CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Manager of Individual Giving
The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home (posted Aug 15, 2025)
Manager of Individual Giving Supervisor: Senior Manager of Development Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000
Overview: Join our dynamic and enthusiastic team at The Mount as the Manager of Individual Giving! This full-time, exempt position is a key player in our Development Department. As a member of the team driving fundraising efforts, you’ll focus on cultivating and stewarding individual gifts under $5,000, manage the annual fund, oversee national committee memberships, support grant writing, and develop corporate sponsorships. You’ll also assist with donor events and stewardship strategies.
Responsibilities: Annual Fund • Working with the Executive Director and Senior Manager of Development, develop and implement a well-coordinated annual giving program designated to cultivate and solicit support from diverse prospects and donors for gifts up to $5,000 • Plan creative seasonal annual fund appeals, including drafting letters, compiling mailing lists, coordinating mailings, and acknowledging gifts • In collaboration with Senior Manager of Development, create and lead the planning and execution of giving levels strategies for optimum annual fund giving circles National Committee Membership • Oversee National Committee membership ($1,000 - $5,000), including solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship of members • Promote new memberships and renewals through targeted outreach and creative communications • With support from the Development Assistant, produce membership materials and coordinate member communications • Help maintain up-to-date records on The Mount’s major gift prospect and donor pool, including donor bios, contact reports, gift pledges, gift acknowledgements, and cultivation and stewardship steps taken to build relationships Grants • Identify and research grant opportunities aligned with The Mount’s mission and programming • Assist in drafting and submitting grant proposals and reports • Maintain a calendar of grant deadlines and reporting requirements Corporate/Business Sponsorships • Develop and implement strategies to secure corporate sponsorships for events and initiatives • Cultivate relationships with local and national businesses • Create tailored sponsorship packages and ensure proper recognition and stewardship Events • Assist the Senior Manager of Development with the coordination of, and attend, all donor cultivation and fundraising events • Oversee the creation and distribution of guest lists and prospect and donor bios prior to events and visits. • With the Executive Director and Senior Manager of Development, create communication plans for prospect and donor stewardship strategies prior to and following events and visits Other Responsibilities • Supervise Development Assistant • Provide Executive Director and Senior Manager of Development with reports and other special requests as needed • With support from the Development Assistant, help prepare development documents for Board and Committee meetings and be present to take meeting notes
Qualifications and Skills: • 3-5 years of experience in non-profit development/fundraising • Proficiency with donor database software – Blackbaud preferred • Proficiency in using various desktop and mobile software programs, including Word, Excel, Office 365, and Mailchimp, with the ability to learn new software systems. • Strong project management skills with attention to detail • Team player, self-starter, interested in personal and professional growth • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of building and sustaining strong relationships with members, donors, and stakeholders • Unflappable, focused, able to work in a fast-paced environment while effectively managing day-to-day responsibilities and fulfilling requirements of fundraising role • Must be available on selected evenings, weekends, and holidays to attend programs and special events
Compensation and Benefits: The Mount is dedicated to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. The salary range is $55,000-$65,000 based on qualifications and experience. The Mount’s employees receive a wide range of benefits including health insurance (75% of the monthly premium covered by the employer), dental (100% covered by the employer), flexible spending accounts, long term disability insurance, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan to which The Mount contributes 3% of salary after 6 months of employment. Starting paid time off includes 15 days of vacation, 10 days of sick leave, and 11 federal holidays. Willing to offer relocation stipend for the right candidate.
Director of Development for the Campus School
Smith College Campus School (posted Aug 8, 2025)
Prospect Research Analyst
Mount Holyoke College (posted Aug 1, 2025)
Mount Holyoke College seeks a Prospect Research Analyst to join our College Relations team. As a Prospect Research Analyst, you'll be instrumental in shaping the College Relations team's success by identifying, researching, and analyzing potential individual sources of financial support. Reporting to the Associate Director of Prospect Research and Management, you'll provide the essential groundwork that empowers our fundraising initiatives. This is a predominantly remote role with minimal on-campus engagement required, with candidates needing to live within driving distance to campus. This hybrid work style offers flexibility while allowing you to contribute significantly to our fundraising efforts.
Please click here to learn more and apply.
