Leadership Gift Officer, Engagement and Stewardship

Hamilton College•Anderson, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Hamilton College, a top-ranked liberal arts college distinguished by a strong tradition of philanthropy and lifelong alumni engagement, seeks two (2) Leadership Gift Officers (LGO) to join its Development team. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, Leadership Giving, these positions will coordinate small group events and signature stewardship experiences for Hamilton’s most significant donors. They will also manage a portfolio of alumni and parent prospects, building relationships to secure, retain, and upgrade leadership level gifts ($2,500-$25,000+). The LGOs will build strong relationships with alumni and parents to secure philanthropic support for Hamilton’s strategic priorities as the College embarks on its most ambitious capital campaign.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
2-5 years fund-raising and events management, or comparable program management, experience required, preferably in a similar higher ed environment.
Demonstrated results-orientation and a strategic, problem-solving approach to challenges.
Exceptional interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions.
Strong oral and written communications skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, paying close attention to detail while meeting deadlines.
High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google suite required.
Ability to learn new software, especially, ascend, and any other Salesforce-based Advancement databases.
Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a collaborative team environment.
Ability to work well within a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Ability to take initiative and be a self-starter.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with small, liberal arts colleges similar to Hamilton preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Commitment to personal growth and development is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Advance the philanthropic efforts for Hamilton’s top donors by executing small group events and individualized, narrative-driven stewardship strategies.
Working with the Development and Alumni Events teams, execute small-group and individual cultivation experiences—on and off campus—featuring the President, faculty, trustees, students and alumni.
Work collaboratively across Advancement, and with campus partners, to ensure coordinated donor engagement.
Managing a portfolio of approximately 200-250 alumni and parent prospects, building relationships to secure, retain, and upgrade leadership level gifts ($2,500-$25,000+).
Conducting solicitation calls and in-person asks with prospective donors, identifying and qualifying new prospects and moving them toward leadership-level giving, in support of team and campaign goals.
Traveling to engage prospects individually and in small groups. Early travel is paired with senior team members for hands-on training; as skills develop, the LGO takes on independent visits - typically within the first year.
Use data analytics tools to assess engagement and stewardship priorities and to track, analyze and report on dollar growth and development in real time.
Make data-informed decisions on how to best manage assigned prospects.
Perform other duties as assigned.