Major Gift Officer SUNY Maritime College

Bronx, NY • Full-time

About the role

Reporting to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, the Director of Development is a frontline major gift officer responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of 100-150 prospects and donors with the capacity to make gifts of $25,000 and above. The Director plays a central role in advancing the institution's philanthropic priorities, fundraising campaigns and serves as a key ambassador for Maritime College.

Responsibilities

• Manage a dynamic portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects and donors; conduct a minimum of 150 substantive personal visits annually.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each portfolio member.
• Qualify new prospects through research, referrals, and travel; make clear, timely moves toward solicitation.
• Secure gifts of $25,000+ in support of institutional priorities including endowed scholarships, academic programs, athletic program funds, and capital projects.
• Collaborate with department chairs, faculty, and senior leadership to align donor interests with institutional needs and opportunities.
• Build authentic, long-term relationships with donors, prospects, and volunteer leaders that reflect the institution's values and culture.
• Partner with leadership and advancement staff to structure complex gifts including endowed scholarships, sponsorships, bequests, and other planned giving vehicles.
• Design and deliver meaningful stewardship experiences that deepen donor engagement and loyalty.
• Represent the institution at campus events, donor recognition programs, and community gatherings.
• Proactively identify and qualify new major gift prospects through alumni engagement, event follow-up, and referrals.
• Partner with the annual giving and mid-level giving programs to identify donors ready for major gift cultivation.
• Contribute to prospect strategy sessions and peer screenings across the development team.
• Collaborate with central advancement services, donor relations, communications, and research teams.
• Maintain timely and accurate records of all contacts, proposals, and gift commitments in the Raiser's Edge.
• Participate in professional development activities and contribute to a culture of philanthropy across campus.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success closing major gifts of $100,000 or more.
• Proven ability to build trust-based relationships with high-net-worth individuals, families, and philanthropic foundations.
• Exceptional communication skills—written, verbal, and listening—with the ability to inspire and persuade diverse audiences.
• High degree of self-motivation, initiative, and the ability to work independently while functioning as part of a collaborative team.
• Willingness and ability to travel regionally and nationally; some evenings and weekends required.
• Experience with fundraising CRM software and commitment to data integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or comparable complex institutional fundraising environment.
• Familiarity with planned giving concepts and the ability to introduce these conversations with donors.
• Experience working with volunteers, advisory boards, or campaign committees.

Benefits

Outstanding benefits package (see the UUP Benefits Summary for details).