Associate Director, Data Integrity and Records Management
Mount Holyoke College (posted Aug 1, 2025)
Mount Holyoke College (MHC), a leading gender-diverse women’s college, is committed to educating at the highest level of academic excellence, cultivating a truly multicultural community, and fostering the alliance of liberal arts education with purposeful engagement in the world. Mount Holyoke College is a member of the Five College Consortium, with Amherst, Hampshire, and Smith Colleges and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Reporting to the Director of College Relations Data Services, the newly established position of Associate Director, Data Integrity and Records Management is responsible for proactively managing data integrity and quality assurance efforts related to the College’s alum and development data. This includes biographical and demographic constituent data, gift and pledge records, underlying transactional data, and data derived from engagement and relationship management activities. The Associate Director will also play a pivotal role in the College’s ongoing CRM conversion project, involving a transition from Colleague Advancement to Salesforce and Kindsight ascend with a planned go-live in October 2025, as well as post-go-live data stabilization efforts.
Click here to learn more and apply.
Art and History Curriculum Coordinator
Springfield Museums (posted Aug 1, 2025)
The 40-hour per week position of Art & History Curriculum Coordinator is available immediately. This position reports to the School Programs Supervisor. Position Summary Responsible for the development, planning and implementation of all school programs based on the collections of the Art and History Museums.
Coordinate the Art and History Docent Programs. Plan training and enrichment classes and oversee program recruitment. Maintain supplies for docent-led tours and programs, develop programming for special exhibits, and plan and oversee regularly scheduled public docent activities and tours. Manage expenditures pertaining to school and docent programs. Maintain communication within the Education Department regarding planned programming and docent events. Thorough knowledge of the Art and History permanent collections is necessary. Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions of the position include but are not limited to the following: Oversee all aspects of Art and History School Programs. Research and develop new programs, collaborating with the School Programs Supervisor, museum directors, and curators, as needed. Revise existing programs as curriculum and collections change. Maintain an inventory of educational materials and supplies; purchase additional supplies as necessary. Assist the School Programs Scheduler in securing Art and History docents to lead school programs by advising in regard to docent availability and ability. Greet visiting school groups in the Art and History museums. Lead Art and History programs and tours, if necessary. Responsible for coordinating the Art and History Docent Programs. Plan and lead weekly training and enrichment classes. Develop content and schedule speakers as necessary. Maintain regular contact with the Art and History Docents through weekly email updates. Recruit new docents when program numbers deem it necessary, schedule interviews and select candidates. Scheule and attend monthly Docent Council meetings. Plan and facilitate docent social and recognition events with the School Programs Supervisor and the Dr. Seuss Museum Program Coordinator. Submit event forms and work orders for docent trainings and events; prepare contracts for speaker honorariums. Track docent activities and report statistics regularly. Assist the Group Tour Coordinator in scheduling docents to lead tours of the permanent collection for visiting groups. Actively participate in the museum-wide goals of supporting early literacy and STEM learning. Share resources with docents through training opportunities. Implement changes in Art and History school programs to support early literacy, universal design for learning, and child development best practices, and incorporate STEM learning opportunities through interdisciplinary approaches. Develop docent-led programming for special exhibits and train docents on the exhibit content. Plan and oversee specialized docent tours and activities, i.e. Sunday docent tours, Continuing Conversations or similar programs. Customize tours and topics in response to requests from schools, visiting groups, and teacher professional development gatherings. Research and write various educational materials, such as gallery games, scavenger hunts and activity guides. Participate in community coalitions and school partnerships. Assist the Director of Education and School Programs Supervisor in preparing relevant grant applications, final reports, and sponsorship requests. Identify possibly funding sources as they pertain to School Programs and related events. Maintain and submit statistics on all docent trainings and specialized programming. Attend monthly Education Department staff meetings; engage in group planning discussions regarding future programs and events. Maintain awareness of changes in the Art and History permanent collections, and of current issues in education, particularly the Common Core and curriculum frameworks established by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Learn to use Artifax scheduling software. Participate in professional development seminars and workshops, if assigned. Perform other similar duties as responsibilities necessitate or as directed by supervisor.
Qualifications include, but are not necessarily limited to: Candidate must have experience working in an educational setting with a broad knowledge of disciplines of history, art history, and education. Bachelor’s degree is required, with a degree in history, art history, or education preferred.
Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume to Larissa Murray lmurray@springfieldmuseums.org by August 15, 2025.
Vice President of Advancement
Springfield Museums (posted Aug 1, 2025)
Vice President of Advancement The Springfield Museums is seeking a highly effective leader with proven fundraising success and professionalism for its Vice President of Advancement. Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, MA, the Springfield Museums, an affiliate of Smithsonian, is comprised of five world-class museums including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Michele and Donald D’amour Museum of Fine Arts, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, the Springfield Science Museum, and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. The VP of Advancement, reporting directly to the Museums President/CEO, will be responsible for developing, designing, and directing philanthropic initiatives and programs to achieve annual fundraising goals and secure major gifts in support of the Museums. The VP of Advancement will lead the Development, Marketing and Communications team as well as overseeing the design, implementation, and monitoring of both marketing strategies and their implementations. The VP of Advancement will also ensure that all strategic initiatives align with organizational goals and Museums brand. The VP of Advancement will be responsible for ensuring effective, cohesive, measurable marketing and social media plans to achieve targeted goals and audience building. The VP of Advancement will be a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for racially equitable access to the Springfield Museums and all that it has to offer.
Essential functions of the position include but are not limited to the following: Leadership • Serves as a member of the Springfield Museums’ Senior Management team. Actively participate in the shaping and realizing of the organization’s mission, goals, objectives, policies, and practices. Provides innovative, visionary, and strategic operational planning and leadership for the Museums’ philanthropic and marketing activities. • Reports regularly on philanthropy and marketing and communications activities to the Board of Trustees, the Board’s Advancement Committee, and Marketing and Communications Committee • In collaboration with the President/CEO, engage the Museums’ Board of Trustees, Advancement Committee, and Marketing and Communications Committee to help meet yearly fundraising and marketing outreach goals. • Oversee the promotion of the Museums to local, regional, national, and international audiences to gain recognition and funding opportunities and support. • Facilitate communication and collaboration between the Development, Marketing and Communications departments, and other departments of the Museums. • Regularly evaluate Advancement and marketing and communications operations, monitoring quality and cost effectiveness. Regularly meet with staff and committee members to identify and introduce improvements to enhance existing programs and services to meet agreed upon goals. Fundraising and Stewardship • Plan and initiate fundraising strategies; set campaign goals; plan and implement all campaigns or similar efforts for capital improvements, operating support, special exhibitions, programs, or projects including identification and solicitation of prospects, organizations, volunteers, and campaign leadership; design and preparation of fund-raising materials; and all related support activities to insure successful attainment of goals. • Manage a comprehensive Advancement program encompassing membership, admissions, special events, sponsorships, annual and capital campaigns, and planned giving. Additionally, set annual goals for each of the key areas. • Collaborate and support the Director of Development and the Major Gifts Officer, identify, cultivate, and successfully solicit major gifts from a diverse group of individuals, corporations, and foundations. Ensure high-quality and appropriate stewardship of donors. • Oversee an annual fund management plan. In collaboration with the Director of Development and the Major Gift Officer, grow a portfolio of donors and prospects at all levels. Engage Trustees and Advancement Committee members to participate in this process. • Ensure the Director of Development implements procedures related to planned giving, grant proposals, prospect identification, donor relations, stewardship activities, special projects, memberships, special events, and event rentals. • Train, mentor, and support the Museums’ Trustees and Advancement Committee members with their donors, prospect engagement activities, and their personal giving • Ensure that the Director of Development oversees an effective museum membership program and develops an ongoing plan to increase membership at all levels and creates attractive benefits and programming portfolios. • Provide periodic reports to the President/CEO, CFO, members of the Board of Trustees, and the Advancement Committee regarding fundraising goals, progress, accomplishments, and initiatives. • Obtain periodic updates from the Director of Development regarding prospect management, solicitation, tracking, and projections derived from the Museums’ software (Blackbaud’s Altru) and other data generating methods. As necessary, support the Director of Development in generating prospect, performance, and projection reports. The following will be expected when the Museums embark on a Capital Campaign. Capital Campaign • Provide direct support, coordination, and management of the Museums’ Capital Campaign in partnership with the President/CEO, Director of Development, and Advancement Committee members; serve as the staff liaison to the Museums’ Capital Campaign Committee. • Collaborate with the Director of Development and the Advancement Committee members to identify prospects that have the financial capacity, demonstrated interest, and social capital in advancing mission-related