The Vice President for Advancement works closely with the President, Vice President for Finance and Operations and the Board of Trustees to ensure that the seminary has adequate financial resources to carry out its mission and accomplish agreed upon goals.  The Vice President for Advancement will convey the distinct nature of Gordon-Conwell’s mission in efforts to acquire new donors and move existing donors to new levels of giving, with emphasis on major donors.  Given the importance of building long-term relationships with the Seminary’s top donor and prospects, the necessity of building the Advancement team and the oversight of a multi-year campaign, it is expected that the Vice President for Advancement will anticipate holding this position for a significant period of time.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Cultivates, solicits and stewards a specific portfolio of 50 major (individual, family, church and foundation) donors and prospects. (30% of time)
• Provides general oversight of advancement staff and programming on all four campuses and supports, encourages and trains Advancement team members. (20%)
• Leads the process of advancement planning across campuses and programs (including annual, capital and planned giving), making recommendations and regular reports to the President, the Advancement and Enrollment Committee of the Board of Trustees and the full Board of Trustees. (15%)
• Represents the Seminary to, and communicates with, donor and alumni constituencies at public events, in small group meetings and through interpersonal conversations. Articulates a biblical approach to stewardship as well as the mission, vision and strategic plans of the Seminary. (10%)
• Serves on the President’s Cabinet, advises the President and other members of the Leadership Team on advancement-related issues and projects and participates in planning initiatives for the larger institution. (15%)
• Staffs, in collaboration with the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing, the Advancement and Enrollment Committee of the Board of Trustees, working with the committee chair to plan the agenda for the meetings of the committee. (5%)
• Motivates volunteers within the Board of Trustees, the Boards of Advisors for the individual campuses, and the alumni constituency to support the Seminary’s overall advancement efforts. (5%)
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Demonstrated Skills and Experience:

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills: Skilled in interpersonal communication, public speaking (from the pulpit and in other settings) and effective writing.
• Personal warmth, ease in developing relationships, effective interpersonal communication skills, a personality that moves toward other people, and evident grace and compassion in relationships with a diverse constituency.
• Demonstrated ability to work collegially under the leadership of a President, with other senior administrative colleagues, and within a multi-person advancement team.
• Senior advancement/fundraising experience including planning, staff leadership, working knowledge of gift and grant policies and procedures and familiarity with current best practices in charitable giving and Christian stewardship.
• Demonstrable track record in achieving results, generating increasing levels of philanthropic support and broadening an organization’s donor base.