Director of Development

• Donor Cultivation and Solicitation: Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with donors, including major donors, foundations, and churches, to secure significant financial contributions
• develop and implement tailored cultivation strategies, including personalized communications, donor visits, and engagement opportunities to deepen relationships and increase donor commitment
• Major Gift Planning and Proposal Development: Collaborate with the development team to create compelling gift proposals, tailored to donors' philanthropic interests and financial capacity with an emphasis and goal of acquiring major gifts
• Donor Portfolio Management: Manage a portfolio of 150 prospects/donors, creating and implementing individualized cultivation and solicitation plans. Conduct in-depth prospect research to identify and prioritize donors and potential donors. Utilize strategic moves and management techniques to guide prospects through the cultivation cycle, from identification to solicitation and stewardship
• Solicitation Success: This includes achieving specific financial targets within a designated timeframe. Demonstrate success in soliciting major gifts from prospects in their portfolio
• Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with assigned donors, churches, and alumni, building trust, rapport, and confidence in Western's mission and academic programs
• collaborate with board members, executive leadership, faculty, and program staff to engage donors in meaningful ways, including personal meetings, events, and programmatic site visits
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work collaboratively with the development team and other stakeholders to align gift strategies with overall fundraising objectives
• participate in team meetings, strategy sessions, and donor/alumni cultivation events to maximize philanthropic opportunities

• Evangelical Christian commitment and lifestyle consistent with the World Evangelical Alliance Statement of Faith and the Seminary's governing virtues
• genuine passion for Western's mission and commitment to making a positive impact through philanthropy
• exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders
• proven ability to manage a portfolio of donor prospects, including research, cultivation, and solicitation strategies
• Bachelor's degree required
• advanced degree in a related field is a plus
• minimum of 10 years of experience in donor cultivation and fundraising, preferably in a nonprofit organization
• demonstrated success in securing donations, including major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations
• strong understanding of philanthropic motivations and trends among high-net-worth individuals and institutions
• excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and communicate Western's mission effectively
• experience with customer relationship management and donor database systems
• highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and SIS/CRM systems
• a valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation are required for travel
• must be available to travel up to 65% of the time, often overnight and/ or weekends in Oregon, Washington, and California
• availability to fly throughout the United States

advanced degree in a related field