Executive Director of Mission Advancement

DEPARTMENT:	Mission Advancement
REPORTS TO:	MLC President
LOCATION:	New Ulm, Minnesota
EMPLOYMENT TYPE:	Exempt (Salary) \| 1.00 FTE – Regular Full-time
RANGE:	$87,000 – $95,000

SUMMARY

Martin Luther College (MLC) is seeking a relational and strategic Executive Director of Mission Advancement to lead fundraising efforts, strengthen donor relationships, and align philanthropic support with the College’s mission and priorities. This role is uniquely positioned to connect advancement relationships with lifelong ministry impact, helping donors see how their support strengthens the preparation and service of workers in the public ministry.

The ideal candidate approaches stewardship as a ministry responsibility, emphasizing faithfulness, gratitude, and long-term relationship care over transactional outcomes. A strong, mission-driven leader who is energized by building relationships and engaging donors will find this role especially meaningful as they collaborate with a
high-performing, small team and work alongside alumni, congregations, and supporters to advance MLC’s mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement the strategic priorities of Mission Advancement to support the College’s goals.
Collaborate with all synod and college stakeholders, including the Ministry of Christian Giving, to support advancement planning, campaign strategy, and donor engagement in alignment with synodical practices.
Lead and execute annual and long-range advancement planning, including measurable goals and outcomes.
Supervise and mentor the mission advancement team, fostering growth and development.
Promote a culture of philanthropy across campus and within the broader constituency.
Oversee the department budget and evaluate fundraising efforts through data-driven analytics.

Donor Relations

Manage a portfolio of major/planned gift prospects and donors, with responsibility for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Conduct regular donor visits, communications, and engagement activities to strengthen relationships and advance giving priorities.
Develop and maintain a robust donor pipeline to support long-term fundraising sustainability and campaign readiness.
Collaborate on strategies to grow annual, major, and planned giving, including targeted engagement of key donor groups.

Program Planning & Execution

Oversee core advancement functions, including major gifts, annual giving, alumni relations, and advancement services.
Collaborate with campus partners to align advancement efforts with college communication and messaging priorities that strengthen donor and alumni engagement.
Represent the College at events, meetings, and donor interactions.
Monitor program effectiveness and engagement outcomes, using data to refine strategies and improve results.
Ensure stewardship practices reflect donor intent and the College’s mission and values.
Utilize CRM systems to ensure accurate donor tracking, reporting, gift processing integrity, and overall fundraising effectiveness.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

An active member of the WELS or church body in fellowship with the WELS.
A deep commitment to the mission and core values of WELS and MLC, and an ability to apply that commitment in the performance of daily responsibilities on and off campus.
Ability to articulate how donor support directly strengthens training for the public ministry and impacts churches, schools, and mission settings.
Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, non-profit management, financial planning, or related field/equivalent experience.
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, active progress toward, or willingness to obtain the credential.
5+ years of progressively responsible experience in advancement, fundraising, or donor development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably in higher education or mission-driven organizations.

Preferred:

Master’s degree in a related field, or equivalent experience in managing small to mid-sized organizations.
Knowledge of and support for the undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs offered.
Experience in higher education or non-profit advancement, including campaign planning and major gift fundraising.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems, such as Raiser’s Edge.

ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS

Draws a personal and passionate connection between advancement relationships and lifelong ministry impact.
Naturally builds trust through authentic, Christ-centered relationships, marked by humility, integrity, and genuine care for people.
Ability to exercise wise discernment in balancing donor intent and the College’s strategic goals, especially in complex or sensitive situations.
Lead a high-performing, passionate team, encouraging excellence and supporting the growth of the team.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & BENEFITS

This full-time position is based in New Ulm, Minnesota, and includes a mix of on-site responsibilities and regular nationwide travel, with flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
This position spends approximately 25-30% of time outside of the office traveling.
This position requires use of a personal cell phone with reliable service for travel and regular communications.
This position is Full-time Benefit Eligible. A comprehensive schedule of benefits is available here.

ABOUT US

Martin Luther College (MLC) is the WELS College of Ministry, preparing pastors, teachers, and staff ministers to proclaim the truth of the Holy Scriptures in churches, schools, and other institutions. MLC serves about 600 on-campus students and almost 1,000 online students. Located on a beautiful wooded hill, the 100-acre campus overlooks the city of New Ulm, Minnesota. MLC offers the charm of a small town with easy access to larger cities—just 25 miles from Mankato and 90 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul.

APPLY ONLINE

Click this link to apply online

Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

Direct all inquiries to Human Resources
507-354-8221
hr@mlc-wels.edu