Major Gifts Officer

The Trustees of Union College in the Town of Schenectady in the State of New York; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Union College is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to advance fundraising through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors capable of giving from $20,000 to $1,000,000+ to support the College's mission.

The officer will manage a portfolio of 100–150 donors, develop annual plans for top 25–30 prospects, and collaborate with leadership and faculty to align fundraising with institutional priorities.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree, and a minimum of two years of experience fundraising in a higher education setting is required.
• A valid U.S. driver license is required.
• Proven experience cultivating and closing major or deferred gift commitments is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational acumen essential for effective planning, gift documentation, and project execution.
• Ability to travel domestically via various modes of transportation, including car, air, train, or bus.
• Ability to work a non-traditional schedule, including weekends, evenings, and other unconventional hours.
• Proven ability as a self-starting strategic thinker, characterized by persistence, personability, teamwork, and a drive for success.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain composure under pressure in a goal-driven environment, coupled with proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving, and the ability to synthesize complex information and data.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, along with flexibility, collaboration, and a positive demeanor.

Responsibilities

• Relationship Management: Proactively establishes opportunities for face-to-face interactions to cultivate, solicit, and steward a designated portfolio of 100-150 current and prospective donors, adhering to industry best practices. Develops detailed cultivation and solicitation plans annually for the top 25-30 donor prospects in their portfolio, incorporating opportunities for current use pledges and planned giving to drive philanthropic engagement. Nurtures enduring relationships with major donors by delivering exceptional stewardship and personalized engagement experiences on and off campus.
• Knowledge of Union: Cultivates a comprehensive understanding of Union's history, academic, extracurricular, and athletic programs, along with familiarity with faculty, students, and administration. Maintains a deep awareness of the College's priorities and initiatives, translating them into fundraising opportunities, while staying informed about trends and developments in higher education as an industry.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborates closely with campus stakeholders to ensure synergy with fundraising priorities, fostering a cohesive approach toward advancing the College's overarching mission. Aligns efforts with the division's goals and strategies related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), fostering a culture of collaboration and collective impact. Partners closely with colleagues across all advancement departments to achieve integrated advancement operations, leveraging this synergy to increase alumni participation in fundraising initiatives.

Skills

Relationship management

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Problem solving

Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

EverTrue

Google Docs

Sheets

Job description

Major Gifts Officer

Pay Status and Classification: Exempt, Regular full-time. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance or visa sponsorship.

Work Location: This position will be an in-person role to start; some hybrid flexibility will be provided following the initial training period.

Supervisor: Director of Major Gifts

Position Purpose: The Major Gifts Officer plays a critical role in advancing fundraising endeavors at Union College by engaging in the thoughtful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors capable of making significant financial contributions ranging from $20,000 to $1,000,000+ to bolster the institution's mission and strategic objectives. The major gifts team will play a central role in driving momentum during a pivotal moment in Union's history.

Working at the intersection of donor passion and institutional vision, this role develops and executes tailored plans aimed at optimizing each donor's support of the College. Building lasting philanthropic partnerships requires broad collaboration; the Major Gift Officer will work closely with the Director, Vice President of College Relations, President, Senior Administration, and Faculty to nurture robust, lifelong relationships between our constituents and the College.

This position requires extensive travel, estimated about 25% of the time.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Relationship Management: Proactively establishes opportunities for face-to-face interactions to cultivate, solicit, and steward a designated portfolio of 100-150 current and prospective donors, adhering to industry best practices. Develops detailed cultivation and solicitation plans annually for the top 25-30 donor prospects in their portfolio, incorporating opportunities for current use pledges and planned giving to drive philanthropic engagement. Nurtures enduring relationships with major donors by delivering exceptional stewardship and personalized engagement experiences on and off campus.

Knowledge of Union: Cultivates a comprehensive understanding of Union's history, academic, extracurricular, and athletic programs, along with familiarity with faculty, students, and administration. Maintains a deep awareness of the College's priorities and initiatives, translating them into fundraising opportunities, while staying informed about trends and developments in higher education as an industry.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborates closely with campus stakeholders to ensure synergy with fundraising priorities, fostering a cohesive approach toward advancing the College's overarching mission. Aligns efforts with the division's goals and strategies related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), fostering a culture of collaboration and collective impact. Partners closely with colleagues across all advancement departments to achieve integrated advancement operations, leveraging this synergy to increase alumni participation in fundraising initiatives.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree, and a minimum of two years of experience fundraising in a higher education setting is required.

A valid U.S. driver license is required.

Proven experience cultivating and closing major or deferred gift commitments is preferred.

Strong attention to detail and organizational acumen essential for effective planning, gift documentation, and project execution.

Ability to travel domestically via various modes of transportation, including car, air, train, or bus.

Ability to work a non-traditional schedule, including weekends, evenings, and other unconventional hours.

Proven ability as a self-starting strategic thinker, characterized by persistence, personability, teamwork, and a drive for success.

Demonstrated ability to maintain composure under pressure in a goal-driven environment, coupled with proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving, and the ability to synthesize complex information and data.

Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, along with flexibility, collaboration, and a positive demeanor.

Proficiency in basic data management systems and prospect moves management platforms, as well as fundamental computer applications like EverTrue, Google Docs, Sheets, etc.

Able to foster and enhance a thriving, culturally diverse, and inclusive learning community, while promoting a sense of belonging among students, alumni, faculty, and staff colleagues.

Physical Requirements: Capable of lifting up to 25 pounds.

Compensation:

The annual salary range for this position is $85,000-$92,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenect