Major Gifts Officer

Location: Troy, NY Category: Administrative Positions Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Fri Sep 25 2026 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.

1. 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.

1. 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).

Job 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.

Additional Information:

RSC offers a dynamic college environment and friendly work atmosphere. Visit our Employment Opportunities (https://www.sage.edu/about/work-at-russell-sage/) page for additional available job openings at RSC.

Russell Sage College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decision making, criminal history, and any other legally protected characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. The College is also subject to state and federal laws, supports efforts to attract and retain fully qualified women and other minority group members for faculty and other positions. Russell Sage College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity.

• Applications accepted until position is filled.

• Reports to: Senior Director of Major Gifts