Job Description:

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission and priorities of the College. Responsible for managing a portfolio of 100 high-net-worth prospective donors- including alumni, parents, and friends of the college- the MGO will identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts (typically $25,000+).

In a tight-knit campus community of ~3,500 students, this role requires a strategic, highly collaborative fundraiser who thrives on building authentic, long-term relationships and can articulate the unique impact of a private, student-centered education.

Key Responsibilities

1. Portfolio Management & Frontline Fundraising (70%)

• Maintain an active portfolio of approximately 100 major gift prospects.
• Conduct 10-12 substantive personal donor interactions (in-person visits, virtual meetings, or intentional calls) per month.
• Develop tailored strategy plans for each prospect, moving them deliberately through the donor pipeline: qualification to cultivation to solicitation to stewardship.
• Solicit and secure major gifts for capital projects, endowed scholarships, academic programs, and the annual fund.
• Primary liaison for major gifts that support the Denise Tabor Finard '80 Women's Institute.
• Collaborate with Executive Director of Gift Planning to incorporate blended gift opportunities (bequests, trusts, annuities) when appropriate.

2. Campus & Strategic Engagement (15%)

• Partner closely with faculty, department chairs, athletic leaders, and senior leadership (including the President and Vice President) to align donor passions with institutional priorities.
• Brief executive leadership and draft strategic talking points prior to major prospect meetings or regional donor events.
• Attend key campus traditions (Reunion, Commencement, Local and Regional Alumni Gatherings) to engage prospects organically.

3. Administration & Data Integrity (15%)

• Document all donor interactions, contact reports, strategies, and proposals in the advancement CRM database in a timely manner.
• Track monthly and annual progress toward personal activity and fundraising goals.
• Participate in advancement team meetings, prospect management sessions, and campaign planning.

The estimated salary range is $78,000 to $86,000 per year for 40 hours per week for 52 weeks (12 months).

Requirements:

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience: 3-5 years of successful fundraising experience, ideally in higher education or a non-profit setting, with a proven track record of closing major gifts ($25,000+).
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel frequently (approximately 30-40% regional travel, primarily in NY, New England, and the Tri-State area).
• Communication: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; ability to tell compelling stories about the value of a liberal arts education.
• Tech-Savvy: Proficiency with advancement databases/CRMs (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, Slate) and Microsoft Office.

Ideal Candidate Profile

What makes someone succeed at Russell Sage College:

• Adaptability & Initiative: You don't mind wearing multiple hats or helping out at events when needed.
• Authentic Community Connection: You appreciate a small campus culture where you can drop by a professor's office or grab coffee with a coach to understand what needs funding.
• Regional Familiarity: Knowledge of the Upstate NY philanthropic landscape and regional alumni pockets is a strong plus.

Work Environment & Location

• Location: On-campus (Upstate NY) with flexibility for hybrid work during non-travel weeks, depending on department policy.
• Working Conditions: Requires regular evening/weekend work for events and donor travel.

Additional Information:

RSC offers a dynamic college environment and friendly work atmosphere. Visit our Employment Opportunities page for additional available job openings at RSC.

• Applications accepted until position is filled.
• Reports to: Senior Director of Major Gifts

Application Instructions:

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit the following documents by clicking on the APPLY NOW button and follow the steps.

• Resume
• Cover letter
• A list of three professional references (Name, phone number, email address etc.)

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