areas of the Museums. • Plan, develop, coordinate, direct, and manage all marketing and communications, and special events related to the Museums’ Capital Campaign. • Coordinate the implementation of the capital gifts solicitation plan including related naming opportunities, donor recognition, acknowledgements, and marketing materials. • Lead and coordinate ongoing donor relations and communications related to the Campaign in partnership with the President/CEO, Director of Development and Campaign Committee members. Marketing and Communications • Oversee the Museums’ communications, serving as a spokesperson for the Museums as needed, and representing the Museums at various public functions and speaking engagements. • Develop contacts with local, state, and national agencies, corporations, and community groups to enhance marketing and philanthropic efforts. • Oversee marketing and communications implementation, and execution of branding, marketing plans and strategies. • Engage department staff and other Museum employees to enhance the Museums' visibility and opportunities to develop and attract new visitors and members through consistent and appropriate use of marketing materials, social media, publications, and other outreach. • Maintain oversight of the marketing budget and management of media and marketing-related vendor relationships. • Ensure marketing staff arrange for media coverage for exhibitions and events as well as for those that attract specialized interest groups (e.g. antique cars, motorcycles, astronomy, and other disciplines represented by the Museums). • Through review and analysis ensure that the marketing and communication initiatives including the Museums’ quarterly publication, mailings, website, email marketing, and social media platforms grow to support the needs of the Museums and meet the annual marketing and communications goals. • Evaluate the Museums’ facilities rental program and opportunities in alignment with the Museums’ mission, and make recommendations for most efficient operations and pathways forward. If the Museums decide to offer a facilities rental program, ensure that related policies and procedures are being adhered to by staff, the renter, caterers, and outside contractors. Planning and Management • In adherence to the Museums’ Strategic Plan, develop, monitor, maintain, and adapt as necessary, annual fundraising and marketing and communications operating plans that will achieve the departments’ goals and objectives. Actively engage appropriate Museums’ staff in planning and implementing the plan. • Ensure that planned expenditures for operations and capital purposes fit within available funding. Monitor approved budgets to realize program objectives in an effective and timely manner. • Through ongoing communication with, and updates from, the Director of Development ensure the following: • Grants, prospect management, financial projections, membership, data management, Museums events, and event rentals are being performed efficiently and that they are achieving the Museums’ annual goals and expectations. • Through ongoing communication with and updates from the Design and Website Manager ensure the following: • The website is current and contains information regarding all exhibitions, programs, membership opportunities, etc. and that all content is consistent with the Museums’ brand. • All mailings and other marketing materials are timely and reaching our desired audiences. • Plans are developed and implemented to grow use of the Museums’ website and social media to meet annual goals. • Through ongoing communication with and updates from the Welcome
Center Manager/Group Tours Coordinator ensure the following: •Optimal visitor service is provided, all individuals are welcomed in a courteous andinviting fashion. Information is provided, questions and concerns are addressed, andvisitor guidelines are enforced. •The Museums are promoted and membership information is provided. •Collection of statistical data occurs relating to ticketed admissions and visitordemographics. •Keep abreast of trends and significant advances through professional associations, publications,seminars, and other pathways.Qualifications • A Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is desirable. • A minimum of five years in a leadership position in philanthropy including supervisoryexperience. • A skilled leader who can provide a strategic vision for the combined initiatives of branding, marketing and communications, and an integrated plan for philanthropy that provides clear and defined goals. • Employment in a nonprofit organization, such as a cultural or educational institution is desirable,experience working within a museum is preferred. • A working knowledge of all areas within fundraising including capital campaigns, major gifts,annual giving, membership, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and prospectresearch. • Knowledge and demonstrated proficiency with a donor database; knowledge of Blackbaud’sAltru is highly desirable. • Proficiency in setting goals, analyzing data, and evaluating and communicating success. • Excellent written and oral communication skills in the English language, with the ability to planand execute strategic communications to advance philanthropic and marketing initiatives andbuild a community of stakeholders. • Outstanding editing and proofreading skills with the ability to coordinate the release of allmaterials and publications. • Exceptional planning and organizational skills, and attention to detail are necessary. Must beresults oriented with the ability to set and meet deadlines. The ability to construct, articulate,implement, and evaluate written fundraising and marketing and communications plans as well asbudgets. • Commitment to a mission-based organization, community engagement, diversity, and a history ofworking effectively with all people irrespective of their economic status, ethnicity, gender,educational level, or sexual orientation.
