DescriptionReporting to the Executive Director of Major Gifts, the Director of Leadership Giving cultivates, solicits, stewards and manages a portfolio of individual major gift level prospective donors and donors affiliated with Hobart and William Smith Colleges in the West, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and Western Pennsylvania regions. The Director plays an important role in the raising of annual, major and planned giving commitments for the Colleges in support of institutional priorities. This includes working closely with senior leaders, faculty members and other advancement staff to align prospect passion, financial capacity, giving vehicles, and other stewardship opportunities for major gift donors. As part of a team of colleagues who are responsible for raising gifts from leadership donors, this person will be a valuable contributor to team goals. They will represent the Office of Advancement and the Colleges in a highly professional manner.
Essential Responsibilities:- Actively manage the Colleges' philanthropic relationship for approximately 130 leadership giving prospects (major and planned) with the giving potential of $100,000+.
- Make a minimum of 125 visits per year with assigned alumni, alumnae, parents, and friends who reside in the West, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and Western Pennsylvania.
- Create an annual plan of work, which will include portfolio goal-setting with a feasibility-based model and closing gifts for designated Colleges' projects.
- Work with Advancement colleagues and volunteers to coordinate annual, major and planned giving solicitations to assigned leadership giving prospects.
- Develop strategies for each assigned prospect each year to ensure continued cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
- Understand and present the Colleges' top funding priorities to assigned prospects.
- Maintain a good knowledge base of planned giving options and be able to identify, solicit and close basic planned gifts.
- Help coordinate strategies for the Colleges' senior officers, high-level volunteers, and trustees so they may participate in the solicitation and management of leadership giving prospects.
- Attend reunion, homecoming and parents' weekend, staff retreats, and alumni/ae events. Also attend volunteer gatherings, Parents Executive Council meetings and fund-raising events.
- When necessary, assist in the planning of special events and other development projects.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Other Information: This is a full-time, 12-month, benefits-eligible position. This position description is not all-inclusive as other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the academic year, with a possible shortened workweek during the scheduled summer hours' time period. Salary range: $80,000 - $90,000
QualificationsA Bachelor's Degree is required. Three to five years in fundraising or sales experience preferred. Strong organizational, communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with and motivate volunteers are required. Computer skills are required. Ability to work independently and within a team environment is essential. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within our strong and collegial team is essential for the candidate's and team's success. Willingness and ability to travel and to work nights and weekends, as required.
