SENIOR DIRECTOR - DEVELOPMENT

Job Description Job Summary: The Senior Director of Development is a frontline fundraising professional responsible for the management of a portfolio of prospects comprised of alumni, parents, and friends with capacity and inclination to make major gifts to Ithaca College. Prospect management includes discovery and qualification of new prospects, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors, with a strong focus on cultivating long-term relationships with donors who have the capacity to be philanthropic supporters of IC at the major gift level. The Senior Director of Development communicates and travels extensively to develop and strengthen prospect relationships. Participates in a broad range of events on and off campus having a strategic impact on the success of individual prospect relationships. The Senior Director oversees the Associate Directors of Development (leadership annual giving). This position reports to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy. Job Responsibilities: Portfolio Strategy and Management Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, including developing annual work plan. Responsibilities include discovery and qualification of identified prospects to build portfolio, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Strong focus on cultivating long-term relationships with donors who have the capacity to make major gifts, while leveraging the relationships and vision of college leaders to secure support for strategic priorities and initiatives. In conjunction with the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, establish prospect management goals for visits and solicitations. Promote gift planning and maintain understanding in how deferred gift vehicles can support visionary gifts. IC Leadership With Associate Vice President of Development, create and execute a thoughtful plan to ensure that the college can rely on an increasing and sustainable flow of philanthropic support from the highest level of donors/prospects Engage with trustees and other college leaders to strengthen prospect involvement. Assist in the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers with the intent to identify key leadership positions on boards and councils. Donor Relationships Model a collaborative style to facilitate and guide creative donor relationship strategies. Work with Donor Relations to identify and confirm individuals, families and foundations to highlight donors as appropriate; and to oversee preparation of proposals, gift agreements, endowment and stewardship reports for assigned prospects. Develop, plan, and participate in strategic donor engagement opportunities, such as small events for targeted prospects and larger donor stewardship events. IC Division of Advancement Support the work of the Associate Vice President of Development and Vice President for Advancement. Develop and keep updated contact reports, opportunities, and solicitation efforts. Ensure the accuracy and timely entry of all information and records into the Blackbaud RENXT database. Exhibit a strong ability to maintain confidentiality and set pace for moves management. Develop and demonstrate a multicultural awareness and contribute to cultivating an inclusive, diverse, and respectful college community. Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students, and visitors to the college. Promote a flexible, collaborative, and inclusive work and living environment. Engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion. Perform other duties as they arise and/or are assigned. Supervising Serve as a mentor for frontline fundraisers new to the College and/or new to higher education philanthropy. Direct supervisor of Associate Directors of Development (leadership annual giving), to include mentoring and training to allow for growth opportunities. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and ten years' extensive experience in educational fundraising or related field or an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Prior management experience required. A strong ability to develop sincere, productive relationships and to build trust both with internal colleagues and external constituencies is a must. Clear and effective written and oral communication and presentation skills, including individual and large groups. Keen sense of requirements necessary to foster a team-centric culture and environment. Proven success at developing and implementing creative solicitation strategies for philanthropic gifts in a team-oriented and collaborative environment. Superior interpersonal and listening skills and exceptional negotiation skills and proven ability to make independent decisions. Work Environment: Most of the work of the incumbent is carried out within a generally accessible, safe, indoor environment. The incumbent will be required to operate a personal computer and associated equipment such as computer printers and other office equipment used in day-to-day operations. The incumbent will be required to travel extensively and may need to make alternative arrangements for transportation. This is a hybrid position and should be on campus four days weekly. This position is 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Application Instructions: Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references. Questions about online applications should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) or . Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated. Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position. Hiring Range: $110,000 - $115,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. We pride ourselves on providing our benefit-eligible employees with comprehensive benefits, including: • Healthcare including vision and dental • Generous Paid Time Off Policies • 403B Retirement Savings Plan with Matching Employer Contribution • EAP • Flexible Work Plans • Educational Benefits • Career-Enhancing Trainings • For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit In an effort to promote campus safety and the security of College resources, Ithaca College will, consistent with the requirements of the law and prudent practices, conduct criminal background investigations per College policy. This position is subject to a criminal background check. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of the criminal background check About Us At Ithaca College, a comprehensive residential campus community of approximately 5,000 students, we strive to be at the forefront of the higher education landscape. We offer a distinct integrative learning experience that makes students ready for the personal, professional, and global challenges of our age. We seek candidates who embrace integrative learning and want to be a part of this exciting time in Ithaca College history. We encourage creative collaboration and innovation in our faculty and staff, providing support and resources for them to grow in their fields and lead students to their own innovative ideas and achievements. We welcome different ways of thinking and look for candidates with unique points of view and life experiences. We are inclusive of individuals with a wide range of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds, talents, and skills. Our campus is a vibrant and rewarding community where diverse minds can learn, succeed, and excel. When reviewing candidates, we are looking for indicators of a number of core competencies. Prospective candidates must be adaptable, collaborative, inclusive, respectful, responsive, results driven, and sustainable. They must communicate effectively, demonstrate leadership, exhibit professional integrity and ethics, take initiative, value personal and professional development, and show that they will engage in the college. Nestled in the heart of New York State's scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca College sits atop South Hill overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake and is just minutes away from the city center. Combining small town warmth and charm with the vibrancy of a college community, the thriving and culturally diverse city of Ithaca has been rated by Kiplinger's as one of the top 10 places to live in the United States. To learn more about Ithaca College, visit us at

Created: 2024-10-29