Senior Associate Director of Major and Planned Gifts

The Senior Associate Director of Major and Planned Gifts plays a key role in executing a robust major gifts program at St. Lawrence University. This individual will be based in Canton, with the option of being remote based in VT, NH, or ME. S/he will travel extensively to qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospective alumni, parents and friends as major and planned giving donors. The primary focus is on engaging prospects within the assigned geographic territory resulting in commitments/gifts of $100,000 or more. Mid-level gift solicitations ($25,000 – $99,999) are also encouraged and reflected in fundraiser performance metrics. This Senior Associate Director will also collaborate with colleagues in University Advancement to ensure continued and increased effectiveness in our engagement programs for major gifts and planned gifts in managed territories. Salary range $95,000 - $115,000 annually. The actual rate will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Duties/Responsibilities

Major and planned gift fundraising

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward major and planned giving donors to the University.
• Maintain a record of activity with prospects in The Raiser’s Edge.
• Maintain a portfolio upwards of 150 qualified prospect households; travel within managed territories to complete prospect visits, the number of which is to be determined annually in consultation with the Executive Director of Major and Planned Gifts.
• Prepare proposals for gift solicitations that may include major, planned and annual fund gift components.
• Focus on securing support for the University’s strategic priorities, including the St. Lawrence Fund.
• Develop strong relationships with prospective donors, moving them through the cultivation cycle from identification through solicitation and stewardship.

Strategy development

• Contribute travel and prospect recommendations for the President and Vice President for University Advancement, as well as other members of senior management and the faculty as necessary and arrange appointments on their behalf.
• Prepare briefing materials in advance of these visits.
• Attend and participate in standing meetings such as Prospect Strategy meetings.
• Assist in the process of finding and securing hosts for presidential and Laurentian events within managed territories, as well as staffing those events.

Campus outreach

• Support initiatives sponsored by offices both within University Advancement and across campus. Events include, but are not limited to: Laurentian Weekend, Commencement, and Reunion.
• If remote based, plan regular travel back to campus for major University weekends, staff retreats and trainings.
• Remain well-informed about the University’s academic and co-curricular programs and fundraising goals to align prospect work with the University’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested to meet departmental goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 10 years minimum professional work experience required. Experience in fundraising or a field utilizing similar skills, proven ability to successfully cultivate, solicit and close five- and six-figure gifts, and experience fundraising for major gift/planned gifts in a higher education setting a plus.
• A willingness to travel frequently within managed territory for visits and to staff events.
• A willingness to work some evenings and weekends.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook, Zoom and exposure to relational databases required. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and The Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team, build effective relationships, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with donors with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity.

Interested applicants must apply online at https://employment.stlawu.edu/postings/4017 uploading all required materials which are defined in the “special instructions to applicant” section.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be directed to Chad Tessier, Executive Director of Major and Planned Gifts, ctessier@stlawu.edu.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the finalist successfully passing a background (including criminal records) check.