Philanthropic Officer for Leadership Gifts

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Job Description

Job Summary

Manage a portfolio of approximately 200 leadership gift-rated ($10K+) prospects. Solicit and steward assigned individual prospects in support of the Smith Fund and other fundraising priorities and collaborate successfully with other frontline fundraisers doing the same. Conduct qualifying conversations with donors over the phone, via video conferencing tools or in person to determine future giving potential and inclination. Occasional travel to engage and solicit Smith alumnae, parents and friends and to assist in Alumnae Relations and Development-sponsored events.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

There are two positions available for this role. You must attach/upload a current resume and cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position.

Essential Functions

98%

• Manage a portfolio of leadership gift prospects maintaining frequent personalized contact, sometimes traveling to meet the donors. Qualify donors at all gift levels and solicit donors for leadership-level support of the Smith Fund and other institutional priorities. Utilize various communications methods including email, telephone, video conferencing technology, etc. and stay abreast of best practice in the field to propose new ones.
  
  
• Become fluent and knowledgeable about the college, its fundraising priorities, practices and procedures, its strategic plan and future vision, its values and its history. Articulate these persuasively and compellingly to individuals and groups.
  
  
• Meet established metrics and goals for visits, solicitations, gifts and other meaningful contact with assigned prospects. Promptly record contact reports and carry out other essential follow up activities such as expressing thanks. Ensure accurate documentation of prospect strategies, solicitation plans and contacts and their entry into the college’s prospect management system.
  
  
• Collaborate effectively with other frontline fundraisers, Donor Relations, Gift Planning, the Smith Fund and class managers to ensure effective, individualized strategies for each prospect. Serve as creative problem solver, prospect strategist, and collaborative support to the Major Gifts team. Effectively utilize administrative support and support the work of other colleagues to achieve established goals.
  
  
• Participate in departmental training, college-wide programming and other initiatives to understand the college and its history, values, priorities and constituencies.
  
  

Other Functions

2%

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 plus a minimum of one to three years of experience in a successful, metric-based fundraising operation or an equivalent combination of education/experience.

Need for flexible work schedule with the ability to travel, and to work nights and weekends.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Proven experience in soliciting and closing gifts from individuals and managing a portfolio of assigned prospects is preferred. Experience in higher education preferred

Skills

• Must be self-motivated and ambitious to meet and exceed goals. Experience in successfully soliciting and closing gifts.
  
  
• Strong verbal, written, and listening communications skills including public speaking.
  
  
• Superb organizational ability in portfolio and time management.
  
  
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
  
  
• Trustworthy in keeping highly sensitive information confidential.
  
  
• Unquestionable professional and personal integrity.
  
  
• Must be able to establish and maintain excellent rapport with donor constituents and on-campus colleagues.
  
  
• Able to operate both independently and as an active participant in team-based strategies and solicitation approaches.
  
  
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, confidentiality, and to always project a mature, professional demeanor.
  
  
• Competent in standard office computer skills and donor database systems
  
  

Please attach/upload a current resume and cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position.

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Smith College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.