External Relations Ambassador

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY
The School of Theology at Saint John's University invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible position of External Relations Ambassador.

The External Relations Ambassador for the School of Theology and Seminary (SOT/Sem) is responsible for helping expand the resource base for the SOT/Sem by identifying and building relationships with prospective philanthropic constituents. This role has responsibility for the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts to support the SOT/Sem. The External Relations Ambassador will be a regular attendee to Catholic philanthropic events, employ fresh outreach tactics, new technologies, innovative solicitation strategies and spirited professionalism in deepening the engagement and financial support of Saint John's SOT/Sem benefactors.

INSTITUTIONAL INCLUSION VISIONING STATEMENT
The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John's University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.
CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU.

RESPONSIBILITIES
-Develop, execute, and evaluate strategies to identify and qualify philanthropic constituents.
-Establish and maintain relationships that build the organization's visibility, impact, and financial resources by representing the SOT/Sem at philanthropic events.
-Identify constituents with the capacity to make major gifts and build a portfolio of approximately 150 major gift prospects.
-Schedule regular visits with major gift prospects, including making personal visits each month.
-Complete appropriate follow-up activities, such as personal letters of thanks, and submit regular call reports on prospects and donor visits.
-Work closely with SOT/Sem leadership team, especially the Director of Development and Dean, and collaborate with SOT/Sem administrators and faculty to meet the school's fundraising objectives.
-Attend meetings of the SOT/Sem Board and relevant committees as required.
-Other duties and responsibilities as may be requested.

QUALIFICATIONS
-Bachelor's degree required.
-Experience in external relations, including fundraising or similar roles.
-Familiarity with the Twin Cities Catholic philanthropic community.
-Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other computer software.
-Ability to exercise discreet judgment and maintain confidentiality.
-Commitment to maintaining high competence and professionalism.
-Ability to interact effectively with the monastic community of Saint John's Abbey and the larger Saint John's community as an integral part of the staff.
-Excellent written, verbal, listening, and interpersonal communication skills are essential.
-Ability to serve as a liaison between the culture of higher education and the external business and financial community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
-Ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
-Significant keyboard and computer use, prolong sitting, and occasional standing.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability and willingness to travel regionally, with occasional overnight travel required.

TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online by visiting https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/csbsju/staff/jobs/4668363/external-relations-ambassador?keywords=school of theology&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs and clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5500 or employment@csbsju.edu.

It is the policy of SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

Saint John's University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.

About the Employer

Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary, rooted in the Roman Catholic and Benedictine tradition, educates men and women for ordained and lay ministry in the Church.

As a community of faith and hope, we, the faculty, staff, and students of Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary, worship God and celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As an academic community relying on the wisdom of the same Holy Spirit, we root ourselves in the Christian tradition, and interpret that legacy in light of the Roman Catholic and Benedictine heritage passed on to us by Saint John's Abbey with its rich theological, liturgical and ecumenical history.

See full mission statement at https://www.csbsju.edu/sot/sem/about/mission/