Vice President for Advancement

Princeton Theological Seminary (the Seminary) seeks a strategic, aspirational, and collaborative fundraising leader to serve as vice president for advancement (VP, vice president). Reporting to a visionary president early in his tenure and serving as an integral member of the Seminary senior leadership team, the vice president will establish vision and strategies that strengthen the culture of philanthropy, support seminary-wide strategic priorities, attract new sources of funding, and deeply engage alumni and friends of the Seminary. The VP will develop and implement best practices throughout the advancement operation, raising philanthropic sights among all constituencies, and significantly enhancing overall fundraising success. 

Princeton Theological Seminary was the first seminary founded by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. Established in 1812, the Seminary has stood at the forefront of theological education for over 200 years, shaping generations of Christian professionals for ministry around the world. The Seminary stands with the Reformed tradition, which shapes the instruction, research, practical training, and continuing education provided by the Seminary, as well as the theological scholarship it promotes. This is an exceptional opportunity at a pivotal moment as the Seminary charts an ambitious future trajectory and builds upon the momentum of new presidential leadership, a refined strategic framework, and a cultural commitment to historical tradition while embracing innovation. 

The vice president will develop and implement a strategic, comprehensive, and systematic institutional advancement program that reflects contemporary industry best practices and is consistent with the Seminary’s mission and core values. The VP will mobilize and lead a staff of eight, empowering individuals through mentorship, training, and the use of data to track progress and outcomes. As an exceptional communicator and relationship builder, the VP will inspire trust and establish and deepen essential partnerships across the Seminary. The vice president will work closely with the president, board, and division leadership to articulate funding priorities, engage donors, and develop and implement appropriate strategies to enhance and elevate the Seminary’s fundraising success. In partnership with the vice president for marketing and communication, the VP will develop clear, consistent, and compelling messaging that reflects the Seminary's uniqueness and aspirations. The vice president will strengthen a culture of philanthropy among the Seminary’s constituencies, enhance and strengthen donor pipelines, identify opportunities to engage and cultivate unaffiliated prospects and donors, and refine the overall strategy and structure of institutional advancement and ready the Seminary for future fundraising endeavors.

The incoming VP must possess a sophisticated understanding of the science of advancement, expertise in CRM systems, and experience shaping and growing a high-performing team and program informed by best practices and industry standards. In addition to developing an overarching strategic vision and plan for advancement, the VP must be able and willing to design and build a program at a systems level from the ground up. With at least ten years of leadership experience in advancement, the ideal candidate will possess a keen understanding of fundraising best practices, a proven track record of program building, and fundraising success in securing major and principal gift commitments from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The successful candidate will be data-driven and have the ability to develop, implement, and optimize infrastructure, policies, and procedures, ensuring data-informed best practices are embedded throughout the advancement operation. 

The VP will excel at engaging various constituencies, including local civic and business leaders, through events and programs that showcase the Seminary’s purpose and mission. The vice president will be adept at motivating, empowering, and advocating for staff, as well as facilitating cohesion and team success. The vice president will be an integral member of the Princeton Theological Seminary community. The VP will reflect and embody the core values of the Seminary by serving with authenticity, warmth, compassion, and humility. It is imperative that this individual bring a deep appreciation and passion for the mission, goals, history, and uniqueness of Princeton Theological Seminary and its constituents. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

The search is being led by Jack Gorman with Bryce Ervin, and Ryan Cheung. 

Princeton Theological Seminary is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, creed, color, ancestry, age, gender, marital status, military status, national origin, religious affiliation (except as religion may be a bona fide occupational qualification for certain positions at the seminary), disability, sexual or affectional orientation, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait of an individual, or any other characteristic protected by law.