About Luther Seminary

Luther Seminary educates leaders for Christian communities called and sent by the Holy Spirit to witness to salvation through Jesus Christ and to serve in God’s world. Our values are Gospel-centered, Student-focused, Innovative, Academically Rigorous, Inclusive, and Community Oriented. 

Luther is the largest seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We also educate students of 41 other denominations and traditions. Luther is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools. 

Job Description

Position Title : Philanthropic Adviser

Team : Professional Services

Position Status : Exempt

Reports To : Sr Philanthropic Adviser

Grade :

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1. PURPOSE

As a Philanthropic Adviser, reporting to the Sr Philanthropic Adviser, you will serve as a key steward for current and prospective philanthropists in support of Luther Seminary and the Luther Seminary Foundation. You will be expected to meet annual revenue goals by identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding outright gifts of $50,000 and higher and planned gifts of $100,000 and higher from a portfolio of local and national donors’ prospects, creating meaningful impact in the lives of both donors and students, faculty and alumni. Responsibilities include:

1. KEY RESULT AREAS

Portfolio Management:

1. Participate in a comprehensive major gifts program for Luther Seminary by managing a portfolio of up to 120 prospects; facilitate active relationships with assigned prospects, matching the Seminary's funding needs with prospects' interests.

1. Identify and qualify prospects through formal discovery process

1. Cultivate, solicit and steward major and planned gifts to meet or exceed individual and team gift goals set annually

1. Demonstrate moves management best practice and work closely with prospect development manager to evaluate and prioritize donor prospects.

Reporting and Data Management:

1. Develop individual, written and personalized strategies for each donor prospect, documenting campaign target amounts, annual proposal amounts and key dates;

1. Complete timely and accurate contact reports; maintain accurate and relevant records within the database

1. And any other duties as assigned.

1. RELATIONSHIPS

1. Maintain in-depth knowledge of Luther Seminary's strategic plan, funding needs, and academic and student programs. Work creatively to match institutional priorities with donors' interests. When appropriate, engage the President, board members, faculty, senior administrators and other partners to deepen donors' relationships with the seminary.

1. Collaborate with internal partners, including the philanthropic adviser team, director of development, and marketing and communications team to develop coordinated strategic communication with all stakeholders within the relationship building process.

1. Work closely with board members, alumni, congregations and donors to identify and build lasting relationships with prospective supporters.

1. Assist donors and colleagues with planning and hosting donor events as appropriate.

IV. JOB SPECIFICATION

1. Commitment to Luther Seminary’s Mission and Vision. 

Desired education and experience: 

1. Bachelor's Degree; advanced degree and/or CFRE preferred.
2. Three years professional experience in fundraising, at least one year in major gifts area, with demonstrated success in soliciting and closing major and planned gifts.

    Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities: 

1. Ability to travel 40 percent of work hours; travel will be by car and by air.
2. Knowledge of Raiser's Edge/NXT database preferred.
3. Detail oriented with the ability to organize work effectively.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. Build and maintain collaborative and effective relationships with students, faculty, staff and public.
6. Knowledge of ELCA helpful.
7. Familiarity with other mainline Christian organizations also helpful.
8. Willingness to adhere to the codes of ethics of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Association of Lutheran Development Executives.