At this pivotal moment in the University’s history, Colgate is seeking a Director of Leadership Gifts to build and drive a leadership gifts program. The person in this role will be responsible for recruiting and motivating a leadership gifts team and will be responsible for cultivating a portfolio of leadership giving prospects with the capability to contribute up to $20,000 annually. The person in this position will play a key role in driving significant support for the Colgate Fund, the University’s unrestricted fund. In each of the past several years, the University has secured record breaking levels of Colgate Fund support. The successful candidate will possess strong management, communication and customer service skills, and demonstrate a strong understanding and proven track record of success in fundraising and/or sales, preferably in a higher education setting.

Accountabilities:

• Accountable for providing effective supervision of leadership gifts staff including the appropriate distribution of work assignments, accurate and timely performance assessments and feedback, strong mentoring and professional development support, and appropriate administration of office operations and personnel management procedures.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with leadership gift constituents as assigned to increase levels of engagement, annual giving, and campaign support utilizing effective prospect qualification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies.
• Responsible for demonstrating respect for people and their differences as well as the benefits of a diverse workforce, and the value of open and collegial dialogue.
• Accountable for utilizing established performance metrics, including visits and virtual connections, proposals, and effective stewardship contacts to monitor and support staff achievement. Responsible for overseeing the creation of quality proposals for support and the effective forms of presentation and follow up that maximizes donor support. Responsible for effectively accessing and navigating relevant technology systems used in advancement, and utilizing data as a resource in decision-making while maintaining respect for the security of private or confidential information.
• Responsible for developing strong working relationships with Office of Advancement colleagues, University administrators, faculty and staff to professionally address both opportunities and concerns.

Professional Experience/Qualifications

• 5-7 years experience in higher education fundraising, sales, marketing, or non-profit management or a related field with a preference for experience in educational fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability to build, manage, mentor, and guide a growing team of professionals.
• The professionalism, insight and sound judgment necessary for interacting with board, trustees, administrative and academic leadership, faculty, and staff.
• An understanding of the important role of diversity, inclusion, and equity to institutional advancement.
• Ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to collaborate closely with colleagues in development and across departments.
• Proficiency in CRMs and/or databases is required. Experience with Blackbaud products appreciated.
• Strategic planning, organizational, administrative and budgetary experience
• Willingness to travel is a must.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required.

Other Information

Colgate has a diverse student, faculty, staff, and alumni population representing a variety of races, gender identities, social economic status, sexual orientations, languages, national origins, etc. Our https://www.colgate.edu/about/third-century-plan/plan-diversity-equity-and-inclusion presents a framework for continuing the creation of an inclusive campus and engaging the Colgate community in this effort in the years ahead.

Please describe how you would connect and work with a diverse community. You can upload the statement under the Diversity Statement document heading. For information on how to write a diversity statement, see our https://www.colgate.edu/sites/default/files/2021-06/Some-Guidance-on-Crafting-Diversity-Statements-Colgate.pdf.

Work Schedule:

Weekdays with occasional evenings, overnights and weekends.

Job Open Date: 08/24/2021

Job Close Date: 10/24/2021

Open Until Filled: Yes

EEO Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.