Director Theological Education Fund Development

Position Summary The Director for Theological Education Funds Development will lead the successful cultivation of and communication with current and potential financial supporters of our Presbyterian Church (USA) seminaries through gifts and investments to the Theological Education Fund and Theological Schools Endowment Fund utilizing the products, services, and tools of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Foundation and its affiliates. An effective Director will be an experienced collaborative leader in theological education fundraising, and the PC(USA); able to secure gifts and commitments to theological education in the PC(USA); an established relationship builder and proven communicator, with a cultural competence, corporate and ecclesial acumen, and a contagious passion for theological education in general and PC(USA) seminaries in particular. Scope & Breadth of Position This position reports directly to the Vice President for Marketing and Communications of the Presbyterian Foundation and is supported in an advisory relationship with the Executive Committee of the Committee on Theological Education (COTE) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly or its designee(s). Budget Responsibility

• Operating Budget
• Theological Education Fund Gifts
• Theological Schools Endowment Fund Gifts
• Other Gifts to Theological Education

Responsibilities 1. Secure gifts and commitments alongside Foundation Ministry Relations Officers to target, cultivate, solicit, secure, and steward assets and relationships of individuals and foundations and other donors to support Committee on Theological Education objectives.

• Articulate and build upon a strong case for theological education that motivates support for PC(USA) theological education and motivate others to do so from their perspective within their networks.
• Structure, gain support, implement, and maintain a prioritized fund raising strategy based on donor research and analysis.
• Steward faithful donors and maintain key systems that have been successful in keeping donors engaged.
• Cultivate new prospects and client relationships with high-profile Presbyterians to deliver major gifts for use with theological education related missions.
• Manage PC(USA) Theological Education fundraising program

2. Ensure sound administration and management of theological education gifts and donations

• Apply key principles of marketing, public relations, and fund development
• Conduct ongoing performance analysis of the program and strategic plan
• Foster professionalism and productive team-oriented work environment alongside development and operations staff
• Contract for services to optimize the overall program and strategy
• Utilize the products and services of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation to create a keen awareness of the Foundation services among the Presbyterian leadership and Presbyterian constituencies

3. Lead PC(USA) Theological Education fundraising program:

• Work collaboratively with and advise the Executive Committee or its designee(s) of the Committee on Theological Education on clear short-term and long-range development plans, in coordination with the Vice President of Communications and Marketing
• Participate in strategic planning process to ensure the integration of the fundraising program
• Engage a continuing education plan through the Foundation.

Performance Metrics

• Increase gifts and commitments to PC(USA) theological education through the Presbyterian Foundation by:
• Building a development plan and providing a sustainable portfolio
• Growing prospective donor engagement and year over year giving
• Growing as a leader in theological education and as a fundraising professional
• In consultation with the Foundation VP of Marketing and Communications, establish annual goals designating specific metrics
• Maintain high trust and respect levels with partners and prospective donors
• An increase in the dollar volume of gifts
• An increase in the number of donors
• Quarterly tracking of the following that includes a return on investment analysis:
• Communications and promotional efforts
• Visits, calls and contacts made to congregations or organizations

POSITION OVERVIEW This position calls for a commitment to Jesus Christ through the church, an evident love for all people of varying views and personalities, a commitment to the governance of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a responsible affirmation of personal stewardship, and a concern for the financial support of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in all of its worship, mission, and witness. The position provides leadership to the Foundation for raising funds to support PC(USA) seminaries and theological education. Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• Four or more years of experience in fundraising and/or theological education
• Active membership in the PC(USA)
• Ability to navigate PC(USA) culture, polity, seminaries, and traditions
• Excellent organizational, relationship building, and communication skills
• Travel up to 30%

The ideal candidate will have:

• Respect among theological education leaders, especially in the PC(USA);
• Extensive relationship networks within theological education and the Church;
• Relationship building skills to gain the support of thought leaders, staff, donors, prospects, and other internal and external constituencies;
• Proven and creative communication, presentation, writing, speaking, cultural competency, and interpersonal skills;
• Political savvy and negotiation skills that solidify partnerships and/or move the mission forward;
• Ability to identify and match donor interests and joys with needs in PC(USA) seminaries and PC(USA) theological education;
• Proficiency at work plan prioritization, self motivation, team work, and time management that maximizes return on investment;
• A record of proactive planning and implementation of long-term goals;
• Excellent listening skills, giving full attention to partners with the ability to ask appropriate and adequate questions to uncover and identify potential donor opportunities.

For a full job description, see: https://www.presbyterianfoundation.org/about/careers/