The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) is North America’s largest mariners’ service agency, with an annual operating budget in excess of $8 million. Founded in 1834, SCI provides pastoral care services, maritime education and training, and mariner advocacy for the workers who transport billions of tons of cargo each year across the world’s oceans and along our nation’s inland waterways.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

SCI seeks a dynamic fundraising professional to support and elevate our fundraising and lead the individual donor program. Reporting to the Director of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives, the Assistant Director of Development will play a key role in shaping and executing the strategy for our annual giving efforts, supporting stewardship and preparation for major donors, and providing high-quality attention to our donors and key stakeholders. This position is responsible for growing the number of annual donors, increasing the size of individual donations, and successfully converting annual donors into future campaign contributors. Additionally, the Assistant Director will collaborate with leadership to support planned and major giving initiatives, contributing to the overall success of our fundraising goals.

Individual Giving Leadership

• Collaborate with the Director to develop and refine strategies for multi-level individual giving, enhancing donor engagement and revenue growth.

• Partner with the Director to implement the individual giving (IG) pipeline, driving increased donations, revenue, and new donor acquisition.

• Manage and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects, fostering relationships to maximize support.

• Plan, execute, and manage segmented mail, social media, and email campaigns, aimed at targeted donor groups.

Major Donor and Stakeholder Stewardship

• Assist the Director in preparing for solicitations and donor meetings, providing necessary materials and strategic input.

• Create compelling major gift proposals, including budgets, data, and other materials tailored to potential donors.

• Provide timely, responsive attention to donor and volunteer needs, including anticipating

Event, Campaign & Administrative Support

• Oversee the planning and expansion of cultivation events and donor engagement opportunities.

• Attend and participate in SCI events, as needed, to foster donor relationships and support fundraising efforts.

• Oversee timely, tailored donor acknowledgments.

• Collaborate with data staff to maintain accurate prospect and donor records.

QUALIFICATIONS 

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below:

• A minimum of seven years of experience in fundraising, preferably including time at a national organization.

• Significant experience with planning and executing annual giving appeals and some experience with major donor and event stewardship is ideal.

• Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to craft compelling fundraising proposals and materials aligned with organizational goals.

• Demonstrated ability to translate the mission, values, and goals of an organization into effective donor communication with a variety of audiences.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality results.

• Proven experience in measuring outcomes and analyzing fundraising performance.

• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Problem-solving mindset, with the ability to collaborate with a team and offer supportive solutions.

• Some knowledge of social media strategy and demonstrated ability to adopt new technologies easily.

• Experience with sophisticated fundraising CRM functions, preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT

• Ability to travel occasionally to attend SCI fundraising events.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & SPECIFICATIONS

This is a full-time, exempt role with a salary range of $100,000-$110,000 annually. The exact salary will be based on the candidate's experience. SCI provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance, 403(b) retirement savings with employer match, and four weeks of paid vacation in the first year. Details of the benefits offered are here.

SCI is a fully remote organization and employees can be based anywhere in the United States. This role will be expected to work Eastern Time Zone hours. The Assistant Director will be required to travel for occasional events and in-person meetings. We estimate travel will be approximately 5% of the work year in total.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are encouraged to promptly submit their applications through our online portal. All applicants will receive a response to their application. Please email rcostello@positivelypartners.org with questions or for support in submitting your application.

Candidates who advance should expect:

• An initial interview with the recruitment team at Positively Partners

• A virtual interview with SCI’s Director of Advancement & Strategic Initiatives

• A multipart final interview with a work exercise with a range of SCI stakeholders

The expected start date is in the first quarter of 2026. Positively Partners is committed to conducting an equitable, accessible assessment process. If you would like to request an accommodation during the interview process, please email search@positivelypartners.org. Accommodation requests will be handled confidentially

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