Major Gifts Officer

pursue bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campuses in Troy and Albany, NY. Many online programs are also offered. Creating one of the region's largest private higher education institutions with the broadest catalog of programs in the health professions and strong programs in education, business, criminal justice, the sciences, pre-med, pre-health, and arts and humanities, Russell Sage College and Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) plan to merge. Russell Sage and ACPHS will collaborate over the next several years to create a plan to merge their academic portfolios and develop a facilities and people strategy, addressing workforce needs. Russell Sage College offers its faculty and staff the opportunity to make a difference every day - in the lives of students and the future of our communities. Job Description: Position Summary The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission and priorities of the College. Responsible for managing a portfolio of 100 high-net-worth prospective donors- including alumni, parents, and friends of the college- the MGO will identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts (typically $25,000+). In a tight-knit campus community of ~3,500 students, this role requires a strategic, highly collaborative fundraiser who thrives on building authentic, long-term relationships and can articulate the unique impact of a private, student-centered education. Key Responsibilities 1. Portfolio Management & Frontline Fundraising (70%) Maintain an active portfolio of approximately 100 major gift prospects. Conduct 10-12 substantive personal donor interactions (in-person visits, virtual meetings, or intentional calls) per month. Develop tailored strategy plans for each prospect, moving them deliberately through the donor pipeline: qualification to cultivation to solicitation to stewardship. Solicit and secure major gifts for capital projects, endowed scholarships, academic programs, and the annual fund. Primary liaison for major gifts that support the Denise Tabor Finard '80 Women's Institute. Collaborate with Executive Director of Gift Planning to incorporate blended gift opportunities (bequests, trusts, annuities) when appropriate. 2. Campus & Strategic Engagement (15%) Partner closely with faculty, department chairs, athletic leaders, and senior leadership (including the President and Vice President) to align donor passions with institutional priorities. Brief executive leadership and draft strategic talking points prior to major prospect meetings or regional donor events. Attend key campus traditions (Reunion, Commencement, Local and Regional Alumni Gatherings) to engage prospects organically. 3. Administration & Data Integrity (15%) Document all donor interactions, contact reports, strategies, and proposals in the advancement CRM database in a timely manner. Track monthly and annual progress toward personal activity and fundraising goals. Participate in advancement team meetings, prospect management sessions, and campaign planning. The estimated salary range is $78,000 to $86,000 per year for 40 hours per week for 52 weeks (12 months). Requirements: Qualifications & Requirements Education: Bachelor's degree required. Experience: 3-5 years of successful fundraising experience, ideally in higher education or a non-profit setting, with a proven track record of closing major gifts ($25,000+). Travel: Willingness and ability to travel frequently (approximately 30-40% regional travel, primarily in NY, New England, and the Tri-State area). Communication: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; ability to tell compelling stories about the value of a liberal arts education. Tech-Savvy: Proficiency with advancement databases/CRMs (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, Slate) and Microsoft Office. Ideal Candidate Profile What makes someone succeed at Russell Sage College: Adaptability & Initiative: You don't mind wearing multiple hats or helping out at events when needed. Authentic Community Connection: You appreciate a small campus culture where you can drop by a professor's office or grab coffee with a coach to understand what needs funding. Regional Familiarity: Knowledge of the Upstate NY philanthropic landscape and regional alumni pockets is a strong plus. Work Environment & Location Location: On-campus (Upstate NY) with flexibility for hybrid work during non-travel weeks, depending on department policy. Working Conditions: Requires regular evening/weekend work for events and donor travel.