Job Summary: 

The Director of Major Gifts is a front-line fundraising professional responsible for the management of a portfolio of prospects comprising alumni, parents, and friends with capacity and inclination to make gifts to Ithaca College. Prospect management includes discovery and qualification of new prospects, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors. Prospect relationships are developed around donor interests and college priorities. The Senior Associate Director of Philanthropy communicates and travels extensively to develop and strengthen prospect relationships. Responsibilities also include development of written annual work plans, visit and solicitation goals, in conjunction with the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, and preparation of reports on activities. Participate in a broad range of events on and off campus having a strategic impact on the success of the major gifts program and individual prospect relationships. The Senior Associate Director of Philanthropy works collaboratively with other staff in the Philanthropy & Engagement division, as well as college administrators, faculty, and staff.

Supervision: 

This position reports to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy. This position provides guidance, direction to the administrative assistants as part of a team and may provide supervision to student assistants or temporary staff as assigned.

Job Responsibilities: 

1. Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects. 
2. Responsibilities include discovery and qualification of identified prospects to build portfolio, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
3. In conjunction with the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, establish prospect management goals for visits and solicitations.
4. Connect via video call, phone call, email, letter, or face-to-face visit regularly to develop and strengthen prospect relationships.
5. Solicit and close gifts payable over five-year period. Responsibilities include development of strategy, preparation of proposals and materials, solicitation, closing and stewardship, including written documentation for accurate gift recording and use, acknowledgements, and reporting.
6. Discuss planned giving with prospects and document estate gifts.
7. Serve as staff liaison (working with the associate director of reunion and homecoming) for milestone reunion committees to recruit, train, and manage volunteers to establish a class gift (scholarship or fund). 
8. Secure and steward lead gifts for mini campaigns including Giving Day and others which will benefit the students at Ithaca College and Ithaca College. 
9. Work with Donor Relations to identify and confirm individuals, families and foundations to create the Impact Report and other opportunities to highlight donors as appropriate. 
10. Develop and demonstrate a multicultural awareness and contribute to cultivating an inclusive, diverse, and respectful college community. 
11. Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students, and visitors to the college. 
12. Promote a flexible, collaborative, and inclusive work and living environment.
13. Engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion.
14. Work with college partners, including division co-workers, academic leaders, faculty, and senior executives to develop meaningful engagement opportunities for major gift prospects.
15. Engage with trustees and other college leaders to strengthen prospect involvement in the life of students at the college.
16. Maintain active management strategies for all prospects and ensure thorough and accurate recoding of reports on all visits and other prospect activity. 
17. Update biographic, employment, and relationship information, along with honors and awards for prospects in the database. 
18. Participate in a wide range of events on and off campus and effectively engage prospects with events in strategic ways, including Alumni Weekend, campus visits, webinars, commencement, dedications, recognition events, regional programs, and more.
19. Assist in the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers for the major gifts program with the intent to identify key leadership positions on boards and councils.
20. Work with volunteers on special initiatives.
21. Perform other duties as they arise and/or are assigned by the Philanthropy team; Philanthropy & Engagement Division; college administration, faculty, and staff; for the future of Ithaca College.

Qualifications: 

Bachelor's degree and four years extensive experience in educational fund raising or related field or an equivalent combination of related education and experience; strong commitment to higher education and specifically to Ithaca College's mission; demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships, including gift solicitation; experience working with volunteers and a proven track record of collaboration in a  team environment; superior communication skills; the ability to speak credibly about higher education and IC's mission and vision; exceptional interpersonal skills, the ability to effectively work and interact respectfully within a diverse and inclusive environment, and ability to develop relationships with high net worth individuals in a broad range of professions; ability to travel extensively and attend college functions during and after normal business hours; deep personal integrity and strong work ethic are required. An understanding of major gifts fund raising and campaign fund raising are preferred.

Work Environment: 

Most of the work of the incumbent is carried out within a generally accessible, safe, indoor environment. The incumbent will be required to operate a personal computer and associated equipment such as computer printers and other office equipment used in day-to-day operations. The incumbent will be required to travel extensively and may need to make alternative arrangements for transportation.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references. Questions about online applications should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) 274-8000 or humanresources@ithaca.edu 

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

Hiring Range:

$75,000 - $80,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.  We pride ourselves on providing our benefit-eligible employees with comprehensive benefits, including work/life balance, generous paid time off policies, career-enhancing trainings, educational benefits, and opportunities to give back to the community. Beyond benefits, you'll enjoy the kind of uniquely rewarding work environment that can only be found in a vibrant college community.  For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit https://www.ithaca.edu/human-resources/employee-benefits-wellness