Director for Donor Engagement
Location: New York, New York, United States · Posted: 2026-07-23 ·
Reference: D41CFACA88
Description
Founded by the Sisters of Charity of New York, the University of Mount Saint
Vincent is an academically excellent, authentically inclusive, Catholic and
ecumenical liberal arts university. The University combines a strong core
curriculum with a full array of majors in the liberal arts and, within the
tradition of liberal education, selected professional fields of study.
At Mount Saint Vincent, a student's education extends beyond knowledge,
skills, and preparation for work. We seek the development of the whole person.
In the spirit of Vincent de Paul and Elizabeth Ann Seton, we foster an
understanding of our common humanity, a commitment to human dignity, and a
full appreciation of our obligations to each other.
Job Description:
Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Relations,
the Director for Donor Engagement is responsible for developing and
implementing initiatives to identify, cultivate and solicit assigned prospects
to ensure a strong base of ongoing financial support for institutional capital
and major gift priorities.
Responsibilities:
Facilitate the University's Major Gift Effort
Work in collaboration with the Senior Vice President and President to
create and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
necessary for a portfolio of assigned major gift prospects to grow
philanthropic support for the University's strategic priorities, as well
as to identify new prospects for engagement.
Develop proposals and solicit major gifts of $10,000 or more to support
institutional priorities including capital campaigns, endowment,
programmatic development and capital projects.
Manage donor relationships to ensure appropriate stewardship activities
are implemented to maintain and strengthen donor relationships with the
University.
Develop strategies and programs to educate current and prospective donors
about planned giving opportunities and to increase the number of these
commitments as members of the University's Centennial Society.
Work with University trustees, administration, faculty, and staff to
translate University strategic priorities into development opportunities
for major donors and donor prospects.
In collaboration with the Senior Vice President and Associate Vice
President for External Relations, coordinate with senior leadership at the
University in support of fundraising initiatives and solicitations
conducted outside the Office Advancement. Maintain and track activities in
support of those collaborations within Raisers Edge, and documentation of
solicitations, acknowledgements, and stewardship activities.
Requirements
Demonstrated success in soliciting, negotiating and closing major gifts
and relationship-building skills with donor prospects; knowledge of
planned giving vehicles and their benefits to donors; comprehensive
campaign experience, and a record of successful collaboration with high
level staff, trustees, officers, administrators, and key volunteers.
A strong track record of developing and implementing donor-centered
stewardship initiatives that increase gift levels and donor participation
strongly preferred.
Knowledge of best practices in fundraising, donor stewardship, and
advancement strategy. Experience with CRM systems, preferably Banner,
Raiser's Edge) and data-driven decision-making.
Collaboration with Advancement office colleagues regarding proposal
strategy and development, major donor components of alumni and fundraising
events, and event planning as required.
Candidate should be a creative, results oriented individual with strong
interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; deadline and detail
oriented; possess strong planning and organizational abilities and enjoy
the challenge of setting and meeting goals.
Must be flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work well within a
team and independently; capable of representing the University in a
variety of settings with confidence and diplomacy.
Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed for events and donor
engagement. Ability to travel locally and nationally as required.
Position requires the ability to exercise strong judgment, act in a
principled, professional manner in working with sensitive, confidential
information.
A deep understanding of and commitment to the Catholic Liberal Arts
mission of the University.
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. Four to five years
of direct fund-raising experience, preferably in non-profit or higher
education setting.
Benefits
Salary Range: $115,000-$125,000 per year
Benefits:
Generous paid time off beyond the time the University is closed for
holidays, including vacation, and sick leave.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
100% employer sponsored Life Insurance & LTD benefits.
403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching.
Professional development opportunities.
Tuition benefits for employees and their dependents.
Employee Assistance Program.
