Saint John's University, Collegeville, MN - Development Officer

Mary Wolff

Development Officer

POSITION SUMMARY
The School of Theology at Saint John’s University (SJU) invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible position of Development Officer.

The Development Officer (DO) is responsible for helping secure financial resource for the SOT/Sem by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts to support the School of Theology and Seminary (SOT/Sem) from alumni/ae, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the school. By building relationships through in-person and virtual visits, written and verbal communications and proposals with individual donors, the DO is expected to create and implement effective engagement pipelines for existing and new major gift donors and prospects, and help donors fulfill their passions and interests through their giving to SOT/Sem.

Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement
The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU.

Responsibilities

• To secure funds for SOT/Sem by managing a consistently shifting portfolio of 125+ current and prospective donors with the focus on expanding the Community of Hope Fellow Society ($1,000+) and moving people from events (Theology Days, Golf, etc.) into meaningful relationships with SOT/Sem.
• Establish and execute relationships that build the organization’s visibility, impact, and financial resources.
• In consultation with the Director of Development and Alumni/ae Relations, set specific dollar goals for assigned, qualified prospects based on their history of giving and the school’s knowledge of their giving potential and affinity.
• Create cultivation and solicitation plans for assigned, qualified prospects that consider the individual prospect's interest, motivations, giving patterns and ask preferences. Execute established plans in a timely and cost-effective manner that retains and upgrades current donors and acquires new donors ensuring that solicitations are carried out, all with the goal of meeting annual and campaign fundraising goals.
• Complete appropriate follow up activities, including personal letters of thanks, and submits regular call reports on prospects/donor visits.
• Works closely with the Director of Development and Alumni/ae Relations to meet the school’s fundraising objectives.
• Attends meetings of the SOT/Sem Board and appropriate committees as required and necessary.
• Perform those duties and responsibilities as may be requested.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Two or more years of successful advancement or fundraising experience or three years of related work experience.
• Demonstrated personal experience soliciting gifts from individuals and/or transferrable experience, which includes managing relationships, creating and presenting proposals, and other fundamental elements of client/donor relationship, sales-related management or related experience.

PREFERRED DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with educational institution, not-for-profit, seminary, or school of theology, or on behalf of a religious institution is desirable.
• Familiarity with major-gift and planned giving fundraising.
• Computer literacy. Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, donor database, and other common programs in the PC environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are required. Ability to listen is essential. Able to ask leading questions which encourage prospects and donors to talk about themselves and their activities.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment in higher education.

To Apply

Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply". Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5500 or employment@csbsju.edu.

It is the policy of SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

Saint John's University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.