill to lead those individuals to make joyful financial investments.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills; experience speaking to high potential clients and donors effectively, intelligently, and passionately.
  • Capacity to evaluate accurately and objectively the effectiveness and outcomes of programs and make appropriate adjustments.
  • High level of computer literacy with MS Office and Google Suite.
  • High level of proficiency with donor management software (Donor Perfect preferred).

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to dean@nashotah.edu.