Associate Director of Major Gifts

Associate Director of Major Gifts

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Development, Major Gifts and International Fundraising, the incumbent is expected to be a highly energetic professional with the ability to engage donors and work with volunteers. Job duties include identification, cultivation, solicitation and closure of major and planned gifts in the $100,000 to $5,000,000 range and to meet the fundraising goals and objectives established for the school. The incumbent will work closely and collaboratively with the entire Development, Alumni Relations, and Communications team to assure that fund-raising opportunities are maximized. The incumbent will be part of an experienced and talented development team challenged with meeting or exceeding the School's fundraising goals.

Responsibilities

1. Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and manages a defined portfolio of 125 donors and potential donors with high giving capacity in NYC and regionally. Some travel is required.
2. Devises strategies for the solicitation and closure of major and planned gifts from individuals in the portfolio.
3. Is responsible to meet face-to-face with major gift prospects and meet agreed-upon fundraising goals and metrics. Conducts a minimum of 75 face-to-face or virtual meetings with prospects annually.
4. Works closely with the Dean, Associate Dean, Executive Director, and Director of Development and prepares materials for prospect solicitation process.
5. Creates an annual development plan with the Director of Campaign, Major Gift, and Development Operations and the Director of Development, Major Gifts and International Fundraising, defining individuals to be cultivated, solicited and closed as well as projected dollars to be raised, and is responsible for meeting these targets.
6. Identifies potential volunteers for the Law School for any of the following areas: planned giving; annual fund; reunions; Board of Visitors; Alumni/ae Association; other boards as necessary.
7. Coordinates fund-raising activities within assigned areas of responsibility.
8. Prepares materials for prospect solicitation process, which may include: prospect lists; briefings; proposals; and invitations.
9. Becomes familiar with tenets of planned giving and identifies opportunities where such vehicles are most appropriate given prospects' personal circumstances.
10. Will be expected to contribute ideas and strategies for the overall Development Program and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 3-4 years of related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent oral, written communication and interpersonal skills necessary.
• The ability to write for multiple audiences. Able to adapt to moving priorities, projects and new technology.
• Must be persuasive and tactful, and have a positive attitude and the ability to motivate, lead and work in a team environment.
• Well-developed organizational skills and the ability to engage in independent decision-making and problem-solving.
• An understanding and appreciation of the role of development in an educational institution is highly desirable, as is an understanding of a professional school's mission and structure.
• The ability to work successfully with skilled professionals in the legal, academic and corporate communities is essential.
• This position requires some evening and weekend work and travel as necessary.
• This position will be a hybrid position, including both on-site and remote days.
• Must be able to work with diverse constituencies and support an inclusive work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.