Assistant/Associate Director of Leadership Gifts

Department

Job Family

Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact [email protected].

Job Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Leadership Gifts, the Assistant/Associate Director of Leadership Gifts has primary responsibility for qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of current and potential donors. This role will be assigned specific regional territories and will work independently and with other members of Advancement, campus partners, faculty, and high-level volunteers to create and implement plans that result in the acquisition and retention of major gifts from individual donors. This role will be required to work certain weekends throughout the year (Reunion, some Regional Program events, various campus events, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of  approximately 175 prospects and donors, driving institutional growth through face-to-face cultivation and the solicitation of major ($100,000+), principal ($1 million+) and deferred gifts.

• Travel 7-10 days each month on behalf of the College to meet with current and prospective donors.

• Drive annual support for the Vassar Fund by securing consistent gifts ranging from $1,500 to $50,000.

• Partner with faculty and Advancement colleagues to cultivate a robust donor pipeline, aligning philanthropic support with institutional priorities and strategic campaign goals.

• Ensure meticulous record-keeping and personalized follow-up for all donor interactions in accordance with office protocols.

• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of Vassar College, its history, people, programs, initiatives, and current priorities.

• Attend and support engagement events and donor relations activities.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities

• Bachelor’s degree with at least three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license for at least 2 years. 

• Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, and closing major gifts with individual donors.

• Proven ability to build authentic, long-term relationships with diverse constituents, including faculty, alumni, and community members.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience utilizing CRM databases for gift tracking and donor management.

• Ability to engage comfortably with individuals from diverse backgrounds and interests.

• Ability to travel frequently.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time. 

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities

• Experience with and understanding of a four-year institution of higher education.

• Track record of success in fundraising, financial services, marketing/sales, or educational management.

Compensation

The compensation for this position is $86,000 - $120,000 (USD) per year. Title and salary will be determined based on the level of experience of the successful candidate.

When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.