Director of Principal Gift Engagement and Stewardship

Job Description:Position SummaryThe Director of Principal Gift Engagement and Stewardship is a strategic leader within the Office of Advancement, responsible for shaping and advancing the College’s most significant philanthropic relationships.As the College enters its largest and most ambitious capital campaign, this role will partner with gift officers to drive execution and follow-up for engagement, solicitation, and stewardship activities of a select portfolio of principal gift prospects (typically $2.5M+). Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Director partners closely with the President, senior leadership, and gift officers to translate donor insight into clear, actionable tactics that align established strategies with a goal to unlock transformational gifts.Hamilton College is known for its close faculty-student relationships, open curriculum, intellectual rigor, and a deeply loyal alumni community. This role ensures that the institution’s most important donors experience the College in highly personal and meaningful ways. It provides a rare opportunity to help shape and deliver principal gift strategy at a defining moment for the College. The successful candidate will operate at the highest levels of the institution—partnering with leadership, engaging exceptional donors, and helping to secure the transformational philanthropy that will define the College’s future. Some travel required. Remote work will be considered for candidates within a reasonable commuting distance to campus.ResponsibilitiesPrincipal Gift Strategy & Pipeline LeadershipIn partnership with gift officers, design tactics that operationalize strategy for up to 100 top prospects, inspiring engagement with and enthusiasm for campaign prioritiesIdentify and present opportunities to bring to life the impact a donor has had related to college prioritiesIdentify and address pipeline gaps to advance prospects toward solicitation and closureExecutive Engagement & Strategic SupportPrepare high-level briefing materials with a focus on strategic recommendations for the President and senior staffOversee Presidential gift acknowledgements, ensuring personalized, thoughtful, and timely communicationsManage strategy for Presidential and senior staff travel, prioritizing high-impact donor engagementBespoke Stewardship & Donor ExperienceDesign and execute individualized, narrative-driven stewardship strategies for the College’s top donorsConceptualize and lead small-group and individual cultivation experiences—on and off campus—featuring the President, faculty, trustees, students and alumniPartner across Advancement and supervise one staff member to deliver seamless, high-touch engagementProvide responsive, discreet, and professional service to the College’s most significant donorsCollaboration & Operational ExcellenceWork collaboratively across Advancement, and with campus partners, to ensure coordinated donor engagementStrengthen processes and best practices related to principal gift strategy, stewardship, and campaign executionPerform other duties as assignedEducation & ExperienceBachelor’s degree required.8+ years of experience in advancement, with a focus on principal or major gifts strategy and stewardshipDemonstrated success supporting or advancing gifts at the $1M+ levelExperience partnering with senior leaders and preparing high-level briefings and communicationsPreferredExperience in a comprehensive capital campaignBackground in a liberal arts college or similarly relationship-driven institutionExperience designing bespoke donor experiences and managing complex, cross-functional initiativesKnowledge, Skills, & AbilitiesExceptional writing and communication skillsDemonstrated strategic thinking abilityProject management skillsSound judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate effectively in a highly relational, mission-driven environmentCompensation Range:$100,000 - $120,000EEO Policy:Hamilton College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment and an educational experience that recognizes a wide array of experiences, backgrounds and viewpoints as integral components of academic excellence. Candidates who can contribute to those goals are encouraged to apply and identify their strengths in these areas.Benefits:For Benefits Information, please navigate to the following link:Employment - Work at Hamilton - Hamilton College #J-18808-Ljbffr