Job Description:Position SummaryThe 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 Responsibilities1. 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 ProfileWhat 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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