Director of Seminary Development & Seminary Alumni Engagement

Mount Saint Mary's University

88d • $81,000 - $83,000

About The Position

The Director of Seminary Development and Seminary Alumni Engagement is a hands-on fundraising leader responsible for creating and executing all fundraising strategies to support the Seminary's mission and growth. This position is appointed by and reports to the Vice President for Advancement at Mount St. Mary’s University with a dual report to the Seminary Rector. This on site role oversees all development functions, including major gifts, grants, annual giving campaigns, special events, and donor relations, as well as constructive engagement with Seminary Alumni.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, advancement, or related fields, preferably within higher education or a faith-based organization.
• Demonstrated success managing major gifts, annual campaigns, alumni engagement, and special events.
• Experience working with volunteer boards, councils, or alumni associations.

Nice To Haves

• Strong understanding of fundraising principles, donor cultivation, and stewardship best practices.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to inspire donors and represent the Seminary with professionalism and passion.
• Proven leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in donor management systems (such as Slate, Raiser’s Edge, or similar platforms) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for donor or alumni events.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an annual, comprehensive fundraising plan to meet or exceed revenue goals.
• Lead the planning, execution and reporting of all fundraising campaigns and special events, including annual appeals, special gift programs, planned giving, endowment, capital giving and Seminary donor and alumni appreciation events.
• Cultivate and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, individual donors, corporate / organization partners and foundation donors.
• Oversee the grant writing process, from research and application to reporting and stewardship.
• Manage the donor database to ensure data integrity, accurate gift processing and effective donor communication.
• Collaborate as appropriate and necessary with the University Advancement office.
• Represent the Seminary at important University events and other external events to build community awareness and network with potential donors.
• Design and manage Seminary Alumni programs, collaborating with the University’s Office of Alumni Relations and the National Alumni Association as appropriate in order to actively engage Seminary alumni.
• Create compelling donor-facing content, including editorial support for the Seminary Newsletter, annual appeal letters, the Seminary news section for the Mount Magazine, Annual NCDVD Conference, and other relevant publications pertaining to seminary fundraising and alumni relations.
• Work closely as appropriate with the Seminary’s Rector’s Council and the Seminary Board’s Advancement Committee, attending meetings as necessary and presenting reports of the development work.
• Perform other duties as appropriate and necessary to fulfill the objectives of the Seminary’s development programs.

Benefits

• Full benefits and vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
• Generous benefits package, including tuition remission for graduate and undergraduate classes at Mount St. Mary’s University.
• Retirement program with a match.
• Generous paid time off schedule.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree