Embarking on the most ambitious capital campaign in its history, and under the leadership of our 19th President, David R. Harris, Ph.D., it’s an exciting time at Union College. College Relations is seeking a Senior Major Gifts Officer to inform, engage and solicit a portfolio of prospective donors capable of gifts of $50,000 to $1 million. As a member of the major gifts team, this position is responsible for significant travel to various regions throughout the US. Responsibilities include managing an assigned portfolio of 150 prospective donors (including alumni and parents of current students), assessing, engaging, and inspiring prospective donors to give to the priorities identified for Union’s next campaign. The Senior Major Gifts Officer will work independently to arrange 10 to 12 in-person meetings per month in assigned regions and follow-up on those meetings promptly, working collaboratively and creatively with other College Relations team members, faculty, staff, and volunteers, to plan and implement thoughtful engagement, solicitation and stewardship strategies. The selected candidate will actively contribute to the goals of the team by seeking opportunities to share information, collaborate on successful strategies, and encourage and celebrate the success of colleagues. The selected candidate will also support a volunteer team focused on specific capital and endowment fundraising initiatives, and be expected to know the College’s strategic plan priorities, programs, and key financial measures in order to best represent the College and advance the College’s interests. The selected candidate is expected to embrace the use of EverTrue and other leading development applications and technology.

Qualifications: This position requires a Bachelor’s degree, a minimum of three to five years of front-line major gift fundraising success with prospective donors, experience creating and implementing the strategies necessary to inspire donors, experience gained in a successful and substantial fundraising campaign, and the ability to analyze and apply data to effectively manage a portfolio. Candidates must be committed to implementing best practices, demonstrate an adherence to the highest standards of ethical practices, and possess superb communication skills, a demonstrated understanding of higher education issues, optimism, creativity, diligence, and a commitment to collaboration. Familiarity with planned giving is also preferred. Candidates must also be willing to travel extensively, and work occasional weekends, and demonstrate enthusiasm for the mission of Union College and its role as a small, residential, independent liberal arts college committed to integrating the humanities and social sciences with science and engineering in new and exciting ways.

Note: All new hires of Union College are subject to a thorough education, work experience, and criminal history background check.

Union College

Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.

Union College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, a generous 11% retirement plan contribution and tuition remission.

Diversity at Union College

Union College is an equal opportunity employer and strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities that request such accommodations.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. The College is also subject to state and federal laws, supports efforts to attract and retain fully qualified women and other minority group members for faculty and other positions. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.