Executive Director of Major and Planned Gifts

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement/Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Executive Director of Major and Planned Gifts is responsible for the overall management and execution of St. Lawrence’s major and planned gifts programs. The major gifts program is charged with managing relationships and securing support from major gift and principal gift ($100K +) prospects. In addition to managing a portfolio of approximately 75 prospects, the Executive Director supervises the activity of all major gift front-line fundraisers (both on campus and those who work remotely). S/he works closely with all members of development, including the Vice President for University Advancement and the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement/Chief Philanthropy Officer, to develop and execute cultivation plans and solicitation strategies for St. Lawrence’s top prospects.

The Executive Director will also work with the Vice President for University Advancement and the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement/Chief Philanthropy Officer to plan and execute the University’s current campaign, True North. This individual must have high professional aspirations, a willingness to travel, a solid understanding of and demonstrated success implementing metrics and best practices related to move management, and a desire to mentor and promote a collaborative environment among front-line fundraisers. Salary range       $120,000 - $135,000 annually. Actual starting rate will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law. 

Duties/Responsibilities

Overall management of major and planned gifts programs

Supervise staff members in major gifts and planned gifts programs. Develop and propose strategies for the solicitation of major and planned gifts. Ensure that all solicitations are carried out appropriately and in a timely manner, in accordance with best practices in moves management. In conjunction with the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement/ Chief Philanthropy Officer and the Executive Director of Advancement Operations, implement a rigorous system of metrics and analytics using The Raiser’s Edge to evaluate staff performance and monitor goal attainment, paying particular attention to revenue production.

Major and planned gifts fundraising

Maintain a portfolio of 75 major gift prospects. Develop long-term relationships with prospective donors, moving them through the cultivation cycle from identification through solicitation and stewardship. Travel to prospects for 1:1 meetings to ensure steady progress.

Campaign planning and execution

Assist in providing guidance for all activities related to the planning, implementation, and tracking of the True North Campaign and initiatives that support St. Lawrence’s strategic map and mission. Work with prospects and donors to maximize philanthropy in support of the university’s strategic priorities. Track and report on progress against fundraising goals and priorities. Meet with campus stakeholders to develop and maintain a robust and accurate list of funding priorities.

Other duties as assigned to meet departmental goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 7-10 years’ overall experience in development.
• Looking for 5 years’ minimum experience in major gifts fundraising, preferably in higher education.
• Success supervising staff and building a collaborative work environment required.
• Proven ability to qualify, cultivate, and solicit high level prospects and steward donors. Track record of closing major gifts.
• Extensive understanding of best practices related to moves management and fundraising metrics. Solid understanding of and experience with The Raiser’s Edge or similar development database system.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team, build effective relationships, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with donors with the highest degree of professionalism.
• Remote work considered for candidates living in NY or CT.

St. Lawrence University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For additional information about St. Lawrence, please visit http://www.stlawu.edu.

Interested applicants must apply online at https://employment.stlawu.edu/postings/4524,

uploading all required materials which are defined in the “special instructions to applicant” section.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be directed to Casey Peterson, Assistant Vice President for University Advancement/Chief Philanthropy Officer at cpeterson@stlawu.edu.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the finalist successfully passing a background (including criminal records) check.