Benefits Include: •Healthcare: medical, dental, vision•100 % employer paid Group Term Life Insurance•Long and Short Term Disability Insurance•Voluntary Life Insurance•Flexible Spending Account (FSA)•Generous paid time off•Retirement plan 401(k)•Free parking•Family Membership to the Springfield Museums • Generous discounts for Museum School courses • Museum Store discount
Interested candidates should submit their letter of application by August 31, 2025, to: mpavao@springfieldmuseums.org.
The Springfield Museums are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability status or any other protected area. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.
School Programs Scheduler
Springfield Museums (posted Aug 1, 2025)
The 30-hour per week position of School Programs Scheduler is available immediately. This position reports to the School Programs Supervisor.
Responsibilities include, but are not necessarily limited to: Scheduling school programs visits for all five museums. Discuss, Art, History, Dr. Seuss, and Science school program options with teachers and make arrangements accordingly. An in-depth knowledge of all programs and tours is necessary. Greet and orient school groups in the Art, History, Dr. Seuss and Science Museums, and assist with teaching school programs, if needed.
Essential functions of the position include but are not limited to the following: Responsible for booking school programs in the Art, History, Dr. Seuss and Science Museums and be mindful of museum functions and events that would conflict with school tours and classroom programs. Confer with teachers to determine needs, arrange visit times, send confirmation materials, invoices, and collect fees. Submit work orders for room set-ups, and security requests. Distribute weekly schedules to all staff. During school visits, greet groups in each museum and assist docents in obtaining educational materials for tours. Responsible for thorough knowledge of all school programming and the educational philosophy behind each program. Market and sell multiple programs in all five museums for an interdisciplinary day. Assist with the preparation of school programming, teacher professional development workshops and docent events and training, as needed. Conduct programs in the Museums as well as schools and community organizations if other staff is unavailable. Learn to use Artifax scheduling software and maintain working familiarity with any other computer programs that are necessary to properly perform duties. Must be comfortable making phone calls and following up in a timely manner with emails and calls. Structure computer databases to maintain program information, oversee the input of data and update files as necessary. Assist with distribution of flyers and other promotional materials including bulk mailings to schools when necessary. Promote school programs and outreach visits at PTO/PTA meetings and other community events. Initiate contact with new schools or schools that may have discontinued participation in museum programming. Assist in the preparation of text and photos to be used in educator e-newsletters, as well as other marketing opportunities. Track school programs and outreach attendance statistics through the booking process. Maintain a record of revenue generated. Assist in the compilation of comprehensive statistics that compare multiple school years and regions served, as well as statistics needed for grant applications. Maintain awareness of current issues in education, particularly the curriculum guidelines of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Participate in professional development seminars and workshops. Attend monthly Education Department staff meetings as well as School Program Educator meetings and weekly Docent Trainings. Assist Docent Coordinators with the facilitation of docent events as needed. Perform other similar duties as required or requested by supervisor.
Qualifications include, but are not necessarily limited to: Candidate must have experience with scheduling events and working in an educational setting with a broad knowledge of disciplines such as history, science, art history, and education. Must have exceptional multitasking skills and comfort communicating over the phone and via email. Bachelor’s degree is required, with a degree in history, science, art history or education preferred.
Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume to Katie Merrill kmerrill@springfieldmuseums.org by August 15, 2025.
