The Advancement Officer advances the philanthropic mission of Trinity Lutheran Seminary (TLS) and Capital University by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors while strengthening alumni engagement and fostering lifelong relationships with Trinity Lutheran Seminary alumni, dual Capital-Trinity alumni, and friends of the Seminary.
They will build and manage a portfolio of major gift and planned gift prospects, alumni, foundations, congregations, and other philanthropic partners across Columbus and throughout the country to secure financial support for scholarships, academic initiatives, campus priorities, and other strategic Seminary and University initiatives. The position serves as the primary liaison to Trinity Lutheran Seminary alumni, creating meaningful opportunities for engagement, volunteerism, and philanthropy that strengthen lifelong connections to the institution.
Working collaboratively as a member of the Capital University Advancement team, the Director partners with colleagues across Advancement, Seminary leadership, faculty, and volunteers to advance fundraising priorities and deepen constituent engagement. The position reports directly to the Senior Director of Regional Development and Campaign Advisor, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Dean of Trinity Lutheran Seminary.
Key Responsibilities
· Build and manage a portfolio of approximately 100+ high-capacity donors and prospects and actively cultivate and solicit gifts. Accordingly, this position requires frequent travel in the field regionally and throughout the U.S.
· Raise Philanthropic Giving: Cultivate, solicit, and close five- and six-figure gifts.
· Collaboration: Partner with the university advancement team on major campaigns including annual giving programs for TLS, alumni gatherings, and philanthropic campaign projects.
· Travel Nationwide: Visit donors face-to-face to share the seminary's mission.
· Engage Lutheran Networks: Steward the Seminary's connections with synods, pastors, and ecclesial/nonprofit foundations for philanthropic purposes. In this responsibility, work closely with the Dean of the Seminary, the University Pastor, and the Director of Contextual Education and Community Life.
· Ongoing Stewardship of Assessment: Perform intentional follow-up with donors and alumni after events to nurture relationships, future philanthropic opportunities, and stewardship of current endowed funds.
· Active TLS Community Member: Participate regularly and fully in weekly TLS community events, including chapel, lunches, lecture series, faculty and staff meetings, and retreats, etc.
· Alumni Engagement: Steward the relationships between alumni and the seminary and broader university, including hosting events for the Seminary.
Initial Two-Year Metrics & Goals
· Donor Visits: Conduct 100 to 120 face-to-face donor visits annually (use the Dean and Team) (combination of individuals and ecclesial/philanthropic foundations).
· Gift Solicitations: Submit 20 to 30 formal asks (using the Dean and Trinity Lutheran Seminary Team).
· Fundraising Target: Meet or exceed annual solicitation goals (submitted and realized) set by leadership based on annual projects, institutional priorities, and campaign efforts.
· Portfolio Qualification: Qualify 30 new prospects during the first two years for continued portfolio renewal and growth.
· Database Management: Log all donor actions accurately into the CRM, hitting goals for visits, proposals, and engagement.
· Regularly attend various Trinity Lutheran Seminary events with an emphasis on strategically inviting and cultivating relationships with assigned constituents.
Qualifications
· This position requires personal attendance at Trinity Lutheran Seminary's campus in Bexley, OH.
· Experience: Three to five years in professional fundraising or church advancement.
· Demonstrated ability to understand the needs and interests of donors to develop and strengthen relationships within the Seminary and University.
· Excellent written and verbal communication, grammar and spelling skills, and telephone etiquette.
· Highly relational with demonstrated ability to interact with donors and prospects of all ages. Able to work with many different people and handle a variety of tasks, all with a good sense of humor.
· Good organizational and time management skills. The ability to work independently and be a self-starter while engaging in multiple tasks.
· Dependability, integrity, and ability to receive and implement suggestions from supervisors.
· Education: Bachelor's degree required, as well as an MDiv or equivalent.
· Skills: Proficiency in CRM systems, preferably in Blackbaud NXT and FPM software.
· Faith Commitment: Proficiency in ELCA and Lutheranism required.
· Must be able and willing to travel regionally and throughout the U.S. and work before or after work hours and over the weekends.
Capital University is currently unable to sponsor employment Visas or consider candidates who will require Visa sponsorship.
For more information on Capital University, visit our website at www.capital.edu.
The salary range for this role is between $70 - $90k, commensurate with experience. Capital University offers a rich benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, family education benefits, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and free parking.
Capital University is an equal opportunity employer. Capital University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, sex, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by the law.
