Assistant Director of Vassar Fund

Vassar College • Poughkeepsie, NY

1d • $65,200 - $78,500

About The Position

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Leadership Gifts, the Assistant Director of Annual Giving serves as a key frontline fundraiser for the Vassar Fund. The position manages an active portfolio of 200–250 rated prospects and lapsed donors, primarily in the Tri-State area, and solicits leadership annual gifts of $1,500 or more. Frequent travel is required, approximately two weeks per month, primarily within the Tri-State region.

The role cultivates and solicits donors, qualifies potential major gift prospects, supports donor stewardship and campaign promotion, collaborates with Annual Giving and Leadership Gifts teams, and maintains accurate donor records in the advancement CRM database.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of professional experience in annual fund fundraising, direct sales, or marketing; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Adept at using fundraising databases or CRM systems, Google Suite, social media, text messaging, phone, and Zoom.
• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to solicit donors daily and articulate a compelling case for support.
• Strategic, hardworking, highly collaborative, organized, and adaptable in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
• High standard of ethical conduct in donor relationships.
• Regular, predictable attendance, with flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently, approximately two weeks per month, primarily within the Tri-State region.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Familiarity with Vassar College programs, culture, and community.
• Prior experience in higher education annual giving, particularly as a frontline fundraiser, or as a direct marketing coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 200–250 rated prospects and lapsed donors with capacity ratings of $25,000 to $100,000, primarily in the Tri-State region.
• Conduct in-person visits across the region to cultivate relationships and solicit leadership annual fund gifts of $1,500 or more.
• Partner with the Prospect Development and Research team to identify unassigned regional prospects.
• Identify and qualify potential major gift prospects to build the Leadership Gifts team pipeline.
• Maintain broad knowledge of College programs, including admissions, athletics, and arts, and build a resource hub of relevant content to share with donors.
• Demonstrate giving impact, share institutional updates, and connect donors to volunteer, event, and Alumnae/i Association opportunities.
• Promote giving opportunities tied to the Fearlessly Consequential campaign, special projects, and crowdfunding initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Annual Giving and Leadership Gifts teams, including on the Vassar Fund Day of Giving.
• Maintain meticulous donor records, contact reports, and activity tracking in the advancement CRM database.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed