Senior Philanthropic Advisor

Dartmouth College; Hanover (NH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dartmouth College is seeking a Senior Philanthropic Advisor to manage high-potential donor relationships and secure major gifts. This senior-level role collaborates closely with senior leadership to drive philanthropic initiatives and manage key donor engagement strategies.

Candidates should have extensive fundraising experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently. A hybrid or fully remote work environment is offered, with flexibility in the typical schedule.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in an academic development role.
• 15+ years in complex fundraising environments.
• Experience cultivating high-value donor relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of high-potential prospects.
• Cultivate relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Prepare funding proposals and reports.

Skills

Fundraising expertise

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Position Title

Senior Philanthropic Advisor

Position Purpose

This senior-level position within Advancement is responsible for working with some of the college’s highest potential prospects. In partnership with the Senior Vice President for University Advancement, the role secures and stewards restricted and unrestricted gifts from individuals and families capable of making $10 million and above gifts in support of Dartmouth College’s institutional priorities, and works with senior development officers and college administrators to develop prospect relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of high-potential individual prospects through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycles (85% of time).
• Develop collegial and productive relationships with colleagues across Dartmouth College programs, including the Dartmouth College Fund, Gift Planning, and Leadership Giving, and the professional schools (10% of time).
• Work closely with the Senior Vice President for University Advancement to engage members of the Campaign Executive Committee and the President’s Leadership Council, and recommend prospects for service on board and advisory committees (5% of time).
• Foster relationships with the President, Trustees, and high-level campaign volunteers to build prospect strategies and identify multi-step plans that deepen client relationships.
• Design and customize correspondence, proposals, and other written materials for assigned prospects.
• Travel to visit prospects, often in tandem with senior officers and volunteers, and coordinate campus visits.
• Oversee preparation of funding proposals, briefings for senior officers, Trustees, and volunteers, and steward reports for all assigned prospects.
• Participate in management structures supporting top prospect strategy and tracking.
• Help shape and implement new initiatives to engage and leverage gift income, such as challenge gifts and family leadership circles.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 6 years of experience, or a combination of education and experience.
• 15+ years of experience in a complex college or university development operation, or the equivalent.
• Experience soliciting and securing planned gifts.
• Demonstrated ability to raise donor funds, articulate aspirational goals, present philanthropic opportunities, and close gifts.
• Creative, professional, and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ability to work with and command the respect of faculty, senior officers, Trustees, and other high-level donors and volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated presentation abilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across a complex organization, providing inspired leadership and coaching to staff.
• Ability to work independently and as part of multiple teams, including volunteer committees, with demonstrated volunteer management experience at the highest levels.
• Demonstrated analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
• Flexibility and comfort with ambiguity.
• Demonstrated integrity and commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• Proven solicitation experience for gifts of $10 million or more, evidenced through professional references and reputation.
• Deep understanding of and appreciation for the philanthropic process and individual giving behaviors, combined with direct solicitation experience.
• Solid experience working with faculty, senior officers, and development professionals, with talent for coaching and mentoring junior colleagues.
• Comprehensive campaign experience.

Remote Work and Schedule

The department offers a hybrid or fully remote work arrangement with some travel to campus meetings and events. The typical schedule is Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm, with flexible scheduling options available. Travel to campus is expected for key meetings and events.

Special Instructions

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

Background Check

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre‑employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non‑discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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