Advancement Officer

Overview

POSITION SUMMARY

The Advancement Officer serves as a key member of the Advancement team, advancing the mission of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne—to form servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost, and care for all.

This role is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships with current and prospective major donors, generating philanthropic support for the Seminary’s annual, capital, and endowment initiatives. The Advancement Officer will faithfully represent CTSFW’s mission and vision to donors and supporters across The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE 

The ideal candidate for the Advancement Officer role will be a mission-driven professional with a heart for the Church and a deep appreciation for the theological formation that CTSFW provides. This person will be both a faithful ambassador of the Seminary and a strategic relationship builder—someone who understands that philanthropy is a ministry rooted in stewardship, gratitude, and partnership in the Gospel.

They will bring strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with the ability to listen deeply and engage donors in meaningful conversations about their faith, values, and legacy. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a high level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion, coupled with a results-oriented mindset that balances pastoral sensitivity with measurable fundraising success.

An ideal Advancement Officer thrives both independently and collaboratively within a team, is motivated by the Seminary’s mission, and views travel and relationship development as an opportunity to strengthen Christ’s Church.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Donor Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100–125 current and prospective major donors (gifts of $25,000+).
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals, congregations, and organizations to strengthen long-term support for CTSFW.
• Develop and execute personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor.
• Facilitate and coordinate donor meetings with Seminary leadership, faculty, and volunteers.
• Engage donors in the Seminary’s mission through effective storytelling and mission-driven communication.

Solicitation and Fundraising

• Solicit gifts in support of annual giving, endowment, and capital projects.
• Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals and activity benchmarks, including donor visits and solicitations.
• Collaborate with the Chief Advancement Officer, Advancement colleagues, and volunteer leaders to develop and execute fundraising strategies.
• Demonstrate understanding of planned giving tools to assist donors in achieving their philanthropic goals.

Data Management and Reporting

• Record donor contacts, meeting notes, and relevant biographical updates promptly in the Seminary’s CRM system (Salesforce).
• Maintain accurate donor records and monitor progress toward fundraising goals.
• Provide timely reports on portfolio activity, visit outcomes, and revenue generation.

Collaboration and Strategy

• Participate in Advancement team planning and strategy sessions to identify opportunities for growth and donor engagement.
• Partner with Seminary leadership, including the President, Board of Regents, and President’s Executive Leadership Team, in cultivation and solicitation activities.
• Work with the Director of Alumni and Church Relations to strengthen Seminary engagement with alumni and congregations.
• Collaborate as needed with the Communications and Advancement teams on the development of effective print, digital, and event-based communication materials that highlight giving opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, or related fields.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-driven environment.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and project management skills.
• Experience using donor databases or CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly.
• Active member in good standing of a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of CTSFW.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinker who can translate CTSFW’s mission and theological distinctives into a compelling case for support.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion with confidential information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Evidence of creativity, initiative, and teamwork in advancing organizational goals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, stand, and travel for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day).
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.

CTSFW Mission & Vision
Mission Statement: Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), is an institution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod committed to the Holy Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions, and the liturgical life of the Church, forming servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost, and care for all.
Vision Statement: CTSFW is a vibrant, Christ-centered theological community that engages and resources the church and world, domestically and internationally, with distinctively Lutheran teaching, practice, and worship.

 

You can apply for this position here.