Position: Director, Major Gifts and Initiatives

Status: Full-time, 12-month, Exempt, Staff

Department: College Advancement

Reports to: Vice President, College Advancement

Salary: $80,000.00 per year

College Background

Paul Smith’s College is a private, four-year institution with approximately 750 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Known as the “College of the Adirondacks,” we are the only baccalaureate-granting institution located within the six-million-acre, world-famous, “forever-wild” Adirondacks in New York’s North Country.

Built on the site of the Adirondacks’ first wilderness resort, Paul Smith’s Hotel, the college is a haven for those who thrive on adventure. We are renowned for our exceptionally hands-on academics, inclusive community, spectacular location, and significant impact on the world around us.

Department Description

Gifts to Paul Smith’s College transform lives every day by providing access to education and resources to aid in future success. The College Advancement team works to secure funding for scholarships, capital projects, endowments, and our annual fund. These funds are used to open the door for students who are ready to put in the work and make a difference, strengthen programs and give students the experiences that will shape their futures, build spaces that inspire hands-on learning and deepen the connection between students and the land, and secure the future of Paul Smith’s College and its mission to shape resilient, resourceful leaders.

Position Description

The Director of Major Gifts and Initiatives is responsible for the strategic direction and management of key donors and fundraising initiatives essential to developing, expanding, and stewarding major philanthropic support for Paul Smith’s College and its many programs and centers of excellence. The director will have frequent contact with alumni, members of the Board of Trustees, leadership of key foundations and organizations, and other funding prospects of the College.

Qualifications And Preferences

Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree desired.
Successful fund-raising track record of 2-4 years or comparable experience in sales and revenue generation.
Experience in public speaking and program presentations.
Good working experience in relation to individuals and staff.
Demonstration of leadership skills and ability to build effective professional working relationships internally and externally.
Effective communication skills, both oral and written; attention to detail, and ability to multi–task and stay organized under tight deadlines.
Present themselves outside the College in a manner in keeping with the College’s core values.
Must demonstrate enthusiasm, leadership, and a professional image to internal and external constituencies.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, meet deadlines, and work independently.
Ability to solve daily problems by analyzing situations, determining next steps, and implementing solutions.
Ability to comprehend and process information rapidly and accurately.
Ability to multi-task, be flexible, diplomatic, and open-minded.
Ability to work productively with deadlines.
Skills in effectively organizing work, files, records, etc., to maintain efficient workflow.
General knowledge of standard office practices and office equipment.
Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.

The Director of Major Gifts and Initiatives position is key to maintaining the legacy of Paul Smith’s College’s historic hospitality, while looking toward the future by promoting sustainability, local business, and community.

Paul Smith’s College values diversity in the College community and seeks to assure equal opportunity through its continued Affirmative Action program. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V

Adirondack Watershed Institute

Latest Jobs

Director, Major Gifts and Initiatives