Director of Development, Major Gifts

Job Description

The Director for Development, Major Gifts will be responsible for cultivating, soliciting, closing and stewarding major donors with an emphasis on gifts of $100,000 or more, representing a wide spectrum of capability, from mid-level to principal gifts.

$79,000 - $115,000

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum, six years of demonstrated experience of successful major gifts fundraising, preferably in a college or university setting.
• Experience in Division I Athletics strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to generate private philanthropic support and bring closure to major and principal gifts of $100,000+.
• General recognition of indicators of wealth and the ability to engage in meaningful and thoughtful conversations with prospective donors.
• General knowledge of planned or deferred gift instruments and the ability to collaborate with the Gift Planning Staff.
• Familiarity and understanding of current issues in intercollegiate athletics and higher education.
• Ability to direct and perform confidential detailed work with accuracy under deadline pressure.
• Mature and professional attitude, donor/client focus and the ability to manage and direct multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Working knowledge of and familiarity with NCAA rules and regulations, particularly those impacting representatives of the institution’s athletics interests.
• Ability to work with university and donor database systems.
• Impeccable integrity and the ability to work in a collaborative environment.

• Conduct a minimum of 150 face to face visits focused on moving potential major donors towards gift discussions, both locally and throughout the US.
• Advance planning and effective use of the Blackbaud CRM database for donor visits, including but not limited to, research requests, proposal preparation, collaboration with other on-campus development specialists and coordinating travel and other logistical arrangements.
• Attend Advancement, External Affairs and Cuse Athletics Fund meetings, training and professional development sessions, and other events or activities.
• Attend and provide appropriate staff support at athletic-related events at home and selected away games, championships and/or tournaments.
• Other duties as assigned.

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

Syracuse University is an equal‑opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.