Director, Major Gifts and Initiatives

Position: Director, Major Gifts and Initiatives Status: Full-time, 12-month, Exempt Staff Reports to: Vice President, College Advancement Salary: $80,000.00/year Description: The Director of Major Gifts and Initiatives is responsible for the strategic direction and management of key donors and fundraising initiatives essential to developing, expanding, and stewarding major philanthropic support for Paul Smith's College and its many programs and centers of excellence. The director will have frequent contact with alumni, members of the Board of Trustees, leadership of key foundations and organizations, and other funding prospects of the College. Duties & Responsibilities: Ensures that major gift and endowment development activities and philanthropic support are based on the organization's strategic goals, objectives, and future plans. Responsible for planning and implementation of major gift programs and strategies to ensure fulfillment of funding goals including building and maintaining a major gift portfolio and cultivating and soliciting major and planned gifts. Maintains collaborative relationships with executive and regional leadership to maximize fundraising effectiveness. Develops an atmosphere conducive to major giving that supports the funding priorities of the organization. Coordinates major gift prospect assignment/clearance through advancement management meetings. Assists with the strategic planning and preparation of funding proposals, fundraising materials, and other presentations. Articulates the funding priorities for the College with individuals and groups during speaking engagements. Seek and identify new prospects capable of contributing gifts and pledges at and above the major gift level. Develops donor communication tools for cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and stewardship. Maintains personal and professional growth and development through seminars, webinars, workshops, books, software, publications, and professional affiliations to keep current in the field of fundraising. Participates actively to assure compliance in assigned areas of responsibility. Plays a significant role in communication strategies with donors and prospects. Demonstrates excellent communication skills. Is highly motivated, organized, and displays sound/mature judgment and integrity. Travel throughout the country as part of relationship forming with current and prospective donors. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications and Preferences: Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree desired. Successful fund-raising track record of 2-4 years or comparable experience in sales and revenue generation. Experience in public speaking and program presentations. Good working experience in relation to individuals and staff. Demonstration of leadership skills and ability to build effective professional working relationships internally and externally. Effective communication skills, both oral and written; attention to detail, and ability to multi-task and stay organized under tight deadlines. Present themselves outside the College in a manner in keeping with the College's core values. Must demonstrate enthusiasm, leadership, and a professional image to internal and external constituencies. Ability to maintain confidential information. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, meet deadlines, and work independently. Ability to solve daily problems by analyzing situations, determining next steps, and implementing solutions. Ability to comprehend and process information rapidly and accurately. Ability to multi-task, be flexible, diplomatic, and open-minded. Ability to work productively with deadlines. Skills in effectively organizing work, files, records, etc., to maintain efficient workflow. General knowledge of standard office practices and office equipment. Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community. Paul Smith's College values diversity in the College community and seeks to assure equal opportunity through its continued Affirmative Action program. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V

Created: 2024-11-02