Associate Director of Development

Company Description:

As a premier institution in agriculture and technology, SUNY Cobleskill calls all learners to grow, to sustain, and to renew the world and its citizens. The College acts as a reflection of, and a catalyst for, advancement in our fields. With an emphasis on applied learning and experiential education, SUNY Cobleskill prepares students for successful careers, advanced studies, and engaged citizenship.  

Founded in 1911, SUNY Cobleskill enrolls approximately 2000 students in 55 diverse majors. The campus sets the standard for applied education that extends theory into practice. SUNY Cobleskill is a community characterized by empathy, inclusivity, respect, personal growth, integrity, and a collaborative spirit fostering well-being and sustainable practices. We recognize and celebrate student, faculty and staff achievements. We take pride in our campus and encourage collaboration with our surrounding communities.

Our modern, 902-acre campus features outstanding educational facilities, including an equestrian center, 200-cow dairy facility, cold and warm water fish hatcheries, specialized classrooms and scientific laboratories, two state-of-the-art culinary arts teaching kitchens, child development and childcare centers, and an art gallery and graphic design center. 

Drawing on a rich academic tradition that spans more than 100 years, our purpose remains constant; to educate future entrepreneurs, scientists, thought leaders, artists, educators, and practitioners to contribute to the sustainability of a healthy and prosperous societal existence in concert with a robust environment. 

Job Description:

The Office of Institutional Advancement at SUNY Cobleskill is seeking a highly motivated, articulate, and experienced self-starter with a commitment to public higher education for the position of Associate Director of Development. This is a key College Advancement position that will serve as an integral team member of the Office of Advancement, working in concert with the SUNY Cobleskill Foundation and the SUNY Cobleskill Alumni Association, and campus community.   

The selected candidate will establish and foster enduring relationships with an array of philanthropic constituents to secure private funding for College priorities.  The successful incumbent will build and manage a complete portfolio, and will work with campus leadership to successfully generate support including, but not limited to, major gifts, leadership annual giving, parents, athletics, and events programs. As a key member of the development team, the candidate will be an integral part of the planning and execution of the College's next comprehensive campaign.

This position will report to the Senior Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships, and work closely with Vice President for Development and the staff within the Office of Institutional Advancement.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 125 donors, guiding them through all stages of the engagement cycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Work with prospect research to identify and engage new prospects.
• Work closely with the Vice President for Development and Senior Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships to identify and articulate the College's fundraising priorities, and strategies for achieving these priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor and key facilitator to prospects and donors.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising program, and achieve specific and measurable goals for effective portfolio management, including personal contacts, proposals presented, and dollars raised.
• Develop and implement retention strategies to plus donors, as well as recognize disinterested donors.
• Devise strategies to reengage lapsed or former donors.
• Work with prospects to identify priorities and desired impacts to determine potential gift range, timing, and giving vehicle.
• Act as a poised ambassador, regularly attending high-level programmatic meetings, adeptly representing the College's vision, initiatives, and impact to inspire donor engagement and volunteerism.
• Collaborate with senior campus leaders and faculty members to build meaningful support initiatives for donors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships and rapport with internal and external stakeholders including faculty, staff, alumni, students and the general community.
• Conduct in person and virtual visits with donors and prospects.
• Engage with College departments to identify needs, draft compelling case narratives, and effectively manage donor and prospect relationships.
• Oversee and manage committees and/or working groups, as needed.
• Assist in the planning and execution of advancement priorities, and undertake other requests, as needed.
• Work with colleagues to ensure that donors are properly stewarded, conveying gratitude for the impact of their gifts.
• Maintain accurate records using donor database resources to record constituent interaction and other activities.
• Help plan, coordinate, and execute events in support of fundraising efforts.
• Travel required (50% - primarily regional, with some national) as well as occasional evening/weekend work.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and commensurate experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills.
• Motivation as a self-starter.
• High level organizational and time management skills.
• Desire to work independently and engage in significant travel.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• 2+ years of experience in higher education fundraising or related.
• Willingness to learn, and take on new assignments and projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Desire to work collaboratively with a diverse and highly-motivated campus environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and similar software.
• Experience with Blackbaud Raisers Edge, or similar software highly desired.

Additional Information:

• This is an SL-4 position, with a salary range of $63,000 - $75,000 (commensurate with experience).
• This is an Appendix C Appointment.
• This position is eligible for hybrid work based on UUP/SUNY guidelines.
• This position offers full New York State benefits which are some of the most comprehensive in the country.
• SUNY Cobleskill is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community for our students and employees. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Any offer of employment is contingent on the successful completion of the background check.
• This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.
• All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply, if your skillset meets the minimum requirements as set forth.

SUNY Cobleskill is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, and ensuring equal educational and employment opportunity and access to services, programs and activities without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, or any other legally protected status.  Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Human Resources Office at (518) 255-5514.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation.  If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@oer.ny.gov.   

SUNY Cobleskill's Title IX Coordinator is Mary Elhakam, who can be contacted via phone at 518-255-5999, email at ElhakaM@cobleskill.edu, or mailing address of SUNY Cobleskill,  Knapp Hall Room 143, Cobleskill, NY 12043.

Application Instructions:

The application review process will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Priority is given to applications submitted by January 20, 2025.

A complete application consists of the following:

1. Letter of application, addressing qualifications, position responsibilities, and college values  
2. Current CV or Resume
3. Names, emails and phone numbers of at least three professional references, preferably former supervisors 

* To apply you must create an account and apply through this posting.

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