Director of External Relations & Leadership Giving

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March 6 2026

Director of External Relations & Leadership Giving

The Director of External Relations & Leadership Giving is a leadership position responsible for assisting with managing and advancing Landmark Colleges major gift fundraising efforts. This role involves strategic planning, donor engagement, and development of major gifts that align with Landmarks goals.

The Director of External Relations & Leadership Giving will work closely with the President, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Major Gifts Director, Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders to build strong relationships with alumni, parents, corporations, and individual donors. The primary goal is to secure substantial philanthropic support to fund key College priorities, including the Annual Fund and Capital Campaign.

Scope of Work

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Based on Development Plan, assist with developing and implementing a Major Gift strategy.
• Work with the Major Gifts Director to design and implement a comprehensive major gifts strategy to secure donations for the colleges top priorities.
• Identify specific fundraising goals with emphasis on annual support, capital campaign, and planned giving.
• Collaborate with the VP for Institutional Advancement, Major Gifts Director, and President to align fundraising goals with the institutions strategic plan.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Regularly report to the President and VP for Institutional Advancement on the progress of major gifts, providing insights into challenges and successes.
• Serve as a liaison between the colleges leadership team and external constituencies to enhance partnerships and communication.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

Identify and Cultivate Prospective Donors

• Develop a pipeline of high-potential major gift donors through supported research and relationship-building.
• Engage with high-net-worth individuals, alumni, and other potential donors through phone calls, email, personal meetings, online meetings, events, and strategic outreach.

Donor Relationship Stewardship Management

• Build and maintain relationships with existing major gift donors, keeping them informed of the impact of their contributions and recognizing their continued support.
• Develop individualized cultivation plans for key prospects to encourage significant contributions.
• Collaborate with Institutional Advancement staff to ensure proper acknowledgment and recognition of major donors.

Major Gift Solicitation

• Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects capable of making transformative donations.
• Facilitate solicitation meetings with high-net-worth individuals with a focus on gifts of $25,000 or more.

Donor Data and Reporting

• Utilize Landmark Colleges CRM, NXTRaisers Edge system, to track and report on donor activities, progress, and overall engagement effectiveness.
• Provide timely and accurate reporting to senior leadership on major gifts progress, including regular updates to the VP for Institutional Advancement and the President.

Outreach and Communication

• Work with the communication and marketing team to ensure that major gift successes are highlighted in alumni newsletters, social media, and other institutional publications.
• Represent Landmark College at key events to promote philanthropic engagement.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased donors and support for the Capital Campaign.
• Annual fundraising goals met or exceeded.
• Expansion of major gift portfolio and increased donor retention.
• Enhanced relationships between the college and its major supporters.

The Director will bring a deep understanding of development strategy, trends, and emerging opportunities. This role calls for an individual with exceptional interpersonal instincts and someone who builds trust naturally, cultivates meaningful partnerships, and communicates the mission with authenticity and passion. Equally important is demonstrated excellence in core fundraising competencies, including major gift cultivation and solicitation, stewardship, relationship building, and long-term donor engagement.

This position is based on-site at Landmark College in Putney, Vermont, and requires a strong understanding of and willingness to travel nationwide to cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective donors. The Director should be prepared for overnight and multi-day trips to support donor engagement and leadership giving initiatives. Regular travel on behalf of the College, both independently and in partnership with the President, is required.

A bachelors degree is required.

Compensation At Landmark College, our compensation philosophy reflects our institutional values, our commitment to fairness and equity, and our role as a transformative educational community. The compensation for the above position is $69K - $110K.

How to Apply Interested individuals should provide a cover letter, resume or CV, and the names of three references. Electronic submissions are preferred. Please email your application to humanresources@landmark.edu. Applications may also be mailed to:

Director of Human Resources Landmark College 19 River Road South Putney, Vermont 05346

No phone calls please.

Diversifying the student body, faculty, and administration is congruent with the Landmark College mission. We value diverse populations and cultures, including but not limited to ethnicity, gender, gender identity, national origin, neurodiversity, race, and religion.