Assistant Director of Development, LAG & Discovery

Assistant Director of Development, LAG & Discovery

Job #  | 042009
Department Code  | 50412-7125
Department  | Advancement and External Affairs
Job Title  | Assistant Director of Development, LAG & Discovery
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Pay Range  | $62,400 - $63,500
Pay Determination  | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level  | S5
FLSA Status  | Exempt
Hours  | Standard University business hours.

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type  | Full-time
Campus  | Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable

Job Description
Reporting to the Executive Director of Leadership Giving and Discovery, this role is responsible for discovering, qualifying, and soliciting alumni, parents, and friends who have the capacity to support Syracuse University with a minimum $2,500 leadership annual gift. The Assistant Director builds and maintains a portfolio of 125 leadership annual prospects and sustains a cadence of continuous discovery activity. They actively collaborates with colleagues and units across the division (annual and leadership annual giving, regional programs, gift planning, family giving, and alumni engagement) and specifically with development officers in the schools/ colleges and units to develop and implement strategies to maximize fundraising effectiveness. Travel is required for personal solicitation, qualification, and stewardship to advance the relationships with donors.

Education and Experience  | Bachelor’s Degree required. Two (2) plus years of successful fundraising experience or closely related experience in a nonprofit or higher education. Demonstrated experience in personal solicitations and building relationships. Work in higher education or nonprofit organization is preferred. Preference to a candidate with knowledge of leadership annual giving with an emphasis on layered solicitation approaches. Possession of a valid, enhanced driver’s license required.

Skills and Knowledge  | Preference to a candidate with knowledge of leadership annual giving with an emphasis on layered solicitation approaches. Ability to strategize donor centric solicitations and execute, including personalized stewardship. Independent and collaborative critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential. Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to build a case for support. Personal drive to meet and exceed annual goals. Flexible and adapts well to change.

Responsibilities 
Qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of approximately 125 leadership annual giving donors in the New England/Chicago regions, for new gifts, renewals, and upgrades using a variety of techniques such as phone calls, emails, correspondence, and face-to-face visits, including both in-person and virtual. Ultimately, increase the number of donors giving a minimum gift of $2,500 to The Hill Society (the University’s leadership annual giving society). Evaluate ability and inclination of prospects to make a major or planned gift in order to regularly refer donors to other gift officers for movement along the pipeline of giving. Actively collaborate with colleagues/units across the division (annual and leadership annual giving, schools/colleges/units, regional programs, gift planning, family giving, alumni engagement, career services) to develop and implement strategies to maximize fundraising effectiveness. Significant travel is required for personal solicitation, qualification, and stewardship to advance relationships with donors. Conduct approximately 150 discovery visits in the New England/Chicago regions, strategically to evaluate inclination, capacity, and affinity to grow portfolio and the pipeline for new donors at the Leadership Annual Giving level. Document outcomes of qualifications, making sure next steps are identified. Work independently to analyze data, prioritize outreach efforts, and make a set number of qualification contacts, visits and solicitations. Support the growth and engagement of The Hill Society by identifying prospective members, facilitating meaningful stewardship, and collaborating on strategies that deepen member involvement and philanthropic impact. Utilize database of record (CITRUS) to update strategic plans and opportunities, interactions, outcomes and next steps Contribute to research and accuracy of alumni records. Participate in/ lead AEA and/or Leadership Giving initiatives, special projects and data analysis to further the work of the unit.

Physical Requirements  | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment  | Not Applicable
Application Instructions  | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University  | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area  | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement  | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans  | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community  | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link  | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/110037
Job Posting Date  | 07/09/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 

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