Vice President for Development

The Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Wesley Theological Seminary in the search for a Vice President for Development.

Reporting to the President, the Vice President for Development will lead Wesley Theological Seminary's advancement program within a lively and spirited academic and church community. Wesley’s fundraising program encompasses annual operating support, an ambitious capital campaign, and endowment and planned giving.

Wesley is a graduate theological school of The United Methodist Church and a member of the Washington Theological Consortium. Theological education at Wesley reflects its joint commitments to its Methodist heritage and to the ecumenical movement. At the beginning of the 21st century, Wesley Theological Seminary embraces a renewed global vision of ministry, as it learns from the experiences of Christians in other lands. It is open to dialogue with all the world's varied communities, and welcomes cooperation with all who work for peace and justice.

Wesley Theological Seminary seeks to ground learning in the scripture and traditions that provide the church's identity in the gospel, and to prepare students for the practice of ministry. Therefore, every part of the curriculum is theological in character, and practically related to the church's life.

The educational process is designed to bring classroom and field learning into complementary relationship. To accomplish this, the seminary actively collaborates with local churches, hospitals, and agencies to provide contexts for the practice of ministry. Church officials, pastors, and laity help in the training, supervision, and evaluation of Wesley students.

Since the whole church is called to be in ministry that engages the gifts and talents of lay and clergy alike, Wesley's degree programs are tailored to fit varying vocational goals. All reflect an emphasis on preparing those called to leadership in the church.

The range of educational programs at Wesley displays its understanding that all ministers – elder and deacon, lay and ordained, professional and nonprofessional – are called to proclaim the reconciling and liberating gospel of Jesus Christ to a broken world. Beyond its degree programs, the seminary's work of preparing persons for ministry is carried out in programs of continuing education for pastors, in lay certification programs, and through educational programs offered to the community at large. Wesley's commitment is to equip the whole people of God for the work of ministry.

Wesley Theological Seminary seeks a Vice President for Development with fundraising leadership experience in a seminary, higher education, religious academic institution, or church setting. Experience in public relations, prospecting, business development and negotiation is preferred. A bachelor's degree is required for this position as is an ability to write persuasively, strong verbal communication skills, and the ability to interact at the executive level. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Wesley Theological Seminary as well as the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the prospectus.