Managing Director, Special Gifts

Dartmouth College; Hanover (NH); Remote; USD 102,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

Dartmouth College is seeking a Managing Director, Special Gifts to secure current-use and capital commitments up to $250,000. This role will manage a select portfolio of Western Region donors, driving cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gifts.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree with 6+ years in university development, exceptional communication, and the ability to work with senior officers and trustees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent.
• Six or more years of experience in a complex college or university development operation.
• Demonstrated experience soliciting and closing four-, five- and six-figure gifts.
• Deep understanding of philanthropic processes and individual giving behaviors with direct solicitation.
• Ability to work with senior officers, trustees, and high-level donors and volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with demonstrated presentation abilities.
• Ability to travel 30-40% of days; some evening work required.
• Knowledge of gift planning vehicles and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for prospective donors able to make four- to six-figure gifts.
• Lead regional plans for donor engagement in the Western Region and coordinate campus visits.
• Partner with colleagues to tailor proposals and communications for major gift prospects.
• Oversee and train volunteers and committees to engage in special gift prospects.
• Travel to Hanover for planning and professional development; maintain strong campus networks.

Skills

Donor solicitation experience

Philanthropy knowledge

Executive donor relations

Interpersonal skills

Planning skills

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Gift planning knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent

Six or more years of experience in a complex college or university development operation

Job description

Position Details

Posting date 10/08/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Position Number 1125557

Position Title Managing Director, Special Gifts

Hiring Range Minimum $101,500

Hiring Range Maximum $126,900 ($145,000 Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA bay area.$135,000 for Denver, CO)

Union Type Not a Union Position

SEIU Level Not an SEIU Position

FLSA Status Exempt

Employment Category Regular Full Time

Scheduled Months per Year 12

Scheduled Hours per Week 40

Schedule This is a full time position, Monday through Friday from 8 am until5 pm, with possibility for night and weekend work.

Location of Position This position is eligible for fully remote work arrangement. Thisposition will manage a portfolio of prospects in the Westernregion. There is a strong preference for the person to be in theWestern region either in San Francisco Bay area, Denver, or LosAngeles.

Remote Work Eligibility? Remote eligible

Is this a term position? No

If yes, length of term in months. NA

Is this a grant funded position? No

Position Purpose

To secure current-use and capital commitments of up to $250,000 from a diverse constituency in support of Dartmouth College’sinstitutional priorities. The Managing Director will manage a select portfolio of prospective donors in the Western Region, demonstrating successful cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors.

Required Qualifications – Education and Yrs Exp

Bachelors plus 6 or more years' experience or combination ofeducation and experience

Required Qualifications – Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent
• Six or more years of experience in a complex college oruniversity development operation, or the equivalent
• Demonstrated experience soliciting and closing four, five andsix-figure gifts
• Deep understanding of and appreciation for the philanthropicprocess and individual giving behaviors combined with directsolicitation experience
• Ability to work with and command the respect of senior officers,Trustees, and other high-level donors and volunteers
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills with the ability towork independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated organizational, analytical, and planningskills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills withdemonstrated presentation abilities.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters withappropriate discretion
• Demonstrated integrity and strong negotiation skills
• Self-motivated, proactive
• Ability to travel approximately 30-40% of working days; someevening work required
• Knowledge of gift planning vehicles and techniques

Note: Employment will be contingent upon possession of a valid U.S.or Canadian driver’s license and continued qualification as anApproved Driver under the Dartmouth College Driver Safety and MotorVehicle Policy.

Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries

Lesa Knapp

Department Contact Phone Number

603-646-1317

Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title

Lesa Knapp, Assistant Vice President for AdvancementAdministration

Department Contact's Phone Number

603-646-1317

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federallaw. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color,religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, genderidentity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status,or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcomefrom all.

Background Check

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to andsuccessful completion of a pre-employment background check, whichmay include a criminal background check, reference checks,verification of work history, conduct review, and verification ofany required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications,with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal convictionwill not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment.Background check information will be used in a confidential,non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federallaw.

Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off roadvehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of thisjob?

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use oftobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibitedin all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operatedor occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details,please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy

Additional Instructions

There is a strong preference for employee to live and work in oneof these Western regions: San Francisco Bay area, Denver, or LosAngeles.

We intend to make two hires for this role.

Key Accountabilities

Develops and implements comprehensive qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for prospective donorscapable of making comprehensive gifts of four, five, andsix-figures in support of institutional priorities. Works towardaggressive solicitations that aims high for prospect gift andparticipation levels, demonstrating use of innovation, risk-taking,and tenacity in achieving goals. Partners with division colleaguesto devise an overall strategy for effective cultivation,communication, solicitation, and stewardship of planned gift donorsusing in-depth knowledge of gift planning vehicles and the legalaspects of charitable giving and special gifts. Ensures stewardshipis provided to donors on existing endowment and current-use funds.Identifies prospective donors to participate in special events,committees, or other activities that promote the cultivationprocess. Supports and coordinates regional in-person and virtualengagement events. Travels to assigned region to visit prospectivedonors and coordinates campus visits while overseeing preparationof necessary collateral and post visit follow-up communications andrecordings. Organizes, trains, and supports volunteers individuallyand in committees to engage and solicit special giftprospects.

Percentage Of Time

75%

Works with the Director to establish strategic performance goals inassigned regions; monitors progress against goals and implementsstrategies and appropriate corrections to ensure success.Articulates and implements strategies for communicating withdonors, including drafting, and customizing institutionalcorrespondence, proposals, and other written materials for allassigned prospects that communicates and advocates the needs of theCollege. Participates in long-range planning for assigned regionand as appropriate, the department, while incorporating the needsof diverse populations in program planning. Travels to Hanover atleast four times a year for planning and professional developmentpurposes; develops networks with campus colleagues to remaincurrent with best practices and emerging trends in philanthropy,and campus news. Earns reputation as good citizen and ambassador ofDartmouth, and effectively communicates a commitment toinstitutional values and mission.

Percentage Of Time

25%

Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions,interactions, and communications with others appropriate to anenvironment that is welcoming to all.

Performs other duties as assigned.