Albany Law School invites applications for a strategic and relationship-driven Major Gift Officer to help advance the Law School's mission through transformational philanthropy. This position will play a key role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals with the capacity to make major gifts of $100,000 or more, while also strengthening relationships with annual fund leadership donors. Working closely with the President and Dean, COO/VP, senior leadership, alumni, and friends of Albany Law, the Major Gifts Officer will connect donors' philanthropic interests with opportunities that make a meaningful difference for the Law School and its students.
Your work will include, but not be limited to:- Manage a portfolio of approximately 150-200 major gift prospects and donors, developing individualized strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Identify and qualify new prospects through comprehensive donor and constituent research and build a strong pipeline of future major gift supporters.
- Develop compelling proposals, briefing materials, gift agreements, and funding opportunities for donors and institutional leadership.
- Cultivate and solicit annual fund leadership gifts of $5,000 or more while strengthening relationships with current and prospective leadership donors.
- Create and implement creative cultivation strategies, programs, and engagement opportunities that connect donors with Albany Law's priorities and impact.
- Recruit, engage, and support volunteers who can help expad the Law School's philanthropic reach and strengthen alumni and donor relationships.
- Collaborate across the Institutional Advancement team to support comprehensive fundraising initiatives, including preparation for future capital campaigns.
- Travel extensively to meet with donors, prospects, alumni, and friends of Albany Law and participate in events and other engagement opportunities.
- Partner with advancement services and data management colleagues to maintain accurate donor information and ensure strong portfolio and prospect management practices.
Experience/Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree required, graduate degree preferred.
- Five (5) to seven (7) years of professional experience within a high-performing nonprofit, higher education, or related advancement environment.
- Demonstrated success managing a major gifts portfolio and cultivating and soliciting significant philanthropic support.
- Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to build authentic relationships with a wide range of constituents.
- Strong understanding of donor research, prospect identification, and moves management, as well as experience with donor data management systems.
- Knowledge of planned giving and planned giving instruments and an understanding of comprehensive advancement programs.
- Experience supporting or participating in institutional-wide fundraising campaigns preferred.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and internet-based research.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
Compensation:The estimated salary range for this position is $90,000-$100,000 per year, plus comprehensive benefits package. The salary offered will be based on the successful candidate's relevant experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, and in consideration of internal equity. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental and vision insurance, employer paid disability and life insurance coverage, 5% retirement contribution, CDTA bus pass, and generous time off.
Application Instructions: - Cover letter
- Resume/curriculum vitae
- Contact information for at least three professional references.
Please note that some of these documents may be combined and uploaded as a single PDF. If you need assistance submitting your application materials, please contact hr@albanylaw.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Celebrating its 175th Anniversary, Albany Law School is located in the heart of New York's capital, which offers unparalleled access to state and federal courts, the legislature, and a wide range of private and public employers. Join us in continuing a tradition that has produced leaders in all areas of the legal profession, across every area of law, public service, and government including two U.S. Supreme Court Justices and a President of the United States.
Apply now to be part of Albany Law's next chapter of excellence.
Posted 8/26/26
