Vice President for Philanthropy & Stewardship

Summary:

The Vice President for Philanthropy & Stewardship serves as a critical member of the Seminary’s senior leadership team. This position leads fundraising and stewardship operations, promoting a culture of giving and gratitude for the entire seminary community – trustees, donors, friends, employees and students. The Vice President oversees all aspects of the Seminary’s fundraising and stewardship program, including annual giving, planned/deferred giving, major gifts, alum relations, grant writing, and stewardship activities.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

Reports to the President of the Seminary

ADMINISTRATIVE LIAISON TO:

Philanthropy & Stewardship Committee
Governance Committee

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide strategic leadership to develop a multi-faceted, comprehensive approach to attracting and retaining philanthropic support for the seminary’s mission and programs.
  • Partner with the President and board of trustees on all fundraising and stewardship activities.
  • Build relationships with donors, alums, trustees, foundations, friends of the seminary and prospective donors.
  • Serve as the organization’s chief advocate in articulating the rationale for philanthropic investment in the seminary’s mission and vision.
  • Lead a comprehensive program to secure major and planned gifts.
  • Maintain a personal portfolio of major gift and planned giving prospects.
  • Partner with the Office of Communications to develop effective messaging and communications strategies.
  • Manage and oversee the Office of Philanthropy & Stewardship’s budget.
  • Utilize metrics and benchmarking to enable on-going accountability and program refinement.
  • Lead and mentor a team to carry out philanthropy and stewardship strategies.
  • Establish best practices for gift accounting, recognition and stewardship.
  • Instill a strong culture of giving and gratitude throughout the seminary community.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Instill a strong culture of giving and gratitude throughout the seminary community.
  • At least seven years of progressively responsible positions in fundraising or relevant experience.
  • Managerial experience resulting in the success of others.
  • Ability to prioritize and reassess in a fast-paced environment.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy; timeline oriented.
  • Solid communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Personal qualities of integrity and collegiality.
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality, professionalism and discretion.
  • Ability to promote and maintain a positive work environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with persons from diverse racial, cultural and religious backgrounds.
  • Baccalaureate degree; Master’s or CFRE preferred but not required.

COMPENSATION:

Louisville Seminary offers a full range of benefits, including 403B pension benefit, and health insurance.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested applicants, email a cover letter and resume to Theresia Smith tsmith@lpts.edu.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:

Background check and proof of a completed COVID-19 vaccination before the commencement of employment or an approved exemption and reasonable accommodation 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, its black church studies program, the scholarship and church service among its faculty, and a commitment to training women and men to participate in the continuing ministry of Jesus Christ.

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.