Faculty

Jennifer Parker has joined Bethany College as associate vice president of advancement, bringing more than two decades of advancement leadership and fundraising experience to the College.

In her role, Parker provides strategic leadership for Bethany’s annual giving and alumni relations programs, overseeing initiatives that strengthen engagement among alumni and friends while expanding philanthropic support for the College. She leads efforts to grow The Bethany Fund, increase alumni participation, cultivate lifelong relationships with Bethanians, and develop strategies that support the College’s long-term advancement priorities. 

Parker is an accomplished fundraising executive with expertise spanning capital campaigns, annual giving, advancement operations, donor stewardship, prospect research, constituent engagement, and strategic planning. Throughout her career, she has helped nonprofit organizations raise more than $35 million in philanthropic support. 

Most recently, Parker served as president and owner of J.M. Parker Consulting, where she advised colleges, schools, dioceses, and nonprofit organizations on advancement operations, donor engagement, fundraising strategy, prospect development, and philanthropic planning. Her clients have included higher education institutions, community organizations, and charitable ministries throughout the U.S. 

Before launching her consulting practice, Parker spent 15 years at Franciscan University of Steubenville, serving in a variety of advancement and leadership roles. She has also held director of advancement positions with several educational and nonprofit organizations, including Regina Caeli Academy, Trinity School for Ministry, Steubenville Catholic Schools, and Dry Bones Ministries. 

Parker earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Chestnut Hill College and both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Education from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She currently serves as the External Committee chair for the Urban Mission Ministries in Steubenville, Ohio. 

Parker resides in Bloomingdale, Ohio, with her husband, Todd. They have two adult sons, Todd and Curtis, as well as five rescue dogs and a cat.