Associate Director for Development, Major Gifts

Associate Director for Development, Major Gifts

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Syracuse University is interested in candidates who have the communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize their effectiveness with diverse groups of colleagues, students and community members. Women, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Syracuse University is an equal opportunity employer, as well as a federal contractor required to take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.

Job #  | 042083
Department Code  | 34203-7032
Department  | ‘Cuse Athletics Fund
Job Title  | Associate Director for Development, Major Gifts
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Pay Range  | $65,000 - $72,000

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  | The Associate Director for Development, Major Gifts will be responsible for cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding leadership annual giving, mid-level and major donors with an emphasis on gifts of $50,000 or more, but representing a wide spectrum of capability. This role will carry a sizable caseload of leadership annual prospects and a moderate pool of discovery prospects. Travel required for personal solicitation, qualification, and stewardship to advance the relationships with donors. She /He engages with donors through attendance of athletics events and activities which includes evening and weekend commitments.

Education and Experience  | Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Ideal candidates will have at minimum, five years of demonstrated experience of successful fundraising, preferably in a college or university setting. Experience in Division I Athletics strongly preferred. Valid Driver’s License is required.

Skills and Knowledge  | Demonstrated ability to generate private philanthropic support and bringing closure to gifts of $50,000 or more. General recognition of indicators of wealth and the ability to engage in meaningful and thoughtful conversations with prospective donors. General knowledge of planned or deferred gift instruments and the ability to collaborate with the Gift Planning Staff. Familiarity and understanding of current issues in intercollegiate athletics and higher education. Ability to direct and perform confidential detailed work with accuracy under deadline pressure. Mature and professional attitude, donor/client focus and the ability to manage and direct multiple tasks simultaneously. Working knowledge of and familiarity with NCAA rules and regulations, particularly those impacting representatives of the institution’s athletics interests. Ability to work with university and donor database systems. Impeccable integrity and the ability to work in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities  | Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective and existing major gift donors with the capacity to make gifts/commitments of $50,000 or more. Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects and donors. Develop and drive fundraising strategies designed to maximize current giving potential for each prospect including leadership annual gift solicitations. Communicate with donors on a regular basis through email, virtual visits, face-to-face visits, phone, and handwritten correspondence. Advance planning and effective use of the Blackbaud CRM database for donor visits, including but not limited to, research requests, proposal preparation, collaboration with other on-campus development officers and coordinating travel and other logistical arrangements. Develop and keep updated plans and opportunities. Ensure the accuracy and timely entry of all information and records. Actively collaborate with colleagues/units across the advancement division including annual and leadership annual giving, schools/colleges/units, regional programs, gift planning, family giving, and alumni engagement to develop and implement strategies to maximize fundraising effectiveness. Attend Advancement and External Affairs and Cuse Athletics Fund meetings, training and professional development sessions, and other events or activities. Attend and provide appropriate staff support at athletic-related events at home and selected away games, championships and/or tournaments. Other duties as assigned.

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/110290
Job Posting Date  | 07/23/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | Syracuse University is interested in candidates who have the communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize their effectiveness with diverse groups of colleagues, students and community members. Women, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Syracuse University is an equal opportunity employer, as well as a federal contractor required to take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.

Applicant Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

621 Skytop Road | Suite 1001 | Syracuse, NY 13244 – 5300 | 315.443.4042
© 2017 - Syracuse University, All Rights Reserved. | Accessibility | Privacy | Accreditation | syr.edu