Director of Philanthropic Giving (Development Officer II)

Job Responsibilities

The Director of Philanthropic Giving provides strategic leadership for the college’s fundraising and advancement efforts, supporting student access, workforce development, and community impact. Working closely with the Vice President for Development, Foundation leadership, and campus stakeholders, this role leads comprehensive scholarship, major gift, and planned giving initiatives while building meaningful relationships with donors, employers, and community partners.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with institutional priorities, including student success, workforce training, and program growth.
• Lead major gift and planned giving programs, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Maintain and actively manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, using data-driven strategies to meet fundraising goals.
• Build and sustain relationships with individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners to advance the college’s mission.
• Align donor interests with high-impact programs, including scholarships, workforce initiatives, and capital or equipment needs.
• Develop and implement a planned giving strategy to ensure long-term philanthropic sustainability and growth.
• Oversee scholarship fundraising, stewardship, and reporting to demonstrate the impact of donor investments on student success.
• Supervise and mentor development staff, establishing performance expectations and fostering a collaborative, results-driven environment.
• Support Foundation board engagement, committee work, and advancement-related events and initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards, donor confidentiality, and best practices in advancement.
• Represent the college in the community and at events, including travel as needed, to cultivate donor and partner relationships.

This position requires a high degree of professionalism, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while working both independently and collaboratively across the institution.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and demonstrated experience in major gift fundraising, development, donor relations, sales, or a closely related field are required. An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered to meet this requirement.

Preferred Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in philanthropic studies, public administration, or a related field, along with significant experience in higher education or nonprofit advancement, is preferred. Ideal candidates will bring progressive experience in donor cultivation and stewardship, major gift fundraising, planned giving, and campaign management, along with a strong understanding of comprehensive fundraising strategies. A master’s degree in a related discipline, experience in nonprofit or philanthropic management, and a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation are highly desirable.

Candidates who demonstrate the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and manage multiple projects with a high level of organization and independence will be especially competitive. Experience working in environments that require discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment is also preferred.