Leadership Gift Officer, School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations, the Leadership Gift Officer, School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), identifies, cultivates, and solicits alumni and friends of SIPA for unrestricted and restricted gifts in support of the Dean’s priorities. The Leadership Gift Officer is an essential member of the SIPA development team, collaborating with Major Gift and Planned Giving Officers in the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, Columbia Alumni Association staff, and colleagues throughout the University. The Leadership Gift Officer partners with the Dean and senior leadership team within SIPA as warranted.

Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of and in collaboration with the Executive Director, the Leadership Gift Officer manage a portfolio of 300 prospects.
• Conduct 125-150 personal visits with a personal annual production goal of $1 million+.
• In conjunction with the Executive Director, determine and execute new fundraising initiatives in support of the Dean’s priorities.
• Remain committed to ongoing discovery work and incorporate planned giving opportunities where appropriate, including bequest intentions and other planned giving vehicles.
• Provide informed guidance and consistent follow-up to prospects, maintaining strong relationships through strategic cultivation and meaningful stewardship.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, drive the fundraising strategy for a productive annual fund on behalf of SIPA, which will include, but is not limited to, partnering with Marketing Strategy and Enablement, Alumni Relations, and gift officers across the Office of Alumni and Development.
• Work with the Executive Director to partner with the Marketing Strategy and Enablement team to implement the School’s solicitation strategy across email, direct mail, and online fundraising initiatives such as Columbia Giving Day.
• Serve as a passionate advocate for philanthropy and relationship-building, acting as a persuasive ambassador for Columbia University’s priorities with self-motivation, strong organization, collegiality, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree is required, as well as a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of related experience, preferably in fundraising or related transferable experience, with demonstrated success in annual or planned giving or applicable ability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is required.
• This position requires evening and weekend work and travel as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree is preferred. Experience with higher education fundraising is also preferred.

Other Requirements

• Excellent writing and communication skills, tact, sensitivity, and mature judgment are required.
• Must be professional, organized, creative and efficient, able to work successfully both individually and as part of a team.
• Preference given to candidates with a documented record of successfully closing gifts within or near the range of gifts expected from the incumbent.
• Subject to business needs, the Office of Alumni Relations and Development supports a hybrid work arrangement for this position. Options will be discussed during the interview process.