Inside Higher Ed
Director, Parent and Family Giving
Inside Higher Ed, Saratoga Springs, New York, United States
Director, Parent and Family Giving – Skidmore College
Summary
The Director of Parent and Family Giving plays a pivotal role in advancing Skidmore College’s mission by engaging families as partners in philanthropy. This position provides strategic leadership for a robust parent and family giving program, cultivating lifelong connections and generating resources that directly support the student experience.
As a front‑line fundraiser and program leader, the Director manages a portfolio of top‑level prospects, oversees key initiatives such as the Parents Council and Senior Family Project, and inspires meaningful volunteer engagement. With responsibility for securing $2M+ in annual unrestricted support and growing overall parent and family philanthropy beyond $4M annually, the Director ensures that Skidmore families are fully engaged as donors, leaders, and ambassadors.
Reporting to the Interim Executive Director, Skidmore Fund, the Director provides strategic direction and oversight for the College’s parent philanthropy and engagement programs, develops and implements a comprehensive plan that increases philanthropic support from the College’s parent community, collaborates with the Assistant Director, Parent and Family Giving, on Skidmore Fund initiatives, the Parents Council, and Senior Family fundraising efforts, as well as parent and family volunteer groups, increases annual unrestricted support for the campus, grows the pipeline and major gift activity from the parent community, and provides opportunities for meaningful engagement with the College through active volunteerism by current and past Skidmore College parents and family members.
Leadership and Management (30%)
Guide the strategy and execution of parent‑focused cultivation and stewardship events, major gift fundraising, and Skidmore Fund activities.
Supervise and mentor staff members, setting priorities, supporting professional growth, and ensuring team success.
Partner with Advancement colleagues to align parent and family giving with institutional priorities.
Parent and Family Philanthropy & Engagement (55%)
Develop and implement fundraising strategies for parent and family philanthropy, managing a portfolio of 75+ high‑capacity prospects through the donor engagement cycle.
Solicit gifts to achieve or exceed annual goals of $2M+ in unrestricted revenue and support overall family giving exceeding $4M+.
Plan and execute extensive travel to build and maintain philanthropic relationships.
Integrate annual, major, and peer‑to‑peer solicitation channels into a coordinated approach.
Management of Council and Volunteers (15%)
Direct the Parent and Family Council, overseeing member recruitment, engagement, and leadership development.
Partner with volunteer leaders and board chairs to shape strategy, goals, and meeting content.
Grow the Parent and Family Ambassador Program and the Senior Family Project, expanding opportunities for service, peer solicitation, and philanthropy.
Relationship & Resource Management The Director must be a persuasive communicator and trusted partner to top‑level donors, capable of aligning family interests with College priorities. This position requires sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage complex donor and volunteer relationships. The role also demands strategic vision, flexibility, and collaboration, balanced with a focus on meeting ambitious fundraising goals. Evening and weekend work, as well as frequent travel (50%+), is required.
The Director Works Closely With
Parent and Family Giving staff (Assistant Director and administrative support)
Major and Principal Gift Officers, Skidmore Fund, and Prospect Research
Dean of Students, Career Development Center, and faculty partners
Advancement leadership and colleagues across the division
Parent and Family Council members and volunteers
Education Bachelor’s Degree; master’s preferred.
Experience
7 or more years of commensurate experience in fundraising or a similar field.
History of securing major and principal gifts; strong judgment, discretion, and sensitivity.
Strong interpersonal, public‑speaking, writing, and time and personnel management skills.
Effective negotiator and self‑motivated.
Expert leadership/management skills, including staff selection, training, mentoring, motivating, and evaluation.
Experience in both major gifts and annual giving.
Comprehensive capital campaign experience preferred.
Understanding of opportunities and challenges facing public higher education.
Knowledge of Skidmore College, its vision, mission, goals, objectives, achievements, history, and infrastructure.
Expert knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, etc.
Comprehensive understanding of issues and concerns relevant to parents of current college students.
Familiarity with university parent programs and/or student affairs is highly desirable.
