Executive Director of Major and Planned Gifts

Position Information

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement/Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Executive Director of Major and Planned Gifts is responsible for the overall management and execution of St. Lawrence’s major and planned gifts programs. The major gifts program is charged with managing relationships and securing support from major gift and principal gift ($100K +) prospects. In addition to managing a portfolio of approximately 75 prospects, the Executive Director supervises the activity of all major gift front-line fundraisers (both on campus and those who work remotely). S/he works closely with all members of development, including the Vice President for University Advancement and the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement/Chief Philanthropy Officer, to develop and execute cultivation plans and solicitation strategies for St. Lawrence’s top prospects.

The major gifts fundraising responsibilities include maintaining a portfolio of 75 major gift prospects, developing long-term relationships with prospective donors, moving them through the cultivation cycle from identification through solicitation and stewardship, and traveling to prospects for 1:1 meetings to ensure steady progress. The Executive Director will also assist in planning and executing the University’s current campaign, True North, and work with prospects and donors to maximize philanthropy in support of the university’s strategic priorities. They are responsible for tracking and reporting on progress against fundraising goals and priorities, and meeting with campus stakeholders to develop and maintain a robust and accurate list of funding priorities.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Overall management of major and planned gifts programs
• Supervise staff members in major gifts and planned gifts programs
• Develop and propose strategies for the solicitation of major and planned gifts
• Ensure that all solicitations are carried out appropriately and in a timely manner, in accordance with best practices in moves management
• In conjunction with the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement/Chief Philanthropy Officer and the Executive Director of Advancement Operations, implement a rigorous system of metrics and analytics using The Raiser’s Edge to evaluate staff performance and monitor goal attainment, paying particular attention to revenue production
• Maintain a portfolio of 75 major gift prospects
• Develop long-term relationships with prospective donors, moving them through the cultivation cycle from identification through solicitation and stewardship
• Travel to prospects for 1:1 meetings to ensure steady progress
• Aid in planning and executing the University’s current campaign, True North, and supporting St. Lawrence’s strategic map and mission
• Work with prospects and donors to maximize philanthropy in support of the university’s strategic priorities
• Track and report on progress against fundraising goals and priorities
• Meet with campus stakeholders to develop and maintain a robust and accurate list of funding priorities

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 7-10 years overall experience in development
• Looking for 5 years minimum experience in major gifts fundraising, preferably in higher education
• Success supervising staff and building a collaborative work environment required
• Proven ability to qualify, cultivate, and solicit high level prospects and steward donors
• Track record of closing major gifts
• Extensive understanding of best practices related to moves management and fundraising metrics
• Solid understanding of and experience with The Raiser’s Edge or similar development database system
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team, build effective relationships, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to develop strong relationships with donors with the highest degree of professionalism
• Remote work considered for candidates living in NY or CT

Salary

$120,000 - $135,000. Actual rate will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Status (FT, PT, Seasonal, Temp)

Full-time (12 months)