Principal Gifts Officer
Colgate University

Job Category:

Professional/Administrative

Principal Gifts Officer

Full Time

Office of Advancement

Principal Gifts

$155,000 - $165,000

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Current Benefits
Colgate University is proud to offer in-depth, competitive benefits that support the health and wellbeing of our employees and their family. The majority of benefits are effective on the date of hire.
We pride ourselves on the scope and quality of the benefits offered to our employees. We invite candidates to visit our Benefits page to learn more about our generous benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:

Health and Wellness:
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, behavioral health benefits, disability and life insurance, 403 B Retirement with employer core and matching contributions.

Paid Time Off:
Vacation time (varies based on position classification), sick time, 13.5 holidays including a Winter Recess between Christmas and New Year's and 3 floating holidays.

Paid Family Leave:
After six months of employment, employees become eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid time off up to 67% of salary to a state maximum for bonding with a newborn, adopted or foster child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition or to help after a family member has been deployed to active military duty abroad.

Continuing Education and Professional Development:
Employees and their spouse/domestic partner may take up to 2 courses per semester at Colgate, tuition free with a $20 per course registration fee.
Funding for work related courses to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree related to your current position.
After 7 years of service in an eligible position an employee's eligible children may be awarded up to half of Colgate's tuition to attend an accredited college, university or trade school of their choice.

Along with a generous benefits package, additional perks unique to Colgate University include but are not limited to free on campus parking, free gym membership with discounts for family members, reduced Seven Oaks Golf Course memberships, University Bookstore discount, free library access, 3 free tickets for any regular season athletic home event, access to Colgate owned Bewkes Center and Glendening Boathouse, free access to all cultural events.

Colgate University, a top-ranked liberal arts college, is seeking a dynamic Principal Gifts Officer to play an integral role within a successful principal gifts program to help achieve a $1B Campaign goal. Founded in 1819, Colgate is a small, highly selective residential liberal arts college for students of talent who are preparing for lives of leadership and productive citizenship.
Colgate University has now entered its Third Century and the strong tradition of philanthropy and engagement continues. On an annual basis, more than 56% of Colgate's alumni engage with the University through philanthropy, volunteering, or engaging at online and in person programs, including signature events like Reunion that draw in more than 2500 alumni and guests. This tradition of philanthropy paired with strong levels of alumni affinity position Colgate well for even greater success, as part of a comprehensive campaign to help execute the Third Century Plan.
The person in this role will be responsible for the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a personal portfolio of individuals who are capable of making gifts at seven figures or greater. The ideal candidate will possess extraordinary communication skills, thrive in a metrics-based environment and be an open, achievement-oriented professional. The best-matched candidate will be expected to understand Colgate University's history and feel comfortable leveraging its past to meet its ambitious future goals.
The successful candidate will be an equity-minded person who embraces and cultivates a culture of diversity and inclusion and who demonstrates a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in the University community. The individual should be willing to contribute to a community that is committed to being inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused, which requires collaboration among faculty, staff and students, alumni and families.

Responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with principal gift constituents as assigned to increase levels of engagement and philanthropy, including annual giving and campaign support by utilizing effective prospect qualification, cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Responsible for demonstrating respect for people and their differences, as well as the benefits of a diverse workforce, and the value of open and collegial dialogue.
Responsible for effectively accessing and navigating relevant technology systems used in advancement, and utilizing data as a resource in decision-making while maintaining respect for the security of private or confidential information. Responsible for developing strong working relationships with Office of Advancement colleagues, University administrators, faculty and staff to professionally address both opportunities and concerns.
Accountable for meeting performance metrics.

Data Synthesis and Use

Demonstrated expertise in relevant data sets sufficient to identify errors and inconsistencies in reports and data tables. Demonstrated expertise in data analysis sufficient to leverage effectiveness in pursuit of individual and department goals. Demonstrated ability to identify key metrics, specify requirements in building these metrics and inform key decisions based upon the results of same.

Opportunity Closing

Demonstrated ability to generate fundraising and/or engagement opportunities, and identify and execute the steps to close the opportunities for defined prospects and populations.

Proposal Advancement

Demonstrated ability to create and execute proposals, events, and programs that consistently achieve targeted goals and objectives of an assigned department. Demonstrated ability to identify and successfully pursue opportunities and/or engagement with principal gift and other assigned constituents (e.g. parents, alumni, foundations).

Demonstrated ability to consistently craft proposals and influence constituents to contribute and/or engage toward key institutional priorities.

Relationship Building/Management

Demonstrated ability to build and execute a relationship building model for a specifically defined and assigned function within IA including Alumni Relations, Parents' Fund, Special Events, Planned Giving, Corporate Foundation & Government Relations, Alumni Relations, Major Gifts, and Annual Giving.

Project Management

Demonstrated ability to organize, plan, and effectively execute one or more fundraising and/or engagement projects such as mini-campaigns and signature events. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with stakeholders to achieve specifically defined project goals.

Technology

Demonstrated ability to effectively access and navigate relevant technology systems used in advancement such as databases, CRMs, etc.

Personal Accountability for Results

Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.

Effective Communication

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

Change Management

Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

Leadership and Teamwork

Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.

Creativity and Innovation

Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion

Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

Sustainability

Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university's commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university's sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.

• The successful candidate will bring passion and enthusiasm for higher education and have at least 10-12 years of related experience, including a strong prior track record in cultivating and securing gifts at and beyond the seven figure range across a wide range of assets and gift arrangements
• This individual will have a demonstrated track record of successful partnerships with top-level donors and key volunteer stakeholders
• Superior written and oral communication skills, creativity and attention to detail
• Ability to articulate the value of higher education
• Ability to work with prospects and prospects' advisors to structure philanthropic plans coordinated with the prospects' financial, tax and estate planning
• An understanding of the important role of diversity, inclusion, and equity to advancement
• Ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to collaborate closely with colleagues in advancement and across departments
• Proficiency in CRMs and/or databases is required. Experience with Blackbaud products appreciated
• The successful candidate will be a strategic, organized, enthusiastic team player who employs creative problem solving
• Remote work arrangements will be considered for individuals in the following states: NY, MA, CT, NJ, PA, MD, OH, TX, VA, GA, RI
• This position requires significant travel responsibilities with likely territories to include Florida and California
• Staffing Colgate's annual Reunion weekend is a requirement of the position

Development experience in higher education, especially in a campaign setting

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree is required.

2024S073Posting

No

09/16/2024

Yes

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws or Executive Orders.

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.