Director of Annual Giving

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for organizing and managing all aspects of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Annual Giving, which provides critical operating support to all areas of the institution. The Director will coordinate and conduct both personal and direct marketing solicitations of alums, friends of the seminary and congregations to ensure the continued growth in annual support.

Organizational Relationship:

  • Reports to the Vice President for Advancement

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement effective annual giving programs to increase both dollars and donors.
  • Regularly identify and solicit individuals, alums, and congregations for gifts to the Annual Fund through a strategic solicitation program with methods including, but not limited to, direct mail, electronic methods, events, and personal solicitation.
  • Serve as the main collaborator and point of contact for the Grant Writer (external). Research and identify new government, corporate, foundation, and private funding prospects to match seminary priorities.
  • Maintain primary responsibility for grant reporting, submission schedules, and tracking.
  • Serves as a liaison to funding agencies and organizations.
  • Maintain a portfolio of annual giving prospects.
  • Manage the budget for yearly annual giving activities.
  • Track and report on the effectiveness of solicitations; provide analysis of giving trends.
  • Work with other departments (Admissions, Communications, Academics) in support of annual giving strategies and events.
  • Design and implement solicitation strategies for donors to support the Seminary Fund, in addition to other areas of support.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across the Advancement Office and seminary community to recruit volunteers to assist with seminary efforts at local, regional, and national conferences or events.
  • Identify potential major or planned giving donors with appropriate personnel.
  • Utilize best practices in fundraising and engagement to develop strategies and goals for donor acquisition, donor retention, donor upgrades, and constituent engagement.

Qualifications & Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Must be able to work as part of a team and manage multiple tasks, details, and deadlines.
  • Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills.
  • 3-5 years of experience in annual giving and/or engagement in a higher education environment or other equivalent non-profit environment.
  • Demonstrated track record of fundraising success.
  • Ability to represent the Advancement Office and Louisville Seminary professionally.
  • Must be capable of working with sensitive information with complete confidentiality.
  • Must be flexible with work schedule and available to work occasional weekends and evenings, and overnight travel periodically, as necessary.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and set priorities.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Ability to respond with sensitivity and awareness to those with diverse cultural, ethnic, social backgrounds, values, attitudes and languages.
  • Solid knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and knowledge and experience with donor management software; Raiser's Edge experience preferred.
  • Social media knowledge, experience, and understanding is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of Louisville Seminary is highly valued, graduate of Louisville Seminary is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer

Compensation:

Full time, exempt position offering a full range of benefits, including 403b retirement benefit.

Application Process:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Interested applicants, please email a cover letter and resume to Emalee Rose at erose@lpts.edu.

Pre-Employment Conditions:

A background screening is required.

About Louisville Seminary:

Founded in 1853, Louisville Seminary offers an inclusive and diverse learning community, welcoming students from wide ecumenical backgrounds while maintaining its long, historic commitment to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Louisville Seminary is led by the Holy Spirit to educate people to proclaim the Gospel, to care for all, and to work for justice in communities everywhere. It is distinguished by its nationally recognized marriage and family therapy and field education programs, the scholarship and church service among its faculty and a commitment to training individuals to participate in the continuing ministry of Jesus Christ. For more information, call (800) 264-1839 or visit lpts.edu.

Louisville Seminary is committed to providing our employees an environment that is inspiring, creative and respectful. Louisville Seminary is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, creed, sexual orientation or any other protected class.