Leadership Gift Officer

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Leadership Gift Officer Department Advancement - General -Group Pay Type Exempt Appointment Type (A) Continuing Full-Time Hours Per Week 37.5 Number of weeks 52 weeks per year other - # of weeks 52 Benefits Eligible Full Benefits Geographical Regional Qualifies for Relocation Reimbursement No Work Schedule

Job Description

General Scope of Duties

The leadership gift officer, parent giving is a key member of the College's advancement team and is responsible for developing and advancing philanthropic relationships with current and past parents and families. Working in partnership with the senior director of development and colleagues across advancement, the leadership gift officer develops and implements strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership-level parent prospects in support of the College's highest fundraising priorities.

The leadership gift officer manages a portfolio of approximately 150 current and past parent prospects and donors, with a focus on securing leadership-level commitments of five and six-figure gifts. The officer develops individualized strategies for each relationship and partners closely with senior college leadership, volunteers, faculty, coaches, and other campus partners to engage parents and families in meaningful ways and advance philanthropic opportunities.

A central responsibility of the role is to recruit, engage, and manage the Parents and Family Council (PFC), a key volunteer leadership body that helps strengthen the College's relationships with current and past parents and supports institutional fundraising priorities. The leadership gift officer develops and executes a comprehensive strategy for identifying and recruiting parent leaders, facilitating council meetings and activities, providing ongoing coaching and engagement, and equipping members to serve as effective ambassadors, connectors, and philanthropic partners for the College.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of parent leadership gift prospects across multiple territories and participate in all aspects of the gift cycle.

• Initiate contact with prospective leadership donors.

• Develop and implement individualized cultivation strategies, including partnership with volunteers and senior leaders.

• Move prospects toward solicitation and closure in a timely and strategic manner.

• Personally solicit gifts at the appropriate level.

• Provide ongoing stewardship and engagement for donors.

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective parent donors in support of college and individual fundraising goals.

• Develop and execute an annual plan for the PFC including recruitment, communications, meetings, events, volunteer assignments, and opportunities for members to support fundraising and parent engagement.

• Attend and support regional and on-campus engagement events for parents.

• Staff the President and senior administrators during regional travel, including events and individual prospect meetings.

• Prepare detailed briefing materials for senior leadership, including prospect background, strategy, and desired outcomes.

• Maintain detailed and timely records of donor and prospect interactions including visit, calls, and written correspondence.

• Collaborate with colleagues across annual giving, gift planning, prospect research, donor relations, the Camel Athletics Network, and advancement engagement and communications to implement integrated donor strategies.

• Work in partnership with the gift planning team to secure planned gifts and blended gifts.

• Uphold the highest ethical standards, demonstrate discretion with confidential information, and maintain a donor-centered, empathetic approach.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Skills

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible fundraising or related experience (higher education experience preferred).
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting leadership-level gifts, with experience closing gifts of $50,000-$1,000,000+.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with diverse constituencies and to work effectively with senior administrators, trustees, and high-capacity donors.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to align donor interests with College priorities to build long-term philanthropic partnerships.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Extensive experience with Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, or comparable CRM.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and experience with capital and/or comprehensive campaigns.
• Interest in and commitment to higher education and the mission of the College.
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including occasional evening and weekend work.

Preferred Qualifications Physical Demands Driving Required Yes Salary Range 87,872.18 - 90,000 Note

Connecticut College is committed to fair and competitive compensation. The final offer will reflect the candidate's experience, education, and the institution's pay structure to ensure internal equity.

Applicant Credentialing Thorough applicant credentialing will be conducted on the selected candidate which will include criminal records check, DMV check and depending on the position psychological exam and pre-placement physical.

Posting Detail Information

Open Date 10/07/2026 Applications accepted through Open Until Filled Yes

Documents needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • What is the highest level of education attained?

• GED

• High School Diploma

• Associates Degree

• Bachelors Degree

• Masters Degree

• PHD

• • How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?

• 0-1

• 1-3

• 3-5

• 5-7

• 7+

• • Are you eligible to work in the U.S.?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes

• No

• • Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa)?

• Yes

• No