Gift Planning Officer

Clarkson University•Potsdam, NY

7d•$60,000 - $63,000

About The Position

The Gift Planning Officer manages a dynamic portfolio of approximately 125–150 major gift donors and planned giving prospects. This position identifies strategic opportunities and designs donor-centered initiatives to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward high-net-worth individuals, strengthening the pipeline of perpetual financial support for Clarkson University. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, the Gift Planning Officer collaborate closely with Development colleagues, campus partners, and University leadership to strengthen a robust portfolio and engage prospects through the University’s moves management process.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
2-4 years of professional experience in major/differed gift development fundraising or a customer-focused, service-based sales environment (e.g; financial/banking services).
Experience with major/deferred gift fundraising preferred.
Experience managing travel schedules, coordinating off-campus donor meetings, and conducting productive field visits is beneficial.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen attentively, communicate with clarity, and engage effectively with diverse constituent groups.
Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills; goal-oriented with a drive to meet and exceed expectations.
Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining strong attention to detail, organization, and time management.
Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and strict adherence to confidentiality.
Ability to understand donor motivations and synthesize complex information to guide prospects through the giving cycle.
Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate challenges and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and donor management systems such as Slate or comparable CRMs.
Commitment to Clarkson University’s Values Statement, the Donor Bill of Rights, and principles of diversity and inclusion.
Self-directed and proactive, with the ability to work toward short- and long-term goals.
Willingness to travel—both independently and with colleagues, including extended travel when necessary.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree and/or training at national major gift or planned giving conferences.
Knowledge of basic tax and estate law, charitable gift planning strategies and financial planning concepts.
Experience in marketing, finance, and or customer-service-oriented role within a service-based focused industry
Familiarity with PGCalc or comparable gift planning software.
Experience managing larger or complex gift situations, including blended gifts and multi-year commitments.
Demonstrated success in securing major and/or planned gifts within a higher education or nonprofit environment.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 125–150 prospective and current donors capable of making major gifts ($25K+), focusing on both long-term relationships and near-term opportunities.
Identify, evaluate, and prioritize major and planned giving prospects by assessing financial capacity, philanthropic interests, giving history, and connections to Clarkson University and other organizations.
Apply prospect research and analytics to develop moves management strategies that advance donors toward successful solicitations.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation in Slate, including actions, call reports, and relationship-advancing interactions.
Develop and execute customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for assigned prospects that align donor interests with University priorities.
Prepare compelling gift proposals, tailored correspondence, and other donor-facing materials that clearly communicate impact.
Cultivate and solicit leadership Annual Fund gifts, and identify opportunities for blended or deferred gift conversations.
Clearly articulate Clarkson University’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities to inspire philanthropic support.
Conduct a minimum of 15 purposeful donor visits per month—either in person or virtually—including discovery, cultivation, solicitations, and stewardship meetings.
Meet or exceed annual performance goals related to donor visits, major gift revenue, portfolio movement, and prospect engagement.
Collaborate across the Advancement division and with academic and administrative partners to align donor interests with institutional priorities and funding opportunities.
Serve as a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and visible ambassador for Clarkson University alumni, parents, friends, and external partners nationwide.
Participate in University events, alumni gatherings, and other engagements that provide meaningful donor contact opportunities. Evening and weekend work is required as necessary.
Travel regularly—primarily across the Northeast and occasionally nationwide—to meet with prospects and donors; extended travel may be required during peak cultivation and solicitation periods.
Perform additional responsibilities, special projects, and assignments as required to support departmental goals and institutional priorities.