The Individual Giving Officer will report to the Director of Individual Giving and play a critical role in raising philanthropic resources in support of Lafayette College’s strategic direction as outlined by the Board of Trustees and College leadership. In preparation for an upcoming bi-centennial celebration in 2026 and comprehensive campaign to follow, the position will focus on engaging and reconnecting alumni, parents, and friends to the College through personal, professional, and philanthropic involvement. The ideal candidate would understand the importance of working within a flexible work environment, committing to a balance of on campus responsibilities, travel, and remote work.
Key Responsibilities:
● Manage a portfolio of 150 to 200 alumni, families and friends, composed of both regionally and affinity-based prospects.
● Conduct at least 120 meaningful engagements/visits in person per year and develop strategies with the purposes of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding an assigned portfolio of donors at the
$50,000 level and above.
● Exhibit a commitment to strengthening existing institutional relationships with an enhanced focus on establishing new relationships with respect to donors and volunteers through a comprehensive engagement, qualification, and solicitation plan.
● Assist in the development of a diverse, robust volunteer leadership pipeline.
● Utilizing Ellucian CRM Advance, develop and maintain individualized prospect engagement and solicitation plans based on individual interests in alignment with college fundraising priorities.
● Create detailed cultivation/solicitation/stewardship plans for assigned prospects and donors each year and prepare briefing documents when needed.
● Effectively manage travel logistics and expense reporting.
● Actively engage in the College community, attending and supporting appropriate alumni and donor engagement events related to assigned responsibilities.
● Participate in departmental and professional training programs to increase expertise in the profession.
● Work closely with the Office of Gift Planning, Annual Fund, Parents Program, Leadership Councils, Alumni and Family Engagement, Research, Donor Relations, and Advancement Operations teams to drive fundraising efforts and establish engagement strategies designed to expand Lafayette’s footprint throughout the country.
● Establish strong, working relationships with key campus partners (College senior staff, faculty, Athletic Department staff, Gateway, Academic areas, etc.) serving as a primary development liaison when necessary.
Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, or a related field.
● Minimum of three-five years of successful face-to-face relationship building experience, with a focus on individual gifts, preferably in higher education or a related nonprofit environment.
● A record of accomplishment of success in fundraising, financial services, marketing/sales, educational management or other directly related advancement or development area.
● Demonstrated track record of success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing individual gifts.
● Strong understanding of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices, including donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
● Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences, and inspire donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
● Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies and plans.
● Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
● Willingness to travel extensively and be present for evening and weekend obligations, as necessary.
● Proficiency in prospect research, database management, and fundraising software/tools.
● Commitment to the mission and values of the College and the advancement of higher education.
Application Instructions:
Please provide a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to: http://apply.interfolio.com/148848
Lafayette is deeply committed to creating a diverse community, one that is inclusive and responsive and is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. All members of the College community share in the responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. All Lafayette operations reflect the College’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives, and Lafayette welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.