Donor Engagement Manager

Luther Seminary educates leaders for Christian communities called and sent by the Holy Spirit to witness to salvation through Jesus Christ and to serve in God’s world. Our values are Gospel-centered, Student-focused, Innovative, Academically Rigorous, Inclusive, and Community Oriented.

Luther is the largest seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We also educate students of 41 other denominations and traditions. Luther is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools.

Donor Engagement Manager

(This electronic form will expand as needed to give you room to describe all elements of the position.)

Position Title

Donor Engagement Manage r

Team

Seminary Relations

October 2026

Position Status

X

Reports To

Director of Sustaining Fund and Alumni Relations

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.

• 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: 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…