Leadership Gifts Officer

The Leadership Gift Officer will play a strategic role in cultivating leadership and major gifts, primarily from alumni and parents, capable of giving $5,000 to $50,000 annually. They will lead efforts to enhance and expand Family Circle membership in conjunction with the director of major gifts and the major gifts team.

Position Title: Leadership Gifts Officer

Pay Status and Classification: Exempt, regular full-time. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance or visa sponsorship.

Supervisor: Director of Major Gifts

Position Purpose:

The Leadership Gifts Officer will play a strategic role in cultivating leadership and major gifts, primarily from alumni and parents, capable of giving $5,000 to $50,000 annually. They will lead efforts to enhance and expand Family Circle membership in conjunction with the director of major gifts and the major gifts team.

This position requires extensive travel, estimated about 25% of the time.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Portfolio Management:

• Manage a portfolio of leadership and major gift prospects, focusing on individuals with the capacity to donate $5,000 to $50,000 annually.

• Conduct monthly prospect trips and 130 donor meetings to cultivate and solicit gifts in support of College priorities. Meetings can be both in person and virtual.

• Assist the director of major gifts and major gifts team in growing the minerva scholarship program for annual scholarship funds.

Family Circle:

• Champion and promote the Family Circle, focusing on cultivating and retaining key philanthropic donors.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Family Circle members, ensuring personalized and meaningful engagement to foster continued and increasing support.

• Implement tailored strategies for recognition, cultivation, and communication to deepen donor connections and inspire increased giving at leadership and major gift levels.

• Manage relationships with College leadership and create opportunities for meaningful engagement with Family Circle members.

General College Relations and Union College

• Participate in the development and execution of an annual operating plan for the major gifts office.

• Staff College Relations events as needed, including Homecoming and Family Weekend and ReUnion.

• Contribute to other campus initiatives and key college priorities if and when opportunities arise.

• Other duties as assigned by the director of major gifts and vice president of college relations.

• Cultivates a comprehensive understanding of Union’s history, academic, extracurricular, and athletic programs, along with familiarity with faculty, students, and administration.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and/or work experience.

• Three years of successful fundraising experience at an institution of higher education or comparable fundraising settings, with a track record of securing gifts and commitments of $2,000+.

• Ability and willingness to travel monthly, work occasional weekends, and participate in evening events as required.

• A valid U.S. driver license is required.

• Experience in managing and collaborating with diverse volunteer groups.

• Demonstrated results-oriented approach and strategic problem-solving skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and culturally diverse learning community of students, alumni, faculty, and fellow professionals.

• Proven ability to meet and exceed the expectations of faculty, students, guests, and colleagues.

• Able to exercise exceptional judgment, ensure strict confidentiality, and demonstrate outstanding professionalism in a range of situations.

Compensation:

The annual salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time

• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)

• Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)

• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs

• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan

• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability

• Tuition Exchange

Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy ( , finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.

E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify ( and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar) ( .

Union College

Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth-oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem-solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.

Accommodations

If you require an accommodation throughout the interview process, please don't hesitate to contact our Human Resources department at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates have equal access to opportunities and can participate in a fair and inclusive hiring process.

Diversity at Union College

Union College is an equal-opportunity employer and is strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social, and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social, and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities who request such accommodations.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity.