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DepartmentAlumnae Relations & DevelopmentJob DescriptionJob SummaryAs part of a collaborative team working toward a shared goal, manage a geographically assigned pool of 125 to 200 prospective donors through the fund-raising continuum from discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, focusing on rated major gift ($100K+) prospects. Desire to meet and exceed goals, demonstrated knowledge of prospect management best practices with high-capacity donors; ability to engage in collaborative problem solving with prospects and colleagues; highly organized in portfolio and time management.

YEAR

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.DepartmentAlumnae Relations & DevelopmentJob DescriptionJob SummaryAs part of a collaborative team working toward a shared goal, manage a geographically assigned pool of 125 to 200 prospective donors through the fund-raising continuum from discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, focusing on rated major gift ($100K+) prospects. Travel frequently in geographically assigned territory to engage and solicit Smith alumnae, parents and friends. Gift conversations will include annual fund, endowed, capital, current restricted and planned gift components. Work with and support the president, vice president, board members and other key fundraising volunteers in their fundraising efforts and goals. Plan and implement events focused on College's strategic initiatives and on expanding a culture of philanthropy.Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College''s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.#ALMDEVEssential FunctionsMajor Gift Fundraising (80%):Manage a portfolio of individual major gift prospects in assigned region(s), maintaining frequent personalized contact, often traveling to meet the donors. Qualify, cultivate and solicit donors for funding to meet institutional priorities and specific fundraising goals.Design and implement effective and donor-centric strategies to actively engage donors and lead to solicitation.Conduct annual gift solicitation for all assigned prospects.Work with donors and College leadership to match the priority needs of the College with a donor's philanthropic vision.Spearhead creative and strategic thinking for innovative approaches that inspire donors to make major level gifts, and formally close the gift process according to the Gift Acceptance policy and other practices and procedures.Become fluent and knowledgeable about the college, its fundraising priorities, practices and procedures, its strategic plan and future vision, its values and its history. Articulate these persuasively and compellingly to individuals and groups.As needed, provide strategic and tactical support to involve the president, vice president, other senior cabinet members, key faculty, and volunteer leadership in developing individual major gift prospect relationships.Participate when required, in strategic planning for the president's development travel schedule and review of presidential prospects.Produce pre-visit briefing materials, and post-visit follow-up communications and proposal plans.Meet or exceed established metrics and goals for visits, solicitations, gifts and other meaningful contact with assigned prospects.Promptly record contact reports and carry out other essential follow up activities and ensure accurate documentation of prospect strategies, solicitation plans and contacts and their entry into the college's prospect management system.Analyze activities to achieve progress towards stated goals.Effectively utilize administrative support and support the work of other colleagues to achieve established goals.Collaborate effectively with other frontline fundraisers, Donor Relations, Gift Planning, Events, Smith Fund and Class Managers to ensure effective, individualized strategies for each prospect.Serve as creative problem solver, prospect strategist, and collaborative support to the Major Gifts team.Strategize, support and participate in prospect-focused and alumnae-related events in assigned region, on-campus, and virtually.Departmental Projects (10%):Assist the Director of Major Gifts and/or the Associate Vice President for Development with departmental projects or priorties as directed.May include serving as Development liaison to signature on-campus program/s and/or coordinating particular initiatives to further strategic plans within Alumnae Relations and Development.Support Leadership Fundraising and Regional Strategies (5%):Participate in strategic planning for the president's development travel schedule.Organize and staff the president, and other senior leaders and faculty, on meetings with key gift prospects in the assigned territory.Produce pre-visit briefing materials, and post-visit contact reports, follow-up communications and proposal plans.Liaise with Principal and Leadership Gifts and alumnae volunteers in region.Other Duties (5%):Participate in departmental training, college-wide programming and other initiatives to understand the college and its history, values, priorities and constituencies.Participate in team meetings and task forces as appropriate. Performs other related duties as assigned.All employees are expected to participate in the College''s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree required and at least five years of progressively responsible fund raising experience required, with a proven record of six-figure and seven figure gift fundraising success or an equivalent combination of education/experience.Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.Preferred Qualifications:Master's degree preferred.Experience in higher education, particularly within a women's liberal arts college, is preferred, as is experience working with alumni, parents and families, and volunteer and academic leadership.Experience with private and family foundations and knowledge of gift planning tools and techniques is helpful.Familiarity with the Smith community and campus is a plus.Skills:Demonstrated record of success in raising six and seven figure gifts.Desire to meet and exceed goals, demonstrated knowledge of prospect management best practices with high-capacity donors; ability to engage in collaborative problem solving with prospects and colleagues; highly organized in portfolio and time management.Superb verbal, written, and listening communications skills.Must be able to establish and maintain excellent rapport with donor constituents as well as on-campus colleagues.Able to operate both independently and as an active participant in team-based strategies and solicitation approaches.Ability to exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, confidentiality, and to exhibit a mature, professional approach at all times.Versatile in standard office computer skills and donor database systems.#ALMDEVCompensationIn addition to a competitive benefits package, pay for this role is typically between $90,976.82 - $123,086.29 annually covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications.Position TypeRegularPlease attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.Review of applications will beginFebruary 12, 2026About Smith CollegeLocated in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of  equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.  The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.

