Cushing Academy
Description
Cushing Academy seeks a dynamic and experienced Leadership Gift Officer to join our advancement team and play a pivotal role in securing leadership gifts that will advance the Academy's strategic priorities. This position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding leadership-level donors (annual, major and planned giving) while building meaningful relationships that support Cushing's mission of preparing students for success in college and life.
Key Responsibilities
Donor Relations & Fundraising: Manage a portfolio of 100-150 leadership gift prospects and donors, including alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of the Academy Develop and execute comprehensive cultivation strategies for assigned prospects Conduct 120-150+ face-to-face meetings that lead to leadership level solicitations for gifts of $50,000+ and Annual Fund leadership gifts ($1,865+) Collaborate with the Head of School, Director of Advancement and other senior leaders on high-priority prospects Plan and execute donor visits, events, and stewardship activities Achieve annual fundraising goals as established by the Director of Advancement Relationship Management
Build and maintain strong, authentic relationships with key stakeholders Serve as primary liaison between donors and the Academy community Coordinate donor engagement with faculty, coaches, and students when appropriate Ensure timely and meaningful donor recognition and stewardship Maintain detailed records of all donor interactions in the Academy's database Strategic Planning & Research
Conduct prospect research to identify new leadership gift prospects Develop comprehensive profiles and strategies for assigned prospects Collaborate with advancement colleagues to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities Participate in campaign planning and execution as needed Analyze giving patterns and provide insights to inform fundraising strategy Event Support & Communications
Support advancement events including Alumni Weekend, Family Weekend, donor appreciation events, and special programs Assist in creating compelling case materials and donor communications Represent Cushing Academy at external events and networking opportunities Collaborate with the marketing and communications team on donor-focused content Requirements
Required
Bachelor's degree required Minimum 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, preferably in education Demonstrated success in securing leadership gifts Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal Ability to build relationships with diverse constituencies Experience with donor database management (Raiser\'s Edge preferred) Willingness to travel regionally and work some evenings and weekends Preferred
Experience in an independent school or higher education advancement Knowledge of planned giving concepts Previous experience with capital campaigns Familiarity with the independent school community Personal Attributes
High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality Self-motivated with strong organizational and time management skills Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently Enthusiasm for Cushing Academy's mission and values Comfort working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment Cultural competency and appreciation for diversity Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Frequent travel (by car, train, and air) to meet with donors and attend events, sometimes requiring overnight stays. Ability to attend 120–150+ in-person meetings annually, involving walking, standing, and navigating various indoor/outdoor venues. Must be able to occasionally lift and carry materials for donor visits or events (up to 25 lbs). Flexibility to work evenings and weekends to accommodate donor schedules and support Academy events. Work Environment
Professional office setting with regular interaction via phone, email, and video conferencing. Frequent off-site meetings in varied environments (homes, offices, restaurants, conference centers, event spaces). Attendance at on-campus events that may involve both indoor and outdoor conditions. Fast-paced, goal-driven environment requiring adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Collaboration with colleagues, volunteers, faculty, alumni, parents, and external partners in diverse settings.
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Donor Relations & Fundraising: Manage a portfolio of 100-150 leadership gift prospects and donors, including alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of the Academy Develop and execute comprehensive cultivation strategies for assigned prospects Conduct 120-150+ face-to-face meetings that lead to leadership level solicitations for gifts of $50,000+ and Annual Fund leadership gifts ($1,865+) Collaborate with the Head of School, Director of Advancement and other senior leaders on high-priority prospects Plan and execute donor visits, events, and stewardship activities Achieve annual fundraising goals as established by the Director of Advancement Relationship Management
Build and maintain strong, authentic relationships with key stakeholders Serve as primary liaison between donors and the Academy community Coordinate donor engagement with faculty, coaches, and students when appropriate Ensure timely and meaningful donor recognition and stewardship Maintain detailed records of all donor interactions in the Academy's database Strategic Planning & Research
Conduct prospect research to identify new leadership gift prospects Develop comprehensive profiles and strategies for assigned prospects Collaborate with advancement colleagues to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities Participate in campaign planning and execution as needed Analyze giving patterns and provide insights to inform fundraising strategy Event Support & Communications
Support advancement events including Alumni Weekend, Family Weekend, donor appreciation events, and special programs Assist in creating compelling case materials and donor communications Represent Cushing Academy at external events and networking opportunities Collaborate with the marketing and communications team on donor-focused content Requirements
Required
Bachelor's degree required Minimum 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, preferably in education Demonstrated success in securing leadership gifts Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal Ability to build relationships with diverse constituencies Experience with donor database management (Raiser\'s Edge preferred) Willingness to travel regionally and work some evenings and weekends Preferred
Experience in an independent school or higher education advancement Knowledge of planned giving concepts Previous experience with capital campaigns Familiarity with the independent school community Personal Attributes
High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality Self-motivated with strong organizational and time management skills Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently Enthusiasm for Cushing Academy's mission and values Comfort working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment Cultural competency and appreciation for diversity Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Frequent travel (by car, train, and air) to meet with donors and attend events, sometimes requiring overnight stays. Ability to attend 120–150+ in-person meetings annually, involving walking, standing, and navigating various indoor/outdoor venues. Must be able to occasionally lift and carry materials for donor visits or events (up to 25 lbs). Flexibility to work evenings and weekends to accommodate donor schedules and support Academy events. Work Environment
Professional office setting with regular interaction via phone, email, and video conferencing. Frequent off-site meetings in varied environments (homes, offices, restaurants, conference centers, event spaces). Attendance at on-campus events that may involve both indoor and outdoor conditions. Fast-paced, goal-driven environment requiring adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Collaboration with colleagues, volunteers, faculty, alumni, parents, and external partners in diverse settings.
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