Assistant Director of Vassar Fund

Department

Advancement

Job Family

Administrator

Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact [email protected].

Job Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Leadership Gifts, the Assistant Director of Annual Giving serves as a key frontline fundraiser for the Vassar Fund. As an Annual Giving Officer, this position manages an active portfolio of 200-250 rated prospects and lapsed donors located primarily in the Tri-State area, soliciting leadership annual gifts of $1,500 or more.

This position requires frequent travel (approximately 2 weeks per month), primarily within the Tri-State region.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio Direction: Manage a portfolio of 200-250 rated prospects and lapsed donors with capacity ratings of $25,000 to $100,000, located primarily in the Tri-State region (Hudson Valley, NYC, Connecticut, northern New Jersey, and Long Island).
• Solicitation & Qualification: Conduct in-person visits across the region to cultivate relationships and solicit leadership annual fund gifts of $1,500+. Partner with the Prospect Development and Research team to identify unassigned regional prospects.
• Pipeline Development: Identify and qualify potential major gift prospects to build out the pipeline for the Leadership Gifts team.
• Donor Engagement & Knowledge: Maintain broad knowledge of College programs (admissions, athletics, arts,) to serve as an informed institutional representative. Build a "resource hub" of relevant content to share with donors.
• Stewardship: Demonstrate giving impact, share institutional updates, and connect donors to volunteer, event, and Alumnae/i Association opportunities.
• Campaign Promotion: Promote giving opportunities tied to the Fearlessly Consequential campaign, special projects, and crowdfunding initiatives.

• Collaborate with Annual Giving and the Leadership Gifts teams, including the Vassar Fund Day of Giving.
• Maintain meticulous donor records, contact reports, and activity tracking inside the advancement CRM database.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• 2 years of professional experience in annual fund fundraising, direct sales, or marketing. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Adept at using fundraising databases/CRM systems, Google Suite, social media, text messaging, phone, and Zoom.
• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to comfortably solicit donors daily and articulate a compelling case for support.
• Strategic, hardworking, highly collaborative, organized, and adaptable in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
• High standard of ethical conduct in donor relationships; regular, predictable attendance with flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently (approximately 2 weeks per month), primarily within the Tri-State region.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community. 
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field. 
• Familiarity with Vassar College programs, culture, and community.
• Prior experience in higher education annual giving, particularly as a frontline fundraiser, or direct marketing coordinator.

Compensation

The compensation for this position is $65,200 - $78,500 per year.

When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

To complete your application, you will be required to attach your resume and cover letter.