Advancement Operations Manager

Job Title:Advancement Operations Manager
Reports To: Vice President of Advancement
Location: Hybrid
Pay: $25.49-$32.99

General Statement of Job Function

Join Denver Seminary at a pivotal moment as we expand our philanthropic reach and deepen donor relationships. As our Advancement Operations Manager, you’ll be the strategic force behind successful fundraising initiatives—managing complex projects while providing executive-level support that enables transformational giving.

The Role

  • 75% strategic project management
  • 25% executive partnership with our VP of Advancement

The Impact

Your work directly advances theological education and equips ministry leaders worldwide.

The Advancement Operations Manager provides high-level project coordination, operational support, and strategic implementation for fundraising initiatives. This role bridges advancement strategy and execution while supporting the Vice President of Advancement and ensuring smooth day-to-day team operations.

Why This Opportunity Matters

As a key member of our Advancement team, you’ll lead behind-the-scenes initiatives that strengthen donor relationships and elevate the Seminary’s ability to equip Christ-centered leaders. Your contributions will:

  • Amplify Our Impact: Drive successful fundraising campaigns by supporting strategy and managing implementation
  • Build Lasting Relationships: Execute seamless donor communications and touchpoints that deepen connections
  • Drive Operational Excellence: Create and personally implement systems that maximize team effectiveness
  • Shape the Future: Be the person who ensures strategic initiatives actually happen through dedicated follow-through

Primary Responsibilities

Project Leadership (75%)

Advancement Project Leadership

  • Lead Campaign Execution: Manage logistics for annual giving, capital projects, and donor engagement campaigns
  • Coordinate Communications: Oversee donor messaging, multi-channel campaigns, and advancement event logistics
  • Enhance Processes: Create and maintain operational systems that support fundraising success
  •  Track and Report: Use donor data to produce insights and evaluate campaign effectiveness

Project Leadership (75%)

  • Strategic Calendar & Meeting Support: Manage the VP’s calendar, prepare donor briefings, and coordinate follow-up
  • Draft & Edit Materials: Create donor communications, proposals, and Board presentation content
  • Maintain Donor Records: Track donor interactions in Raiser’s Edge NXT and ensure timely follow-up
  • Handle Sensitive Information: Maintain confidentiality in liaising with internal and external stakeholders

What You Bring

Required Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 3-5 years progressive project management experience
  • Demonstrated success managing multiple high-impact projects with competing deadlines
  •  Familiarity with CRM systems; Raiser’s Edge NXT strongly preferred
  • Strong Excel skills and experience with project management software
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in higher education, ministry, or nonprofit advancement
  • Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Smartsheet)
  • Understanding of major gift strategy or donor stewardship best practices

Success Profile

  • Strategic & Tactical: Able to balance vision with hands-on execution
  • Action-Oriented: Self-starter who takes initiative and follows through
  • Relational: Strong emotional intelligence and donor-centric approach
  • Analytical: Turns data into clear, strategic decisions
  • Mission-Driven: Deep commitment to the Seminary’s Christian mission

Success Profile

  • Authentic personal relationship with and commitment to Jesus Christ
  • Embody a lifestyle reflecting Denver Seminary’s Community Values and Behavioral Commitments
  • Full agreement with the Seminary’s Statement of Faith
  • Passion for theological education and Kingdom advancement

At Denver Seminary, our Advancement team is more than just fundraisers—we’re storytellers, relationship-builders, and stewards of God’s provision. We seek team members who resonate with our mission and bring a heart for ministry.

What We Offer

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive salary: $25.49-$32.99 based on experience
  • Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, and retirement
  • Tuition benefits for continued education
  • Professional development opportunities, including project management certification

Work Environment

  • Hybrid schedule: Typically, 3 days in-office (Littleton campus) and 2 remote workdays per week, depending on advancement needs and event schedules
  •  Mission-aligned, collaborative team culture
  • Direct access and partnership with senior leadership
  • Opportunities for meaningful global Kingdom impact

Growth Opportunities

  • Training and certification in project management
  • Cross-functional collaboration across Seminary departments
  • Pathway for leadership development within Advancement

Success Metrics

  • 100% on-time delivery of advancement projects and campaigns
  • Seamless coordination of 15+ annual events
  •  Measurable increase in donor engagement
  •  Implementation of 3+ process improvements annually
  •  Reliable and proactive support to the Vice President of Advancement

Typical Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Normal office working conditions, including computer usage, may require occasional standing, walking, long periods of sitting, climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Equal Opportunity & Faith Commitment

Denver Seminary is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence in all areas of ministry and operations. As a faith-based institution, Denver Seminary exercises its legal rights to prefer candidates who affirm and support our Statement of Faith and Community Values, consistent with applicable religious exemptions under federal law.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who require accommodation during the application process should contact Human Resources.

Note: Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States and successful completion of a background check.

Ready To Join Us?

If you’re passionate about Kingdom work and love turning strategy into action, we invite you to apply.

Application Process

Willingness to support Denver Seminary’s vision, sign the National Association of Evangelicals Faith Statement, and abide by the Seminary’s Community Values and Behavioral Commitments is required.

Please complete our online application form.  

Submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in the role and alignment with Denver Seminary’s mission to resume@denverseminary.edu..

Preferred Start Date: September 1, 2025