Director of Development

Keuka College is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Development to lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts for major gift donors within the college’s alumni, parents, and friends. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement, the Director will implement strategies to build and maintain meaningful relationships, align donor interests with the college’s mission and values, and drive fundraising efforts to support the strategic goals of Keuka College. The role requires researching donor capacity, engaging prospective supporters, and achieving ambitious fundraising targets.

This position involves regular travel, and flexibility for remote or hybrid work may be offered based on team needs and role requirements. Ideal candidates should be located within 2 hours of Keuka College.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donor prospects for significant contributions in support of Keuka College. Maintain comprehensive and timely records/contact reports of all interactions with donors utilizing fundraising software.
• Serve as an integral member and representative of the Advancement Team, which designs and coordinates Keuka College’s alumni relations and philanthropic outreach communications, activities, events, and campaigns.
• Work closely with the Associate Vice President for Advancement to implement assigned responsibilities and manage a portfolio of about 150 qualified prospects.
• Travel regularly within managed territories to complete a targeted number of prospect meetings annually, based on established fundraising goals and tactically coordinating with the Associate Vice President for Advancement and the Advancement Team.
• Focus on securing support for campus-wide priorities and initiatives, developing strong relationships with prospective major donors, and moving them through the cultivation cycle from identification through solicitation and stewardship.
• Achieve professional growth through building and maintaining strong familiarity with pertinent tax and compliance laws, planned giving arrangements, factors that impact donors’ capacity and desire to make substantial charitable gifts, and latest trends in the field of higher education fundraising.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with all Advancement Team members and other divisions to maximize donor relationships and philanthropic giving to the College.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Endurance for repetitive motions, driving a vehicle for multiple hours, and sitting at a computer keyboard and monitor for extended periods of time.
• Ability to hear, understand and speak American English on a telephone and other electronic devices, with reasonable accommodations considered.
• Ability to conduct business at other offices on campus, or at other offsite locations.
• Ability to bend, grasp, reach, and lift and carry up to 25 lbs. on an occasional basis.

Employee Benefits Overview

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• Financial assistance for educational expenses, enabling professional growth and development.
• Protection for you and your loved ones with employer-sponsored life insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off including holidays and sick leave to ensure work-life balance.
• Retirement benefits eligible on the 1st day of employment and matching contributions after 6 months of employment
• Access to confidential counseling and support services for mental health and personal matters through the Employee Assistance Program

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required (master’s preferred).
• A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience required, including significant experience in fundraising or a field utilizing similar external relations skills such as sales, public relations, business development, or high-level client relationship management.
• A valid driver’s license, and willingness to travel frequently (occasionally overnight) within managed territories for visits with prospective donors.
• A willingness to work some evenings, early mornings, and weekends.
• Excellent emotional intelligence, active listening habits, and data-driven work ethic.
• Demonstrated acumen in building interpersonal relationships with donors, clients, or constituents with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity.
• Outstanding organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft 365 suite of applications, including Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team, and to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred qualifications

• Direct experience and demonstrated success as part of a nonprofit’s fundraising, development or advancement office, ideally as a major gifts officer within an institution of higher education.
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge or similar fundraising or Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) platforms.
• Proven ability to cultivate active engagement in volunteer, grassroots, or philanthropic activity by diverse constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively research, analyze, and synthesize information from multiple sources into an accurate and insightful summary.

Work with Purpose at Keuka College

Keuka College, founded in 1890, is a liberal arts-based, private college located in the heart of New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes. Our picturesque lakeside campus is more than just a place to work – it’s a vibrant, close-knit environment where collaboration, innovation, and personal growth are valued as much as academic excellence.

Why Keuka College?

Mission-Driven: Join us in empowering students to lead, serve, and succeed. Our founder Dr. George Harvey Ball’s mission to “bring strength to our nation and help humanity” is still at the heart of what we do.

Experiential Learning: Our immersive approach to education means you’ll work in an environment that values hands-on experience and innovation.

Core Values:

• Create a Strong Sense of Community: Foster a caring, respectful, and diverse environment, emphasizing integrity, leadership, and personal connections.
• Prioritize the Success of Each and Every Student: Focus on student achievement through innovative education, holistic support, and experiential learning.
• Make Thoughtful Use of Resources, Including Ourselves: Collaborate efficiently to maximize resources and empower leadership while maintaining a balanced, goal-oriented environment.
• Engage with Curiosity: Embrace questions, innovation, and lifelong learning with an open and positive mindset.
• Open Doors to Opportunities: Promote equality and provide accessible programs that help individuals achieve their full potential.

Professional Growth: We support your development through training, leadership programs, and a commitment to helping you succeed.

Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules, wellness programs, and a focus on your well-being allow you to thrive at work and at home.

Inclusive Community: We embrace diversity and foster an environment where everyone belongs.

About the Community

Keuka Park, NY, offers stunning lakeside living and is nestled along the shores of Keuka Lake. Known for its vineyards and scenic outdoor adventures, the area offers everything from hiking and fishing to wine tasting. The nearby village of Penn Yan, less than 10 minutes away, is celebrated for its small-town charm, offering parks, shops, cafes, and plenty of local attractions. Life in the Keuka region moves at a relaxed pace, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and simple joys of lakeside living.

Join Us and Make a Difference
If you’re looking for meaningful work in a community that values your contributions, explore career opportunities at Keuka College and be part of something “small on purpose”.