Director, Parent and Family Giving

Summary

The Director of Parent and Family Giving plays a pivotal role in advancing Skidmore Colleges mission by engaging families as partners in philanthropy. This position provides strategic leadership for a robust parent and family giving program cultivating lifelong connections and generating resources that directly support the student experience.

As a front-line fundraiser and program leader the Director manages a portfolio of top-level prospects oversees key initiatives such as the Parents Council and Senior Family Project and inspires meaningful volunteer engagement. With responsibility for securing $2M in annual unrestricted support and growing overall parent and family philanthropy beyond $4M annually the Director ensures that Skidmore families are fully engaged as donors leaders and ambassadors.

Reporting to the Interim Executive Director Skidmore Fund the Director of Parent and Family Giving will 1) provide strategic direction and oversight for the Colleges parent philanthropy and engagement programs 2) develop and implement a comprehensive plan that increases philanthropic support from the Colleges parent community 3) collaborate with the Assistant Director Parent and Family Giving on Skidmore Fund initiatives the Parents Council and Senior Family fundraising efforts as well as parent and family volunteer groups 4) increase annual unrestricted support for the campus 5) grow the pipeline and major gift activity from the parent community and 6) increase opportunities for meaningful engagement with the College through active volunteerism by current and past Skidmore College parents and or family members.

Leadership and Management (30%)

• Guide the strategy and execution of parent-focused cultivation and stewardship events major gift fundraising and Skidmore Fund activities.
• Supervise and mentor staff members setting priorities supporting professional growth and ensuring team success.
• Partner with Advancement colleagues to align parent and family giving with institutional priorities.

Parent and Family Philanthropy & Engagement (55%)

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies for parent and family philanthropy managing a portfolio of 75 high-capacity prospects through the donor engagement cycle.
• Solicit gifts to achieve or exceed annual goals of $2M in unrestricted revenue and supporting overall family giving exceeding $4M
• Plan and execute extensive travel to build and maintain philanthropic relationships.
• Integrate annual major and peer-to-peer solicitation channels into a coordinated approach.

Management of Council and Volunteers (15%)

• Direct the Parent and Family Council overseeing member recruitment engagement and leadership development.
• Partner with volunteer leaders and board chairs to shape strategy goals and meeting content.
• Grow the Parent and Family Ambassador Program and the Senior Family Project expanding opportunities for service peer solicitation and philanthropy.

Relationship & Resource Management: The Director must be a persuasive communicator and trusted partner to top-level donors capable of aligning family interests with College priorities. This position requires sound judgment strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage complex donor and volunteer relationships. The role also demands strategic vision flexibility and collaboration balanced with the focus to meet ambitious fundraising goals. Evening and weekend work as well as frequent travel (50%) is required.

The Director works closely with:

• Parent and Family Giving staff (Assistant Director and administrative support)
• Major and Principal Gift Officers Skidmore Fund and Prospect Research
• Dean of Students Career Development Center and faculty partners
• Advancement leadership and colleagues across the division
• Parent and Family Council members and volunteers

Education: Bachelors Degree masters preferred

Experience: 7 or more years of commensurate experience in fundraising or a similar field.

• The successful candidate will have a history of securing major and principal gifts; possess good judgement discretion and sensitivity; possess strong interpersonal public-speaking writing and time and personnel management skills; be an effective negotiator and self-motivated. Expert leadership/management skills including skills to select train mentor motivate and evaluate all levels of in both major gifts and annual giving. Comprehensive capital campaign experience is preferred.
• An understanding and knowledge of opportunities and challenges facing public higher education
• Knowledgeable about Skidmore College its vision and mission goals objectives achievements history and infrastructure. Expert knowledge of applicable laws rules regulations policies et cetera.
• Comprehensive understanding of issues and concerns relevant to parents of current college students
• Familiarity with university parent programs and/or student affairs is highly desirable.

The Director of Parent and Family Giving will work in the Office of Advancement and will be required to travel 50% of the time or more.

Salary Range: $110000 - $130000

Required documents needed to apply:

• On-line application
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of Three References

EEO STATEMENT

Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and as an Equal Opportunity Employer does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race color creed religion gender age national or ethnic origin physical or mental disability military or veteran status marital status sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information predisposition or carrier status domestic violence victim status familial status dating violence or stalking or any other category protected by applicable federal state or local laws.

Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable post-offer background check result.

CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS.