Fast Facts

Fordham University is seeking a Director of Major Gifts & Gift Planning to lead fundraising efforts, engaging high-capacity donors to secure significant financial contributions while supporting the institution's Jesuit mission.

Responsibilities: This role involves managing a portfolio of major and planned gift prospects, developing fundraising strategies, and collaborating with the development team to meet fundraising goals.

Skills: Candidates should possess strong communication, project management, and organizational skills, along with a proven track record in securing major gifts and knowledge of planned giving vehicles.

Qualifications: A bachelor's degree and a minimum of six years in development or planned giving fundraising, preferably in higher education settings. Experience with campaign initiatives is preferred.

Location: The position is based in New York, New York, USA, with occasional travel required.

Compensation: $140000 - $150000 / Annually

Director of Major Gifts & Gift Planning

Development - Gift Planning, Lincoln Center

Fordham University

Fordham University has an excellent reputation as a dynamic institution located in New York City. Founded in 1841, Fordham enrolls more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students in its 9 Colleges and Schools. 

• Fordham University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to its employees, which includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• We offer tuition remission  for employees and their dependents 
• A generous employer match towards a 403(b) retirement plan .
• As a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Fordham is considered a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness  (PSLF) program, a federal program designed to forgive student loan debt for employees of certain public and certain nonprofit employers.
• As part of its work-life balance program, the University provides generous PTO including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 4 personal days, 6 summer Fridays, and holidays that include paid time off between Christmas and New year.  
• University employees have access to the  Employee Assistance Program  (EAP) . EAP provides no-cost, professional, and confidential services, to help employees and family members address a variety of personal, family, life, and work-related issues.

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 Note

This 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.
• Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

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

Note: Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

START DATE: ASAP

APPLY HERE: https://careers.fordham.edu/postings/9064

ABOUT FORDHAM

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 9 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. 

Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

Fordham is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories