Director of Leadership Gifts

Department Statement
Colgate University, a top-ranked liberal arts college, is seeking a dynamic Director of Leadership Gifts to play an integral role in building and driving a successful leadership gifts program.

Founded in 1819, Colgate is a small, highly selective residential liberal arts college for students of talent who are preparing for lives of leadership and productive citizenship. Colgate University enjoys a strong tradition of philanthropy and engagement, having successfully raised over $480 million from more than 34,500 community members during Passion for The Climb: The Campaign for Colgate, completed in 2012. On an annual basis, more than 56% of Colgate’s alumni engage with the University through philanthropy, volunteering, or engaging at online and in person programs, including signature events like Reunion that draws in more than 2500 alumni and guests. This tradition of philanthropy paired with strong levels of alumni affinity position Colgate well for even greater success, as the Vice President and his team prepare to lead the community into an historic and comprehensive campaign.

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. Job Open Date 08/24/2021 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary 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. For more information, click the "How to Apply" button.