Principal Gifts Officer

Agilitas•Syracuse, NY

52d

About The Position

The Principal Gifts Officer is primarily responsible for nurturing top donor prospects, securing the institution's largest gifts (typically in the $1M-$10M range) and leading collaborative fundraising efforts across Le Moyne College.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required; Master’s degree in related field preferred.
9+ years of experience in face-to-face fundraising, business, corporate development, foundations, or grants; or a combination of relevant education and experience totaling at least thirteen years
Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major individual and institutional donors for gifts of $1M or more
Excellent interpersonal skills
Articulate and persuasive written and oral presentation skills
Genuine affinity for the mission of Le Moyne College, able to learn and understand priorities and to advocate and articulate them to donors and prospects
Collaborative problem solver; bring an entrepreneurial approach to designing personal donor engagement strategies
Innovative, self-motivated, able to manage multiple projects well, working both independently and as a team member
Creative, positive outlook
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, work ethic
Time-sensitive, goal oriented, deadline driven
Highly sensitive to confidential information
Maintain valid U.S. Drivers’ License, willingness to travel 60+ days a year.
Evening, weekend work required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead strategy and execution for securing philanthropic investments of $1M and above in alignment with institutional priorities.
Manage a portfolio of 75 principal gift-level donors and prospects, including influential volunteers and community partners.
Evaluate and recommend tailored giving opportunities, including complex gift structures, to maximize donor impact.
Coordinate cultivation and solicitation efforts, serving as the primary relationship manager for top-tier donors.
Develop individualized engagement strategies for high-capacity prospects in collaboration with academic and administrative leaders.
Facilitate meaningful connections between donors and campus representatives to deepen engagement and inspire investment.
Prepare proposals, donor agreements, and stewardship materials in collaboration with the Donor Relations and Stewardship team.
Promote positive, long-term relationships through ongoing communication and personalized stewardship experiences.
Partner with leadership to identify fundraising priorities and shared prospects.
Serve as a strategic advisor on campaign initiatives, ensuring alignment across institutional stakeholders.
Facilitate collaboration between academic deans, faculty, and Advancement staff to implement integrated engagement strategies.
Participate in institutional planning related to fundraising goals, donor messaging, and high-level volunteer involvement.
Support and guide senior-level volunteers in their efforts to engage and solicit principal gift prospects.
Leverage networks of alumni, trustees, and volunteers to open doors to new philanthropic opportunities.
Provide leadership in planning and executing volunteer-led donor engagement initiatives tied to campaign goals.
Track donor engagement and solicitation progress using Slate, the advancement database.
Document prospect interactions, prepare briefing materials, and ensure data accuracy in accordance with prospect management protocols.
Monitor progress toward individual and campaign fundraising goals, providing regular reports to the Vice President.
Align travel and outreach plans with data-informed strategies to optimize engagement and giving outcomes.
Demonstrates and role-models all of Le Moyne’s mission-based competencies (collaboration, communication, diversity, integrity, leadership and service) in every interaction with all community members and external parties.
Strengthen digital literacy skills through education and the application of digital technologies in order to effectively engage in information gathering, utilization and data management while promoting a security culture.
Supports cura personalis by treating all individuals with dignity, professionalism and kindness.
Promotes cura apostolica by aligning professional goals, objectives, and performance with college’s strategic goals.
Demonstrates excellent work attendance, reliability and work ethic.
Attends and actively participates in required meetings and training sessions.
Complies and adheres to all of Le Moyne’s established policies, procedures and codes of conduct at all times, including all health and safety requirements and regulations, to promote desired behavior and build awareness.
Must complete all required federal, state, institution and department trainings.
Engages in a planned program of professional development.
Continually maintains skills and knowledge relative to the position and technology industry including best practice, evolving operational requirements, and industry trends.
Performs a variety of related duties as assigned.

Benefits

403(b) Retirement contribution- (9.5% Employer match)
Generous tuition coverage
Health insurance options- (Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts)
Health Savings Accounts- (Partially Employer funded)
Basic Life & AD&D Insurance- (Employer paid)
Short and Long Term Disability Insurance (Employer paid)
Supplemental Life & AD&D Insurance
Voluntary benefits- (Legal, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Pet Insurance etc.)
12 paid holidays
Generous time off package
35 hour work week