Job Description

Position Title: Director of Donor Stewardship and Advancement Initiatives

Department: Advancement

Reports To: Vice President for Advancement

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Job Classification: Full-time, Salaried

Weekly Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Work Location: On-site

ABOUT CHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) is a fully accredited ecumenical graduate school located in Indianapolis, IN related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and serving the whole people of God. We welcome all faiths to explore/ engage in an intellectually rigorous, spiritually formative, and emotionally supportive education that equips our students to go out into all the world and serve-whether that is in the church or out in the community. CTS also offers a robust counseling program that provides professional counseling preparation and spiritual/theological integration for those training to become mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, pastoral psychotherapists, and spiritual care specialists.

POSITION SUMMARY

The successful candidate will be integral to a mission-driven advancement office that houses both the development and communications teams, joining a staff of experienced professionals dedicated to a meaningful and impactful work experience. The DDSAI will work closely with the Vice President for Advancement on the management and direction of the advancement office and be responsible for designing, implementing, and directing an integrated and comprehensive stewardship program that promotes engagement and connection with donors at all levels.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily.

• Work with the vice president for advancement to develop a comprehensive development and communications strategy aligned with the organization's overall goals.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive donor stewardship program and oversee donor stewardship activities, including personalized communications and recognition programs.
• Advise the Vice President for Advancement on strategic and operational aspects of the seminary's communication program and effectively promote internal and external understanding of the seminary's mission and vision.
• In coordination with the Vice President and others across campus, oversee a comprehensive communications strategy for the seminary across various channels including website, social media, press releases, newsletters, and publications.
• Oversee media relations activities, including press inquiries and spokesperson training.
• Serve as project manager on large-scale communications projects.
• Develop innovative donor recognition opportunities, coordinate special donor cultivation events and assist in creating a plan of intentional and comprehensive donor stewardship activities, including strategies to grow and strengthen constituent relationships.
• Demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness in word and action and is a leader in creating and maintaining a respectful, positive, and outcomes-oriented work environment that promotes staff development.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned including special projects, programs, developmental and engagement activities, etc.
• Represent the advancement office and support CTS events and activities as appropriate.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

The successful candidate will report to the vice president for advancement and should possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to fulfill the essential functions of the position, demonstrating experience and proficiency in the following:

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse constituencies, including alumni, students, faculty, administrators, Board, and other volunteer leaders (advancement experience a plus).
• Ability to lead diverse teams.
• Program planning, management, and execution skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a collaborative environment.
• Time and project management skills, including attention to detail, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Event planning, execution, and assessment experience.
• Ability to evaluate data and make informed decisions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and public speaking experience.
• A strong understanding of philanthropy, fundraising, and data/constituent confidentiality principles and practices.
• Understanding of relevant project management tools and methodologies.
• Word, PowerPoint, and Excel (experience with Adobe is a plus).
• Commitment to an ethical, authentic, and harmonious work environment, including empathy, collegiality, constructive candor, creativity, and diplomacy.
• Database platforms for constituent relations management (CRM) and fundraising are a plus (CTS utilizes Raiser's Edge NXT).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree and at least five years of development, alumni /donor relations, stewardship, communications, non-profit, or other relevant experience.
• Resonance with the CTS mission, vision, and core values.
• The ability to travel to meet with a wide variety of seminary constituents (occasional evening and weekend hours, as well as overnight travel, may be necessary).
• Experience in a seminary, theological institution, faith-based, or social services organization is preferred but not required.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Qualified candidates should apply online using the application link or submit a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references to humanresources@cts.edu.

MORE ABOUT CHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

CTS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate with respect to recruitment, hiring, or any other status of employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other category protected by law.

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