Senior Philanthropic Advisor

Dartmouth College; Lebanon (NH); Hybrid; USD 182,300 - 227,800; Full time

Job summary

Dartmouth College is seeking a Senior Philanthropic Advisor to work closely with high-potential prospects and secure significant gifts. This role requires over 15 years of experience in college development and includes responsibilities for managing donor relationships and strategy implementation.

Candidates should have strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a Bachelor’s degree and a demonstrated ability to lead high-level donor engagements. The position allows for a hybrid work arrangement with occasional campus visits.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in a complex college development operation.
• Ability to foster inclusiveness and diversity.
• Demonstrated integrity in working with diverse constituencies.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of high-potential individual prospects.
• Develop relationships leading to eight-figure gift solicitations.
• Collaborate with senior officers to further develop prospect relationships.

Skills

Experience soliciting and securing planned gifts

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Analytical and strategic thinking

Ability to manage sensitive matters

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree (preferred)

Job description

Position Title: Senior Philanthropic Advisor

Position Number: 1128445

Hiring Range: $182,300 - $227,800

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Category: Regular Full Time

Schedule: Hybrid or fully remote with occasional on‑campus travel. Monday‑Friday 8:00‑5:00 with flexible options.

Location: 41 Centerra Parkway, Lebanon, NH (remote work arrangement possible; campus visits as needed).

Posting date: 06/29/2026

Position Purpose

This senior‑level position within Advancement is responsible for working with some of the College’s highest‑potential prospects. Working closely with the Senior Vice President for University Advancement, the advisor will secure and steward restricted and unrestricted gifts from individuals and families believed capable of making $10 million and above gifts in support of Dartmouth College’s institutional priorities. The advisor will also collaborate with senior development officers and college administrators to further develop prospect relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Manages a portfolio of high‑potential individual prospects through the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycles. Forges relationships with a diverse population that will lead to eight‑figure gift solicitations and secured gifts that match their interests with the College’s priorities. Creates and implements thoughtful, multi‑step plans that deepen the relationship with all core clients; creatively engages the President, Trustees, and high‑level campaign volunteers in prospect strategies. Articulates and implements strategies for communicating with donors; drafts and customizes correspondence, proposals and other written materials for all assigned prospects. Travels to visit prospects, often in tandem with senior officers of the college and high‑level campaign volunteers, and coordinates appropriate campus visits from prospects. Establishes and maintains relationships with volunteers, alumni, parents and friends who might assist with prospect strategies. Oversees the preparation of necessary materials, including funding proposals, briefings for senior officers, Trustees, and volunteers, and schedules stewardship reports for all assigned prospects. Participates in management structures in support of top prospect strategy and tracking. Helps to shape and implement new initiatives designed to engage and leverage new gift income for institutional priorities, such as challenge gifts, the Presidential Commission on Financial Aid, and the Family Leadership Circle.

Percentage Of Time: 85%

Develops collegial and productive relationships with colleagues in other College programs, particularly those in the Dartmouth College Fund, Gift Planning, and Leadership Giving, as well as with colleagues in the professional schools. Leads by example of professionalism, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Percentage Of Time: 10%

Works closely with the Senior Vice President for University Advancement to engage members of the Campaign Executive Committee (CEC) and the President’s Leadership Council (PLC). As key ambassadors for the College, the CEC and PLC are the most important volunteer leadership group outside of the Board of Trustees. Recommends prospects for service on the College’s various board of overseers and advisory boards.

Percentage Of Time: 5%

• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of experience in a complex college or university development operation, or the equivalent.
• Experience soliciting and securing planned gifts.
• Ability to raise donor sights, articulate aspirational goals and ideas, 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 proven ability to work across a complex organization, and to provide inspired leadership and coaching to staff members.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of multiple teams, including volunteer committees; demonstrated volunteer management at the highest levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with appropriate discretion.
• Flexibility and comfort with ambiguity.
• Demonstrated integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with all constituencies in a diverse institution; the ability to foster 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 a talent for coaching and mentoring more junior colleagues.

Essential Functions

• Driving a vehicle (e.g., Dartmouth vehicle, off‑road vehicle, rental car, personal car) is an essential function of this job.

Other Employment Policies

All Dartmouth College employees are subject to the College’s 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 https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy.

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.

Employment 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, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. 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.