Director of Development

Job Description

Position Summary: The SJV Director of Development serves the mission of SJV by leading fundraising and advancement efforts in collaboration with, and as delegated by the Rector. The person in this position serves as part of the Rector's senior leadership team, ensuring that all development initiatives align with the broader strategic goals of SJV's mission.

Representative Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic direction for SJV development initiatives.
• Create and execute an annual operating plan to fund SJV's mission.
• Exercise sound stewardship practices to meet annual benchmarks.
• Collaborate with the Rector and other members of the leadership team to foster staff development and serve the mission of SJV.
• Serve as primary staff to the Institutional Advancement (IA) Committee and attend Board meetings / other committee meetings as directed.
• Report to the Rector and IA Committee on a regular basis regarding development initiatives and performance according to benchmarks.

SJV Annual Fund Activities and Major Gift Solicitation

• Coordinate and execute SJV annual fund initiatives, including individual solicitations, event sponsorships, and direct mail activities.
• Conduct major gift identification, engagement, and solicitation in support of annual giving campaign and any multi-year campaigns.
• Maintain a portfolio of approximately 50 prospects.

Fundraising and Stewardship Initiatives

• Solicit sponsorships and provide strategic fundraising direction for advancement events including, but not limited to Vianney Cup golf tournament and Crowning of Mary Mass and Brunch.
• Utilize strategic committees and recruit committee members to support SJV advancement events.
• Coordinate SJV Virtuous Business Leadership (VBL) program in collaboration with Rector and VBL committee. Recruit and engage members and guest speakers.
• Serve as primary staff for engaging SJV alumni in advancement efforts.

Department Management

• Assure that development team is fiscally responsible with expenditures.
• Supervise identified staff following procedures and principles outlined in human resource policies and in a manner reflective of the mission and values of SJV.
• Assist supervised staff in developing annual performance goals, objectives, and action plans; assist them in understanding and following mission and vision of SJV.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations with supervised staff.

Job Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with confidence in communicating with high-level professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with all constituents of the seminary, particularly benefactors and alumni.
• Strong communication skills to promote the mission and story of SJV to a broad audience in varied settings.
• Exceptional demonstrated capacity to handle confidential information with reverence and discretion
• Proven strategic thinker with ability to create and execute a cohesive development plan and lead annual and capital campaigns.
• Broad understanding of sales and marketing strategies, grant writing, and event planning.
• Eager to participate in ongoing professional development that contributes to best practices in both the advancement field and religious non-profit administration more generally.
• Passionately committed to the mission of SJV.

Job Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor's degree in business, communications, or a related field.
• A minimum of five years of donor-facing development experience preferred; background in marketing, communication, business, or relevant nonprofit leadership also considered.
• Management experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work required hours per week
• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to use computer keyboard for communication, document preparation and data analysis
• Ability to lift 25+ pounds
• Possess a valid Driver's license and ability to drive a seminary vehicle

Statement on Working for SJV: The Seminary is a Catholic formational environment and employment by SJV is substantially different from secular employment. Our employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of SJV and the Catholic Church. Behavior of our employees must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. It is required that this employee be a Catholic.

About the Employer

SJV is the largest college seminary in the United States, representing 18 dioceses throughout the nation, with 115 undergraduate men in formation. SJV is a vibrant and healthy environment that has the highest reputation for forming Men in Christ, Men of the Church, and Men for Others. SJV is located on the campus of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The formation of future priests is one of the most important and demanding tasks for the evangelization of humanity. ~ St. John Paul II