Major Gifts Officer

Reporting to the Senior Director of Leadership Giving, the Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is a member of the College's frontline fundraising team and is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors and prospects to achieve aggressive, but achievable annual operating goals while actively developing a pipeline for a major capital campaign. The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for all aspects of donor relations, including positioning the Director, Vice President of College Relations, President, Senior Administration and Faculty as appropriate to deepen donors’ relationship to the College.

Embarking on the most ambitious capital campaign in its history, Powering Union – the Campaign for Multiple Tomorrow, and under the leadership of our 19th President, David R. Harris, Ph.D., it’s an exciting time at Union College. College Relations is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to inform, engage and solicit a portfolio of prospective donors capable of gifts in the $50,000 to $1,000,000 range.

Qualifications: This position requires a Bachelor's degree. Minimum of 2-4 years of related experience, preferably in fundraising or related transferrable skills. Candidates must be committed to implementing best practices, demonstrate an adherence to the highest standards of ethical practices, and possess superb communication skills, a demonstrated understanding of higher education issues, optimism, creativity, diligence, and a commitment to collaboration. Candidates must also be willing to travel extensively, and frequently (approximately twice a month) work occasional weekends, and demonstrate enthusiasm for the mission of Union College. Must be a detail-oriented, self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and priorities to meet timelines and deadlines. Knowledge of database and CRM software (Colleague/EverTrue/Raiser’s Edge) and Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word) preferred.

Preference given to candidates with a documented record of successfully closing gifts within or near the range of gifts expected from the incumbent, familiarity with planned giving principles highly desirable, and experience with higher education fund-raising.

We offer exceptional benefits including, but not limited to the following:

• Generous Vacation, Sick and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays
• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents

Note: All new hires of Union College are subject to a thorough education, work experience, and criminal history background check.

Union College

Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.

Diversity at Union College

Union College is an equal opportunity employer and strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities that request such accommodations.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. The College is also subject to state and federal laws, supports efforts to attract and retain fully qualified women and other minority group members for faculty and other positions. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.