• Director of Leadership Gifts

    Connecticut College (New London, CT)


    Director of Leadership Gifts Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

    Position Details

    Position Information

    Position Title Director of Leadership Gifts

     

    Department Advancement - General -Group

     

    Pay Type Exempt

     

    Appointment Type (A) Continuing Full-Time

     

    Hours Per Week 37.5

     

    Number of weeks 52 weeks per year

     

    other - # of weeks 52

     

    Benefits Eligible Full Benefits

     

    Geographical National

     

    Qualifies for Relocation Reimbursement No

     

    Work Schedule

    Job Description

    General Scope of Duties

    The Director of Leadership Gifts is a high-level, experienced major giving professional responsibility for the overall management of the leadership giving and prospect research programs. Responsible for all aspects of major, unrestricted and restricted, gifts in the range of $50,000 to $1,000,000+ to advance comprehensive major giving goals and metrics. The director will design and implement a multi-year strategy to expand the leadership major giving capacity while meeting specific annual fundraising goals. The director works closely with annual giving, alumni relations, donor relations, and planned giving directors to ensure the smooth correlation of overall giving conversations with individuals. Reporting to the Vice President of College Advancement, the director will be a senior member of the advancement team and assist in setting the strategic direction of the department.

     

    General Duties and Responsibilities

    Priority Duties and Responsibilities:

    + Provide strategic oversight and management of leadership giving staff, the research and prospect management team, and other teams as determined.

    + Oversee advisory groups made up of alumni and parents by region or affinity, as determined.

    + Establish annual goals, set priorities, and develop strategies for the College’s major gift fundraising.

    + In coordination with the Vice President of College Advancement, envision a multi-year strategy for expanding the donor base of support. This may include partnering with annual and planned giving staff on identifying and qualifying leadership annual giving donors that may increase their gifts.

    + Build meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of Conn College leading to impactful philanthropic commitments.

    + Ensure strong collaboration with colleagues across advancement to develop and implement integrated donor strategies.

    + Encourage, support, and motivate staff to increase productivity in major gift activities.

    General Duties and Responsibilities:

    + Coordinate and oversee major giving cultivation, solicitation, and concurrent annual giving strategies for each Leadership Gift Officer’s portfolio of prospects.

    + Identify, cultivate and solicit a prospect pool of 100+ major gift prospects of alumni, parents, and friends of Connecticut College.

    + Develop strong internal relationships needed to bring information and resources to the cultivation and solicitation effort.

    + Track and report on major gift prospect activity and ensure all Leadership Gift Officers update contact and biographical information on a timely basis.

    + Increase campus awareness of and support of Connecticut College’s advancement goals through regular interaction with faculty and administration.

    + Extensive travel required and frequent evening/weekend work.

    + Other duties as assigned

    Education and Skills

    + Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred and 7 to 10 years of experience in major gift work. Campaign and higher education experience preferred.

    + Proven success in closing five and six-figure gifts.

    + Ability to demonstrate excellent judgment and appropriately represent and resourcefully advance the institutional priorities of Connecticut College.

    + Demonstrated ability to explain complex philanthropic concepts and giving vehicles in a donor-friendly manner.

    + Ability to motivate, build, and sustain key relationships with donors, volunteers, staff, colleagues, and faculty.

    + Possess exceptional prioritization and follow-up skills.

    + Extraordinary interpersonal, organizational, and written/oral skills.

    + Excellent attention to detail, and strong computer skills.

    Preferred Qualifications

    Physical Demands

     

    Driving Required No

     

    Salary Range $135,000-$155,000

    Note

    Connecticut College is committed to fair and competitive compensation. The final offer will reflect the candidate’s experience, education, and the institution’s pay structure to ensure internal equity.

     

    Applicant Credentialing Thorough applicant credentialing will be conducted on the selected candidate which will include criminal records check, DMV check and depending on the position psychological exam and pre-placement physical.

     

    Posting Detail Information

     

    Open Date 09/25/2025

     

    Applications accepted through

     

    Open Until Filled Yes

     

    Documents needed to Apply

    Required Documents

    + Resume

    + Cover Letter

     

    Optional Documents

     

    Supplemental Questions

     

    Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

     

    + * What is the highest level of education attained?

    + GED

    + High School Diploma

    + Associates Degree

    + Bachelors Degree

    + Masters Degree

    + PHD

    + * How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?

     

    + 0-1

     

    + 1-3

     

    + 3-5

     

    + 5-7

     

    + 7+

     

    + * Are you eligible to work in the U.S.?

    + Yes

    + No

    + * Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa)?

    + Yes

    + No