Position Title

Donor Engagement Manager

Team

Seminary Relations

Date

October 2026

Position Status

X

Exempt

Non-Exempt

Reports To

Director of Sustaining Fund and Alumni Relations

Grade

I. PURPOSE 

The purpose of this position is to support the mission and strategic plan of Luther Seminary by building positive philanthropic relationships with donors, alumni, staff, external partners, volunteers, and community members. The Donor Engagement Manager provides support via project management, logistics, and execution for Sustaining Fund/annual giving initiatives, including digital and mail channels; donor, alumni, and congregational stewardship; event planning and execution; and project design workflows. 

This position actively advances Luther Seminary's ABIDE commitments (Accountability, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) through day-to-day work, relationships, and decision-making. The incumbent is expected to integrate ABIDE principles into their responsibilities, contributing to a learning and working environment where all can fully belong and thrive.

II. KEY RESULT AREAS

Annual Fund Appeals, Congregational Support Requests & Digital Resources Project Management 

• Annual Project Calendar: In coordination with the Director of Sustaining Fund and Alumni Relations, update and manage the annual project calendar.
• Annual Fund Appeals: Submit, track, and proof creative project requests (direct mail, email appeals, other fundraising/alumni collateral) within project management software, ensuring timelines for copy, lists, and proofs are met.
• Mailing & Email List Preparation: Determine criteria and request data for mailing lists from Advancement Services, prep data for final use as needed. 
• Give Day Management: With Seminary Relations team, coordinate Give Day promotions, logistics, social media postings, day-of decor, catering, real-time challenge tracking, and post-event thank-you communications.
• Congregational Support Letters: Perform timely letter and mailing production for Congregational Requests for Assistance from students. Prepare letters, response forms, and tuition cost collateral for leadership signature. As needed, secure updated tuition cost data from the Office of Financial Aid. 
• Digital Resources Management: Support content development and manage the production process for digital theological resources, and as needed, collaborate with Marketing/Communications and Faith+Lead teams on production tasks and schedules.

Congregational Relations, Donor Stewardship & Front-Line Communications

• Congregational Relations: Help develop and implement meaningful stewardship, cultivation, and annual fund solicitations/touchpoints for congregations where Luther Seminary alumni serve.
• Donor Stewardship: Help identify, develop, and manage touchpoint workflows for everyday and mid-level Society of Stewards donors.
• Inbound Inquiries & Front-Line Operations: Monitor and manage the main Seminary Relations email inbox and Seminary Relations phone line, resolving donor inquiries, providing tax EIN info, routing gift/record updates, and directing major gift and estate/planned giving inquiries appropriately to colleagues.

Database, Shared Files Maintenance & Other Duties

• Drive & File System Management: Maintain organized record structures across Google Drive and the Seminary Relations Shared Drive.
• Other Duties: As assigned. 

III. RELATIONSHIPS 

• Reports to: Director of Sustaining Fund and Alumni Relations
• Internal Relationships: Advancement Services, Philanthropic Advisers (PAs), VP of Seminary Relations, Marketing & Communications, President’s Office, Admissions, Business Office, Facilities, Office of Technology, Student Affairs, and Faculty.
• External Relationships: Donors, alumni, volunteers, annual fund program vendors, event vendors/caterers, and ELCA partners.

IV. JOB SPECIFICATION

• Commitment to Luther Seminary’s Mission, Vision, and Welcome Statement.
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to Luther Seminary's ABIDE framework (Accountability, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity) by integrating equity-minded practices into core duties, participating in ABIDE-related learning, and contributing to an inclusive and welcoming community.
• Desired education and experience:
• • Bachelor’s degree and/or 5-7 years of experience in annual giving. 
• Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Technical Skills:
• • CRM & Giving Forms: Experience using CRM and online giving forms; preferred proficiency with Raiser’s Edge/NXT/Database version and Fundraise Up.
  • Marketing & Communications: Familiarity with email management systems and video/caption editing tools.
  • Project Management Tools: Experience submitting and managing workflow timelines using Lytho or Monday, or similar creative workflow software.
  • Office Software: High proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive), MS Office (Word mail merge, Excel), and Zoom Phone.

• Key Competencies:
• • Exceptional project management, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
  • Strong attention to detail regarding data accuracy, managing project timelines, and proofreading.
  • High-level communication and customer service skills when engaging with donors, alumni, volunteers, staff, faculty, and seminary leadership.
  • Knowledge of the ELCA and other mainline Christian organizations is helpful.

V. DISCLAIMER

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an express or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this description at any time without notice.