Assistant Director of the Deerfield Fund for Young Alumni
Deerfield Academy (posted Jul 10, 2025)
General Summary: Reporting to the Associate Director of the Deerfield Fund, the Assistant Director of the Deerfield Fund for Young Alumni will work as a member of the Deerfield Fund team to create engagement and fundraising opportunities for our youngest graduates (Pre-5th Reunion, 5th Reunion, and 10th Reunion) and current students and help reach yearly Deerfield Fund goals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities: • Develop and execute an engagement and fundraising strategy for current students and recent graduates • Collaborate with the Associate Director of the Deerfield Fund and the Alumni Relations team on all young alumni engagement and solicitation strategies, including planning and hosting young alumni events nationwide • Manage all fundraising activities for classes who graduated in the last ten years, with emphasis on Pre-5th, 5th Reunion, and 10th Reunion alumni • Oversee Advancement Ambassador Program in collaboration with the Alumni Relations Team • Lead the Senior Class Giving Program by securing five-year commitments from graduating students, fostering a lasting culture of philanthropy in support of Deerfield Academy • Recruit and train volunteers to engage and solicit their classmates • Support general Deerfield Fund team efforts, strategizing on fundraising initiatives such as the Day of Giving, and utilizing tools including Hustle, ThankView, and GiveCampus to engage and solicit alumni • Manage a portfolio of prospects (including those at the leadership level) • Participate in weekend and evening activities on and off campus • Other duties as assigned
Job Specifications: • Bachelor’s degree required • 3-5 years in Advancement or similar related work experience required • Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills • Ability to manage and motivate volunteers • Ability to work independently and as part of a team • Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion and to serving the needs of a diverse community • Ability to manage, and sensitivity to, highly confidential information • A high level of integrity and a strong work ethic • Skilled with MS Office Suite and familiarity with integrated databases • Ability and willingness to travel, up to 15 days per year
Physical Job Demands: • Close visual acuity to analyze data and figures and to view a computer terminal • Ability to sustain substantial movements of the wrist, hands and/or fingers • Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 10 lbs • Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel or reach Working Conditions: The worker is in an office environment, and while in the office is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Disclaimer: The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. This job description is not intended to be construed as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. It is expected that job duties and responsibilities will develop over time commensurate with performance. Special Instructions for Applicants
Application materials must include: • A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications • A complete resume or curriculum vitae **SIGN-ON BONUS** The successful candidate will receive a $1,000 sign-on bonus ($500 paid at time of hire and $500 paid at the end of 90 days of employment.
Assistant Director of Gift Planning
Mount Holyoke College (posted Jul 8, 2025)
The Assistant Director of Gift Planning is a frontline fundraiser and vital member of Mount Holyoke College’s Development Team. This individual manages a portfolio of approximately 120 alums, families, and friends, cultivating relationships that lead to impactful philanthropic commitments, including six- and seven-figure life income gifts, estate gifts and complex outright gifts.
Reporting to the Director of Gift Planning, this role contributes to the success of the College’s upcoming comprehensive campaign by advancing strategic gift planning efforts and collaborating with internal and external partners. The Assistant Director partners across the Development team to develop customized gift strategies and provides expertise on planned giving vehicles. Success in this role requires empathy, curiosity, technical acumen, and a commitment to inclusive donor engagement.
Please note that this is a hybrid position. Use the following link to view the entire job description and apply: https://mtholyoke.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/details/Assistant-Director-of-Gift-Planning_R-0000002420
Director of Fundraising Programs, Major Gifts
Smith College (posted Jun 24, 2025)
Job Summary The Director of Major Gifts serves as a key member of the Associate Vice President for Development’s fundraising leadership team along with the Senior Director of Class Engagement and Philanthropic Support, Director of Planned Giving, and the Director of International Alumnae Relations & Development. In collaboration with the AVP for Development, the Director will set, and ensure implementation of, the overall strategy for development work with individual, high-capacity donors. Working within college and departmental strategy and priorities, and in partnership with the Smith Fund, reunion giving and milestone programs, planned giving, principal gifts, alumnae and donor relations and other key partners, the Director will guide their team to maximize philanthropic support for Smith College; including carrying their own portfolio. Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. #ALMDEV#
Essential Functions Program Strategy:
