Leadership Gift Officer

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Pulitzer Hall
• Salary Range: $95,000 - $110,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Leadership Gift Officer identifies, cultivates, and solicits alumni and friends for unrestricted and restricted gifts in support of the Dean’s priorities. The Leadership Gift Officer is an essential member of the School’s development team, collaborating with Major Gift and Planned Giving Officers in the Office of Alumni and Development, the Senior Director of Alumni Relations, and colleagues throughout the University. The Leadership Gift Officer partners with the Associate Dean for Advancement, the Dean and the senior leadership team within the Graduate School of Journalism to raise philanthropic funds to further the School’s mission. 

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of and in collaboration with the Senior Director of Development, the Leadership Gift Officer manages a portfolio of 300 prospects. 

Conduct 125-150 personal visits with a personal annual production goal of $750,000+. 

In conjunction with the Senior Director of Development, determines and executes new fundraising initiatives in support of unrestricted support and the Dean’s priorities and raises leadership level gifts up to $100,000.

Develop donor-focused messaging that effectively conveys the School's mission, priorities, and the transformative impact of philanthropy.

Utilize multi-media channels from direct mail, to email, to social media to communicate the school’s fundraising priorities and solicit gifts.

Remain committed to ongoing discovery work and incorporate planned giving opportunities where appropriate, including bequest intentions and other planned giving vehicles. 

Provide informed guidance and consistent follow-up to prospects, maintaining strong relationships through strategic cultivation and meaningful stewardship. In collaboration with the Senior Director of Development, drive the fundraising strategy for a productive annual fund on behalf of the Graduate School of Journalism, which will include, but is not limited to, partnering with Marketing Strategy and Enablement, Alumni Relations, and gift officers across the Office of Alumni and Development.

Develop and implement new strategies for stewarding our annual fund donor population in collaboration with Assistant Director of Donor Relations and manage stewardship activities for all annual fund donors. Maintain consistent schedule of donor acknowledgement letters and other outreach. Organize and manage several annual leadership donor recognition events.

Identify Journalism School volunteers as part of the Alumni Board development committee and the reunion class agents to assist the staff in soliciting their peers and communicating with their cohorts in collaboration with the Senior Director of Alumni Relations. Manage and support these volunteers in their outreach.

Partner with the Marketing Strategy and Enablement team to implement the School’s solicitation strategy across email, direct mail, and online fundraising initiatives such as Columbia Giving Day.

Partner with the CJS communications team to effectively use social media channels and the CJS website for donor communications.

Other related projects and duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience is required, as well as a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of related experience, preferably in fundraising or related transferable experience, with demonstrated success in annual or planned giving or applicable ability.

Must be a passionate advocate for philanthropy and relationship-building. This individual should be self-motivated, well-organized, collegial, and possess an entrepreneurial spirit, serving as a persuasive ambassador for Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism’s priorities.

Excellent writing and communication skills, tact, sensitivity, and mature judgment are required. 

Must be professional, organized, creative and efficient, able to work successfully both individually and as part of a team. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is required. 

This position requires evening and weekend work and travel as necessary. 

Subject to business needs, the Office of Alumni and Development supports a hybrid work arrangement for this position. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree is preferred. Experience with higher education fundraising is also preferred. 

Experience with CRM, especially Salesforce, preferred

Preference given to candidates with a documented record of successfully closing gifts within or near the range of gifts expected from the incumbent. 

Other Requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.