Advancement Officer, Foundation & Congregation Relations

Austin Seminary; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary seeks an Advancement Officer for Annual Giving, Foundation & Congregation Relations to manage a portfolio of up to 120 annual fund constituents and lead grant cycles with foundations and congregations.

Ideal candidates will have strong writing, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, plus understanding of mainline Christianity and theological education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; equivalent combination of education and professional experience will be considered.
• Minimum of three years of fundraising experience, including demonstrated success in grant writing or foundation relations.
• Experience with congregations and church mission committees strongly considered.
• Proficiency with donor database management and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of up to 120 annual fund constituents and serve as point of contact.
• Build affinity through consistent communication, visits, and meetings, and steward gifts to the annual fund.
• Meet annual goals for portfolio contacts, solicitations, retention, and dollars raised.
• Identify donors with major or planned giving potential and refer to the Advancement Director for moves management.
• Maintain accurate donor records and reporting in the donor database.
• Research, identify, and qualify foundation prospects aligned with the Seminary's mission.
• Coordinate with faculty and staff to gather program information for proposals/reports.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with congregations and presbyteries.
• Prepare and submit requests to congregations and mission committees; ensure timely acknowledgment and reporting.
• Partner with Alumni Relations to engage alumni pastors and congregations.
• Represent the Seminary at congregational visits and presbytery events.
• Plan and execute development events; contribute to annual appeals and donor recognition.
• Collaborate with Advancement Services to ensure accurate gift records.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge NXT

Microsoft 365

Job description

Advancement Officer, Foundation & Congregation Relations# Advancement Officer, Foundation & Congregation RelationsAustin, TX 78705## OverviewEducation Level4 Year DegreeTravel PercentageUp to 50%## Description**Job Title:**Advancement Officer for Annual Giving, Foundation & Congregation Relations (Hybrid) **Department:** Institutional Advancement **Reports to:**Advancement Director for Annual Giving **Direct Reports:**None **FLSA Status:** Exempt**Job Summary** The Advancement Officer for Annual Giving, Foundation & Congregation Relations builds deep and diverse relationships that sustain the annual support of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Reporting to the Advancement Director for Annual Giving, the Officer manages a portfolio of up to 120 annual fund constituents and leads the Seminary's relationships with foundations and congregations, including the full grant cycle from research and proposal through reporting and renewal. The ideal candidate is an experienced fundraiser and strong writer who understands the motivations of mainline Christianity and appreciates the value of theological education and the Seminary's Presbyterian-Reformed tradition. This position requires collaboration, excellent written and verbal communication, and a self-motivated desire to learn and grow.**Essential Functions and Responsibilities** Annual Giving Portfolio • Manage a portfolio of up to 120 annual fund constituents, serving as a point of contact and trusted adviser. • Build affinity through consistent communication, visits, and meetings, and invite and steward gifts to the annual fund. • Meet annual goals for portfolio contacts, solicitations, retention, and dollars raised, as set by the Advancement Director for Annual Giving. • Identify portfolio donors with major or planned giving potential and refer them to the Advancement Director for Annual Giving for moves management. • Maintain accurate records of donor contacts, strategies, and outcomes in the donor database. Foundation Relations • Research, identify, and qualify foundation prospects whose priorities align with the Seminary's mission and strategic plan. • Manage the foundation grant cycle, including letters of inquiry, proposals, budgets, and required narrative and financial reports. • Maintain a grants calendar that tracks deadlines, deliverables, and renewals. • Coordinate with faculty, program staff, and the Business Office to gather program information and financial data for proposals and reports. Congregation Relations • Cultivate and steward relationships with congregations, sessions, mission committees, and presbyteries that support or may support the Seminary. • Prepare and submit requests to congregations and congregational mission committees, and ensure timely acknowledgment and reporting. • Partner with Alumni Relations to engage alumni pastors and their congregations in support of the Seminary. • Represent the Seminary at congregational visits, presbytery gatherings, and related events as appropriate. Collaboration and Events • Participate in the planning, execution, and follow-up of development events in partnership with the Advancement Director for Annual Giving and Advancement staff. • Contribute to annual appeals and direct response campaigns as assigned. • Collaborate with the Advancement Associate for Stewardship and Advancement Services to ensure accurate gift records, acknowledgment, and donor recognition.## Qualifications**Recommended Minimum Qualifications** Education: Bachelor's degree required. Equivalent combination of education and professional experience will be considered. Certifications/Training: Fundraising or grant-writing certification preferred. Training in donor database management strongly considered. Experience: Minimum of three years of fundraising experience, including demonstrated success in grant writing or foundation relations, preferably in higher education or a faith-based nonprofit environment. Experience with congregations and church mission committees strongly considered. Special Requirements/Skills • Demonstrated appreciation for mainline Christianity and a deep commitment to the mission of theological education and the Seminary's Presbyterian-Reformed tradition. • Working knowledge of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its congregations, presbyteries, and synods strongly preferred. • Broad cultural competency, with a working understanding of diverse faith traditions represented within and beyond the Seminary community. • Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, compelling, and accurate proposals and reports. • Strong oral, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills. • Driven to meet goals and key performance indicators. • Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality. • Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines. • Proficiency with Raiser's Edge NXT and Microsoft 365. • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.**Schedule and Work Location** This is a full-time, exempt position. Austin Seminary operates on a 4:1 hybrid schedule, consisting of four days in the office and one day remote. Regular on-site presence is required. The position may require evening and weekend availability in support of development events, congregational visits, and institutional priorities. Travel of up to 25% is required, primarily within the five-state region of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico, and beyond as needed.**Equal Employment Opportunity** Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.**Faith-Based Employment** As a faith-based institution, Austin Seminary reserves the right, where permitted by law, to prefer candidates who affirm and support our Christian values and mission in alignment with the Seminary's Presbyterian-Reformed tradition.