- Individual Giving (40%): In collaboration with the AVP for Development, the Director will set, and ensure implementation of, the overall strategy for development work with individual, high-capacity donors. They are responsible for setting goals and metrics for the major gifts program, supporting staff in understanding and reaching said metrics. Assure portfolio managers’ fluency in and in-depth knowledge of college priorities, college statistics and pride points, gift vehicles, policies and procedures, and best practices in fundraising from individual donors. Facilitate regular meetings with gift officers and other development colleagues for focused and effective prospect review and strategy discussions. Assist the Senior Vice President and the Associate VP for Development in providing the highest level of support for all presidential-level fundraising activities and ensure that other members of the campus leadership team are prepared and supported in their interactions with prospective donors. Assign philanthropic officers and/or serve as liaison to centers and other priority program areas on campus. Assign philanthropic officers and/or serve as liaison with regional and special initiative volunteers as needed. The Director of Major Gifts will collaborate intentionally with colleagues to ensure the Major Gifts program is integrated into a strategic and comprehensive institutional alumnae engagement and fundraising program. Collaborate with the AVP for Advancement on stewardship strategies, with the Director of Communications on promotional materials for fundraisers, with the Director of Events on special events for donors and VIP experiences. Collaborate with the Director of Advancement Research on the staff assignment and prospect management strategies, ensuring well balanced portfolios with prospective donors in qualification, cultivation and solicitation stages. Collaborate with the AVP for Alumnae Engagement and her leadership team to maximize regional and topical opportunities as appropriate. Serve on the AVP for Development’s leadership team to ensure the work of the Major Gifts team is integrated into and operating in cohesion with overall fundraising strategies and other activities of the department and the college. Oversee and manage the program budget, aligning it to program strategy. Ensure open communication with departmental peers around cost sharing for joint efforts. Monitor spending, adjusting program planning as needed and communicating with the AVP for Advancement Operations regarding any major changes.
- Staff Management (35%): Manage a team inclusive of major gift officers, support staff, and a manager. Set individual staff goals and conduct staff performance reviews. Conduct searches for team vacancies. Determine and assign efficient deployment and supervision of administrative support staff. Supervise, support and mentor the frontline fundraisers and manager toward optimal performance in identification, qualification, cultivation and solicitation of major donor prospects. Establish and monitor metrics to measure progress against goals. Lead team in successful collaborations with departmental colleagues. Ensure the gift officers and administrative support staff are appropriately trained and effectively following Smith's policies and procedures that impact their work, including but not limited to Gift Acceptance and Travel policies. Ensure the gift officers and administrative support staff are appropriately trained and effectively using established technological tools such as Salesforce and Workday. Actively partner with key colleagues in Advancement Operations to ensure that technology solutions and tools that enhance individual fundraising efforts are maximized.
- Prospect Management (20%): Manage a select group of major giving prospects, leading by example and modeling effective donor identification, qualification, cultivation and solicitation principles and strategies. Maintain frequent personalized contact with assigned prospects, often traveling to meet with donors. Meet established metrics and goals for the number of visits, solicitations and other meaningful contact with assigned prospects. Promptly submit contact reports, update ask tracking system, and other essential follow up activities. Model following institutional policies and procedures for closing gifts. Analyze activities to achieve progress toward stated goals.
- Other Functions (5%): Participate in team meetings, task forces and committees as required. Back up other staff needs as necessary. Perform related duties as required. All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.
Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses): Bachelor’s degree required with a minimum of 7 years of experience as a successful front-line fundraiser. At least five years of proven effective experience as a manager of fundraising professionals and support staff teams is required. Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience in higher education fundraising is preferred. Experience working in a complex organization with principal gifts, major gifts, and planned giving programs is strongly preferred.
Skills: Ability to lead by example and to motivate and inspire team to high performance standards. Ability to set ambitious yet realistic goals, to model best practices. Ability to hire, supervise, evaluate, and retain high performing staff. Ability to develop and implement targeted donor strategies in collaboration with colleagues, program staff, and executive leadership. Superb relationship building and communications skills both with external constituents and with internal campus colleagues. Superior analytic, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities balanced with a calm and thoughtful demeanor under pressure and when dealing with challenging people and situations. Ability to work collaboratively and appropriately with senior college officers and faculty and high-level volunteers. Results-driven, highly organized, and able to manage multiple priorities. Ability to manage confidential information with appropriate discretion and tact. Strong computer skills and technical literacy are essential, being comfortable learning and using CRMs, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace tools, video conferencing tools, etc.
Additional Information: Flexible work schedule required with the ability to travel, and to work nights and weekends. #ALMDEV#