Director of Advancement for the School of Theology and Religious Studies

Posting Title

Overview

Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Schools, the Director of Advancement will lead efforts to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects on behalf of the School of Theology & Religious Studies. The Director serves as a member of the University Advancement team and collaborates closely with the central Advancement office, which provides resources, strategic counsel, and shared metrics. The Director’s primary responsibility is to solicit and close major gifts (defined as $50,000 and above) in support of the school’s mission and priorities. This role also partners with academic leadership to set annual fundraising targets, build alumni engagement, and communicate the school’s vision and achievements to key stakeholders, including alumni, donors, and external constituencies.

The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is: $110,000-115,000.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of ~125 major gift prospects (alumni and other donors) with the capacity to give $50,000 .
• Conduct at least 100 prospect visits annually; solicit and close 15–25 major gifts per year; and qualify a comparable number of new major gift prospects.
• Build on a program currently generating six-figure annual revenue.
• Develop an annual work plan in collaboration with the Senior Associate Vice President for University Advancement and the Dean of TRS. The plan will include personal fundraising goals, new prospect identification, solicitation activity, and stewardship metrics consistent with University Advancement standards.
• Partner with the Dean, faculty, and other academic leaders to support their engagement with donors, guiding them in developing and maintaining long-term donor relationships.
• Recruit, cultivate, and manage volunteer leadership groups, including the School’s Board of Visitors, to advance fundraising and engagement objectives.
• Plan, execute, and support events and initiatives designed to cultivate donors, engage alumni, and raise the school’s visibility and reputation.
• Serve as an active member of the Advancement team, contributing to university-wide fundraising strategies, cross-unit collaboration, and shared goals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Required, Advanced Degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 5 years of professional fundraising experience, including at least 3 years focused on major gift fundraising with a record of successful solicitations.
• Experience in higher education or a mission-driven nonprofit strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of the Catholic Church and its mission desirable.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and Google Workspace.
• Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and maintain a driving record in accordance with university policy.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication (oral and written), and relationship-building skills.
• Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, administrators, alumni, and volunteer leaders.
• Knowledge of planned giving and wealth management strategies desirable.

Salary : $50,000 - $115,000