What are the responsibilities and job description for the Major Gifts Director position at Otis College of Art and Design?
Major Gifts Director
We are searching for an experienced Major Gifts Director at our Goldsmith Campus - Westchester campus.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
The Major Gifts Director (MGD) plays a critical role in advancing the college’s mission by securing philanthropic support from alumni, parents, governors, and friends. The MGD will cultivate deep relationships that align donor passions with the college’s creative and academic priorities, including scholarships, academic programs, capital projects, and initiatives. The MGD will lead fundraising efforts for student scholarships and student-supporting initiatives, supporting need- and merit-based aid, and telling the stories of scholarship impact. This role will develop and implement strategies to secure financial support from a portfolio of donor prospects identified with the capacity and inclination to make major gifts to Otis College. This position reports to the VP, Institutional Advancement. CORE DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: o Serve as a front-line fundraiser responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of 100–125 major gift prospects. o Manage fundraising activities of assigned prospects, creating, implementing, and developing written cultivation strategies to advance gift conversations for the successful solicitation and closing of major gifts, taking into account the unique needs and interests of each donor. o Grow the Board of Governors in partnership with the VPIA and the President to increase the number of individuals supporting and advocating for Otis College. o Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts for scholarships. o Create compelling cases for support that highlight student needs, talent, and transformational outcomes. o Prepare proposals, donor impact reports, and event briefings. o Create tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that reflect donors' interests and college priorities. o Collaborate with faculty across all majors, Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Affairs to shape compelling funding opportunities and understand student priorities. o Support donor engagement through curated experiences, including meetings with students, attending lectures, and participating in class critique. o Partner with Marketing and Communications to tell powerful stories of student and faculty achievement. o Maintain accurate and timely donor records in Salesforce and track progress towards annual fundraising goals. o Host and support events that connect donors with scholarship recipients (e.g., scholarship luncheons, portfolio showcases, performances). o Meet or exceed annual metrics, including substantive visits, dollars raised, and proposals submitted and secured, will be developed in collaboration with VPIA. o Collaborate on the successful implementation of a strategy to secure major gifts in support of the College’s fundraising priorities. o Collaborate with other development staff to ensure a cohesive and coordinated approach to fundraising and donor engagement. o Serve as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic ambassador for Otis College. o Performs other related duties as assigned. Must be responsive to work-related phone calls and emails during non-business hours on occasion.
Required Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. · 7–10 years of experience in fundraising, with demonstrated success in securing major gifts. · Excellent communication skills (verbal/storytelling, written, and relationship building) · Practical knowledge of fundraising best practices. · Must be a highly energetic professional with a track record of building donor relationships. · Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse portfolio and steward donors through a donor lifecycle. · Interest in and dedication to promoting Otis College’s priorities through developing excellent relationships with staff, board members, volunteers, and the IA department. · Successful experience developing cultivation and solicitation strategies for varying gift levels. · Passionate and committed to meeting with donors and securing gifts. · Strong organizational and strategic planning skills. · Team-oriented approach with a track record of respecting co-workers and volunteers. · Flexibility to work evenings and weekends. especially during select events. PREFERRED SKILLS and EXPERIENCE: Experience working with or in higher education or the arts.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation Type: Annual Salary
Salary Range: 118,407.00 - 147,686.00
Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.