Smith College

Senior Philanthropic Officer, Major Gifts

Administrative Skills

Best Practices

Communication Skills

Computer Skills

Database Technology

Diversity

Documentation

Donor Relations

Event Management

Exceeded Sales Goal

Executive Assistant Skills 

Fund Management

Funding

Fundraising

Higher Education

Investment Management

Leadership

Metrics

Organizational Skills

Presentation/Verbal Skills

Problem Solving Skills

Sales Prospecting

Set Goals

Solicitation Planning

Strategic Planning

Systems Analysis

Team Player

Time Management

Vision Plan

Volunteer Management

Willing to Travel

Writing Skills

SBS is an independent girls’ boarding and day school for grades 7-12 and is located in the Pioneer Valley, a short drive from the Five College Consortium (UMass Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire and Amherst College), Stoneleigh-Burnham School is the only girls’ school in New England to offer the IB Diploma Programme and attracts students from the local area and around the world. SBS seeks a leader and experienced development practitioner to sustain the School’s successful annual giving program and lead the planning and implementation of the next major capital campaign in support of the School’s strategic priorities.

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENTStoneleigh-Burnham School (SBS) in Greenfield, MA, seeks an experienced fundraiser to serve as Director of Advancement (Director) with a start date of July 1, 2026. The position is full-time, year-round, and on-campus. The Director of Advancement is a senior administrative position reporting to the Head of School and charged with strategic leadership of Annual Giving, Planned Giving, Major Giving, and programs that strengthen philanthropy and engagement. SBS seeks a leader and experienced development practitioner to sustain the School’s successful annual giving program and lead the planning and implementation of the next major capital campaign in support of the School’s strategic priorities.SBS is an independent girls’ boarding and day school for grades 7-12 and is located in the Pioneer Valley, a short drive from the Five College Consortium (UMass Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire and Amherst College), Stoneleigh-Burnham School is the only girls’ school in New England to offer the IB Diploma Programme and attracts students from the local area and around the world. Our mission centers around helping our students discover and use their authentic voices. Employees who thrive at SBS are collaborative and dynamic individuals excited by professional growth, committed to the School community, and are passionate about education.The Director works closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to develop and implement fundraising strategies, annual action plans, and meet fundraising goals. In addition to fundraising responsibilities, the Director will oversee Advancement Office projects in the areas of donor communications, events, marketing, and alumnae relations. The Director will manage a small team of advancement professionals, partner with volunteers, and cultivate collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to deepen alumnae connections.The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in the mission of Stoneleigh-Burnham School.Additional responsibilities will include: Develop and maintain positive relationships with donors and key stakeholders. Lead the School’s stewardship strategies and policies. Serve on the senior administrative team. Serve as the liaison to the Development Subcommittee of the Board of Trustees and adhere to the School’s Gift Policy. Work with alumnae and parent volunteers. Meet regularly with donors, whether on the phone or in person. Prepare an annual fundraising plan for review and approval by the Head of School and the Board of Trustees. Provide leadership and guidance to best leverage database systems, software, and digital marketing platforms. Develop and execute fundraising direct mail, digital marketing, and social media, and will have oversight of the Advancement Office database, gift processing, and gift acknowledgment. Oversee events managed by the Advancement Office, including those involving school traditions, regional alumnae gatherings, and the Annual Reunion Weekend. Work closely with the enrollment and communications staff and help establish strategy, priorities, and messaging. Participate in school life and attend major school events. Travel occasionally, and perform evening and weekend work when required.Requirements: 7+ years of successful fundraising for nonprofits, preferably in the education field B.S. degree or equivalent required, Master’s degree preferred Proven ability to successfully meet fundraising goals Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - listening, public speaking, and writing skills Comprehensive experience in all aspects of fundraising. Ability to manage multiple priorities. Ability to inspire and develop staff and volunteers. Proficiency with fundraising databases, financial reporting for fundraising, and experience with Google Workplace and Microsoft 365. Employment in a school environment is contingent upon the successful completion of all legally mandated background clearances, including CORI, SORI, and a fingerprint-based criminal record check. Must have the ability to travel, and must have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.Applications:Please send cover letter, resume, and references to:Laurie Lambert, llambert@sbschool.orgIn order to achieve our mission of preparing students to actively engage a diverse and inclusive world we must first emulate the values we hope to instill in our students. Stoneleigh-Burnham is committed to increasing the diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences — of our faculty, staff, and student community.Stoneleigh-Burnham strives to hire and support an inclusive community of employees; candidates from communities that are statistically and systemically underrepresented in independent schools are encouraged to apply. Stoneleigh-Burnham School is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Salary is commensurate with experience.Our Mission:Stoneleigh-Burnham School is an academic community that fosters an international perspective. We inspire girls to pursue meaningful lives based on honor, respect, and intellectual curiosity. Each student is challenged to discover her best self and graduate with confidence to think independently and act ethically, secure in the knowledge that her voice will be heard.To learn more about Stoneleigh-Burnham School, please visit our website: <a href="http://sbschool.org/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sbschool.org</a>

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Senior Philanthropic Officer, Major Gifts Smith College

Director of Advancement Stoneleigh-Burnham School

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