| Job Title: | Vice President of Advancement |
| Reports To: | The President |
| Location: | Hybrid |
| Pay: | $103,143 – $143,985 |
About Denver Seminary
At Denver Seminary, we are more than an academic institution—we are a vibrant, Christ-centered community shaping the next generation of ministry leaders. Our mission is to prepare men and women to engage the needs of the world with the redemptive power of the Gospel and the life-changing truth of Scripture.
You’ll be part of a team committed to excellence, collaboration, innovation, and spiritual growth. Through our work, we support future pastors, counselors, educators, and ministry leaders who will serve in churches, non-profits, and global missions.
As Vice President of Advancement, your leadership will help provide critical scholarships, launch new initiatives, and equip students to lead churches, ministries, and organizations worldwide. Every donor relationship you cultivate contributes to lasting Kingdom impact.
Position Summary
The Vice President of Advancement will be responsible for achieving the fundraising goals of Denver Seminary. In addition, this individual will oversee alumni relations and serve on the President’s senior leadership team, alongside the Provost/Dean, the VP of Finance, the VP of People and Culture, the CIO/VP of Education Technology, and the VP of Student Life and Enrollment Management (SLEM).
Essential Functions
- Contributes to the strategic growth of the Seminary as a member of the President’s senior leadership team.
- Develops, motivates and leads an advancement team that creates positive relationships with the financial partners, alumni and friends of Denver Seminary.
- Develops and implements a strategic, comprehensive, and integrated development program that will result in the Seminary meeting its annual budgeted needs for charitable donations. The VP of Advancement will be personally and directly involved in soliciting and acquiring major gifts for the institution.
- Develops and implements strategies to increase planned giving and designated fund giving; designs and executes successful capital campaigns, special events, and donor stewardship training.
- Oversees and strengthens external seminary relations with donors, alumni, community organizations, non-profits, mission agencies and churches.
Secondary Functions
- Collaborates with the VP of Student Life and Enrollment Management to develop Seminary communications directed toward alumni and donors—website, magazine, direct mail, and institutional publications. Such collaboration will include strategy, direction, themes and focus.
- Oversees and manages department goals and budget.
- Oversees the expansion and operations of the Ministry Residency Program in cooperation with the program coordinator.
- Works with the CIO/VP of Education Technology to broaden the public profile and expand the reach of the seminary through technology-mediated non-credit courses.
- Works with the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees to increase charitable giving to the Seminary.
Required Qualifications
- Committed personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a lifestyle consistent with the Seminary’s Guidelines for a Christian Lifestyle.
- Agreement with Denver Seminary’s statement of faith
- Successful track record in fundraising, development and relationship management for non-profit organizations or academic institutions
- Innovative and strong team leadership
- Excellent written and oral communication skills needed for public speaking, interpersonal relationships, and small group presentations
- Ability to multitask, handle complex tasks, and think strategically
- High level of self-motivation with superior interpersonal skills
- Willing and able to travel extensively
- Commitment to develop staff in the Advancement office
- Appropriate undergraduate degree
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in theological education
- Background in academic settings
- Appropriate graduate education
- Previous management experience
- Eight or more years of experience in Advancement
Denver Seminary prepares men and women to engage the world’s needs with the redemptive power of the Gospel and the life-changing truth of Scripture. Through our educational programs and mentoring process, the Seminary challenges students to grow spiritually, intellectually, and professionally, equipping them to lead God’s people in the accomplishment of His mission in the world. The position of Vice President of Advancement supports this mission by:
Outcomes & Success Metrics
- Development and implementation of a successful Advancement strategy
- Successful management of budget and the development team
- Donor acquisition, retention, and satisfaction
- Ability to meet and exceed fiscal fundraising goals
- Positive and effective working relationship with the President
- Positive and effective working relationships with members of the senior leadership team
- Positive and effective relationships with Seminary Trustees
- Strategic partnership in shaping the direction of the Seminary
Our Culture
Denver Seminary is a community shaped by faith, respect, and a shared mission. Our team values:
- Christlike character
- Academic and operational excellence
- Integrity in leadership
- A learning posture across cultures and backgrounds
- Relational collaboration in all we do
If you are a relational leader, passionate about the Gospel, and ready to help transform lives through theological education, we invite you to prayerfully consider joining our team at Denver Seminary. This is more than a job, it’s a calling.
Denver Seminary is situated in the scenic city of Littleton, Colorado, providing access to stunning mountain views, thriving churches, and a vibrant community life. Our campus fosters spiritual growth and innovation in a supportive and collaborative environment.
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.
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.
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.
Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States and successful completion of a background check.
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.
Please send your resume or CV to resume@denverseminary.edu.