Assistant/Associate Director – Leadership Gifts

Vassar College Office of Residential Life

Assistant/Associate Director of Leadership Gifts qualifying and cultivating donor relationships for Vassar College. Managing a portfolio of major gifts and collaborating with campus partners to drive fundraising efforts.

Posted 5/1/2026full-timePoughkeepsie • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $86,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Reporting to the Senior Director of Leadership Gifts, the Assistant/Associate Director of Leadership Gifts has primary responsibility for qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of current and potential donors.
This role will be assigned specific regional territories and will work independently and with other members of Advancement, campus partners, faculty, and high-level volunteers to create and implement plans that result in the acquisition and retention of major gifts from individual donors.
Manage a portfolio of approximately 175 prospects and donors, driving institutional growth through face-to-face cultivation and the solicitation of major and deferred gifts.
Travel 7-10 days each month on behalf of the College to meet with current and prospective donors.
Drive annual support for the Vassar Fund by securing consistent gifts ranging from $1,500 to $50,000.
Partner with faculty and Advancement colleagues to cultivate a robust donor pipeline, aligning philanthropic support with institutional priorities and strategic campaign goals.
Ensure meticulous record-keeping and personalized follow-up for all donor interactions in accordance with office protocols.
Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of Vassar College, its history, people, programs, initiatives, and current priorities.
Attend and support engagement events and donor relations activities.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree with at least three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license for at least 2 years.
Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, and closing major gifts with individual donors.
Proven ability to build authentic, long-term relationships with diverse constituents, including faculty, alumni, and community members.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience utilizing CRM databases for gift tracking and donor management.
Ability to engage comfortably with individuals from diverse backgrounds and interests.
Ability to travel frequently.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Benefits

Comp & perks

22 vacation days for full time employees – prorated if not full time
unlimited paid personal and sick time for use at the supervisor’s approval
14 paid holidays per year which includes the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
A choice of three health plans (EPO, PPO, High Deductible)
Participation in FSA, Dependent Care, and Transit programs.
Voluntary, employee paid dental insurance plan.
Life Insurance and Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
Employer paid short-term and long-term disability programs.
403(b) defined contribution plan after one year of service.
New hires will be automatically enrolled in the SRA at a 4% employee contribution per paycheck.
Tuition benefits for undergraduate programs: Eligible after applicable waiting period.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

donor managementgift trackingmajor gifts solicitationcultivation strategiesrecord-keepingrelationship buildingportfolio managementfundraisingstrategic planningevent support

Soft Skills

communicationinterpersonal skillsauthentic relationship buildingcollaborationorganizational skillsproblem-solvingadaptabilitycustomer servicenetworkingcultural competency

Certifications

Bachelor’s degreevalid driver’s license