Salary Range $110,000 – $130,000
Required Documents Needed To Apply
Online application
Cover Letter
Resume
List of Three References
EEO STATEMENT Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable post‑offer background check result.
CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS.
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As a front‑line fundraiser and program leader, the Director manages a portfolio of top‑level prospects, oversees key initiatives such as the Parents Council and Senior Family Project, and inspires meaningful volunteer engagement. With responsibility for securing $2M+ in annual unrestricted support and growing overall parent and family philanthropy beyond $4M annually, the Director ensures that Skidmore families are fully engaged as donors, leaders, and ambassadors.
Reporting to the Interim Executive Director, Skidmore Fund, the Director provides strategic direction and oversight for the College’s parent philanthropy and engagement programs, develops and implements a comprehensive plan that increases philanthropic support from the College’s parent community, collaborates with the Assistant Director, Parent and Family Giving, on Skidmore Fund initiatives, the Parents Council, and Senior Family fundraising efforts, as well as parent and family volunteer groups, increases annual unrestricted support for the campus, grows the pipeline and major gift activity from the parent community, and provides opportunities for meaningful engagement with the College through active volunteerism by current and past Skidmore College parents and family members.
Leadership and Management (30%)
Guide the strategy and execution of parent‑focused cultivation and stewardship events, major gift fundraising, and Skidmore Fund activities.
Supervise and mentor staff members, setting priorities, supporting professional growth, and ensuring team success.
Partner with Advancement colleagues to align parent and family giving with institutional priorities.
Parent and Family Philanthropy & Engagement (55%)
Develop and implement fundraising strategies for parent and family philanthropy, managing a portfolio of 75+ high‑capacity prospects through the donor engagement cycle.
Solicit gifts to achieve or exceed annual goals of $2M+ in unrestricted revenue and support overall family giving exceeding $4M+.
Plan and execute extensive travel to build and maintain philanthropic relationships.
Integrate annual, major, and peer‑to‑peer solicitation channels into a coordinated approach.
Management of Council and Volunteers (15%)
Direct the Parent and Family Council, overseeing member recruitment, engagement, and leadership development.
Partner with volunteer leaders and board chairs to shape strategy, goals, and meeting content.
Grow the Parent and Family Ambassador Program and the Senior Family Project, expanding opportunities for service, peer solicitation, and philanthropy.
Relationship & Resource Management The Director must be a persuasive communicator and trusted partner to top‑level donors, capable of aligning family interests with College priorities. This position requires sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage complex donor and volunteer relationships. The role also demands strategic vision, flexibility, and collaboration, balanced with a focus on meeting ambitious fundraising goals. Evening and weekend work, as well as frequent travel (50%+), is required.
The Director Works Closely With
Parent and Family Giving staff (Assistant Director and administrative support)
Major and Principal Gift Officers, Skidmore Fund, and Prospect Research
Dean of Students, Career Development Center, and faculty partners
Advancement leadership and colleagues across the division
Parent and Family Council members and volunteers
Education Bachelor’s Degree; master’s preferred.
Experience
7 or more years of commensurate experience in fundraising or a similar field.
History of securing major and principal gifts; strong judgment, discretion, and sensitivity.
Strong interpersonal, public‑speaking, writing, and time and personnel management skills.
Effective negotiator and self‑motivated.
Expert leadership/management skills, including staff selection, training, mentoring, motivating, and evaluation.
Experience in both major gifts and annual giving.
Comprehensive capital campaign experience preferred.
Understanding of opportunities and challenges facing public higher education.
Knowledge of Skidmore College, its vision, mission, goals, objectives, achievements, history, and infrastructure.
Expert knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, etc.
Comprehensive understanding of issues and concerns relevant to parents of current college students.
Familiarity with university parent programs and/or student affairs is highly desirable.
Salary Range $110,000 – $130,000
Required Documents Needed To Apply
Online application
Cover Letter
Resume
List of Three References
EEO STATEMENT Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable post‑offer background check result.
CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS.
#J-18808-Ljbffr