Christian Theological Seminary · 2 weeks ago
Senior Development Officer
1000 West 42nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
7+ years expChristian Theological Seminary invites an experienced fundraising professional to help shape the future of theological education. The Senior Development Officer will manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, soliciting and closing significant gifts to support the seminary's academic and institutional priorities.
ConsultingEducationTutoring
Responsibilities
Serve as a primary frontline fundraiser for CTS's comprehensive campaign, advancing philanthropic investment that supports access to theological education, leadership formation, and long-term institutional sustainability
Proactively identify, qualify, and manage a portfolio of 60–90 donors and prospects with the capacity and inclination to make five- and six-figure gifts, prioritizing values alignment and readiness within a 12–24 month campaign timeframe
Plan and execute 60–80 high-quality, strategy-driven donor engagements annually, including discovery visits, cultivation meetings, solicitations, and stewardship conversations conducted in person and virtually
Develop and implement individualized donor engagement and solicitation strategies that align donor interests with campaign priorities and CTS's mission, values, and commitments to equity, inclusion, and academic excellence
Prepare compelling, donor-centered proposals and solicitations, with a strong emphasis on securing five- and six-figure commitments in support of campaign and institutional priorities
Partner closely with the Vice President for Advancement, trustees, faculty, and campaign volunteers to strategically engage donors and prospects, including preparing leadership and volunteers for effective donor interactions
Collaborate with advancement and communications colleagues to ensure clear, consistent, and compelling campaign messaging that reflects the lived impact of CTS's work and resonates with diverse donor audiences
Maintain accurate, timely, and strategic records in the CRM system to support forecasting, reporting, portfolio management, and meaningful stewardship
Represent CTS at seminary, campaign, and donor-related events, strengthening inclusive donor engagement and community presence in support of campaign goals
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree; advanced degree or theological education
Minimum 7 years of experience in major gift fundraising, preferably within higher education, theological education, or a mission-driven nonprofit organization
Demonstrated success independently soliciting and closing five- and six-figure gifts, including experience developing donor-centered proposals
Experience working on comprehensive or capital campaigns, with a track record of advancing institutional priorities through philanthropy
Ability to build authentic, trust-based relationships with donors, faith leaders, faculty, trustees, and volunteers across diverse communities
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling case for support rooted in equity, access, and impact
Commitment to ethical fundraising practices, inclusive engagement, and respectful stewardship
Alignment with the mission and values of Christian Theological Seminary and comfort working within a diverse, faith-based academic community
Database platforms for constituent relations management (CRM) and fundraising; experience with Raiser's Edge / RE NXT is a plus
Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; experience with Adobe is a plus
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
Disability and life insurance programs
20 days of vacation
5 days of sick
5 days of personal time off per fiscal year
10 paid holidays in addition to paid Winter Break between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day
14% total contribution towards retirement
Company
Christian Theological Seminary
Christian Theological Seminary is a school in Indianapolis.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$5MKey Investors
Lilly Endowment
2025-11-01Grant· $5M
Recent News
2024-11-07
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