Director of Development, Major Gifts

Director of Development, Major Gifts

Bookmark this Position Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

 Posting Details 

Job #  | 042364
Department Code  | 34203-7032
Department  | ‘Cuse Athletics Fund
Job Title  | Director of Development, Major Gifts
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Campus  | Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience  | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range  | $79,000 - $115,000
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
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable
Job Description  | The Director for Development, Major Gifts will be responsible for cultivating, soliciting, closing and stewarding major donors with an emphasis on gifts of $100,000 or more, but representing a wide spectrum of capability, from mid-level to principal gifts.
Education and Experience  | Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum, six years of demonstrated experience of successful major gifts fundraising, preferably in a college or university setting. Experience in Division I Athletics strongly preferred.

Skills and Knowledge  | Demonstrated ability to generate private philanthropic support and bringing closure to major and principal gifts of $100,000+. 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  | Conduct a minimum of 150 face to face visits focused on moving potential major donors towards gift discussions, both locally and throughout the US. 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 specialists and coordinating travel and other logistical arrangements. 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/111393
Job Posting Date  | 10/30/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 

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