Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its nine colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program ( EAP ); tuition remission; and generous time off.
Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.
Title of Position Director of Major Gifts & Gift Planning
Position Number A04845
FLSA Exempt
Scheduled Hours Per Week 35
Department Development - Gift Planning
Campus Lincoln Center
Work Arrangement Hybrid
Hybrid Policy: Please review the Hybrid Policy at www.fordham.edu/hybridpolicy .
Position Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director of Development ( EDOD ), Gift Planning, the Director of Major Gifts & Gift Planning is responsible for a fluid portfolio of individuals with the capacity to make gifts in the six to seven-figure range. The incumbent is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing major and planned gifts and meeting the department’s fundraising goals and objectives. They will work closely and collaboratively with the entire Development and University Relations team to maximize fundraising opportunities. The Director will have specialized knowledge and experience in securing deferred gifts such as bequests, charitable gift annuities, and charitable remainder trusts and helping donors make tax-efficient gifts using non-cash assets such as securities, retirement plan assets, real estate, and tangible personal property. The incumbent will be part of an experienced and talented development team challenged with meeting or exceeding the University’s annual goals and will act as an adviser to other frontline fundraisers. Must be available for occasional travel and some evening and weekend work.
Essential Functions
Secures bequest intentions, planned gifts, major gifts, blended gifts, and leadership annual gifts with a gift range of six to seven figures, partnering with the EDOD on gifts of $1,000,000 and above.
Maintains a portfolio of approximately 150 major and planned gift prospects.
Devises individual engagement strategies for each prospect in their pool with the goal of soliciting annual gifts and/or multi-year gift commitments at the $100,000 level+, with specific solicitation goals to be determined in an annual goal-setting process.
Serves as the deputy to the Executive Director of Development, Gift Planning, responsible for managing team-driven fundraising initiatives assigned by the Executive Director and generating and leading new ones complementary to the department’s fundraising strategy.
Develops and maintains expertise in giving opportunities that support the University’s programs and priorities while fulfilling donors’ philanthropic objectives.
Provides gift planning training to leadership annual fund and major gift officers regularly.
Serves as one of the department’s two gift planning subject matter experts for other gift officers needing expertise to close planned, blended, and major gifts.
Assists in the planning and execution of planned giving society events.
Essential Functions NoteThis list is not intended to be an exhaustive list.
The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.
Management Responsibilities Guides work of other employees who perform essentially the same work and/or student workers. Organizes, sets priorities, schedules and reviews work, but is generally not responsible for final decisions in hiring, performance management or compensation.
Additional Functions
Assists with planning and executing 1841 Society and Doty Society (Planned Giving and Loyal Donor) events.
Exhibits dedication to Fordham University and its mission and the ability to fully articulate it to all; exemplifies and upholds DAUR’s core values.
Advances and supports the University’s Jesuit mission and identity, exemplifies and upholds DAUR’s core values.
Assists and supports the work of colleagues responsible for executing reunions and important university-wide special events.
Required Qualifications: Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, business, or related field.
Minimum of six years of experience in development and/or planned giving fundraising.
Required Qualifications: Knowledge and Skills
Proven track record of securing six and seven-figure major and planned gifts and meeting annual fundraising targets.
Demonstrated knowledge of planned giving vehicles (e.g., trusts, annuities, and real estate gifts), gifts of securities and other non-cash assets, charitable tax benefits, and associated legal and tax requirements.
Strong communication skills, high attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational and project management skills.
Proven ability to manage confidential information with distinction and tact.
Ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
Flexibility and adaptability to new programs in an emerging and changing environment.
Willingness and ability to quickly learn the University’s internal processes and technological tools, including CRM , standard office applications, donor fundraising software, and analytical tools.
Emotionally intelligent and ethical professional with the stature, integrity, and experience to effectively engage and support DAUR colleagues.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with comprehensive campaigns.
Experience in a higher education setting.
Experience with Blackbaud Fundraiser Performance Platform and PG Calc.
Experience in accounting, financial planning, or law.
Minimum Starting Salary $140,000
Maximum Starting Salary $150,000
Qualifications
NoteSalary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.
Is this a Union position? No
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number A825P
Number of Vacancies 1
Start Date ASAP
Posting Date 03/07/2025
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.
Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Higher Education
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