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Clarkson University

Gift Planning Officer

Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York, United States

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USD $60,000.00 - $63,000.00 per year.

Overview The Gift Planning Officer manages a dynamic portfolio of 125–150 major gift donors and planned giving prospects. The role identifies strategic opportunities and designs donor‑centered initiatives to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high‑net‑worth individuals, strengthening the pipeline of perpetual financial support for Clarkson University.

Portfolio & Prospect Management

Manage a portfolio of 125–150 prospective and current donors capable of making major gifts ($25K+).

Identify, evaluate, and prioritize major and planned giving prospects by assessing financial capacity, philanthropic interests, giving history, and connections to Clarkson University and other organizations.

Apply prospect research and analytics to develop moves management strategies that advance donors toward successful solicitations.

Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation in Slate, including actions, call reports, and relationship‑advancing interactions.

Cultivation, Solicitation & Stewardship

Develop and execute customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for assigned prospects that align donor interests with University priorities.

Prepare compelling gift proposals, tailored correspondence, and other donor‑facing materials that clearly communicate impact.

Cultivate and solicit leadership Annual Fund gifts, and identify opportunities for blended or deferred gift conversations.

Clearly articulate Clarkson University’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities to inspire philanthropic support.

Conduct a minimum of 15 purposeful donor visits per month—either in person or virtually—including discovery, cultivation, solicitations, and stewardship meetings.

Performance & Collaboration

Meet or exceed annual performance goals related to donor visits, major gift revenue, portfolio movement, and prospect engagement.

Collaborate across the Advancement division and with academic and administrative partners to align donor interests with institutional priorities and funding opportunities.

Engagement & Representation

Serve as an enthusiastic and visible ambassador for Clarkson University alumni, parents, friends, and external partners nationwide.

Participate in University events, alumni gatherings, and other engagements that provide meaningful donor contact opportunities. Evening and weekend work is required as necessary.

Travel regularly—primarily across the Northeast and occasionally nationwide—to meet with prospects and donors; extended travel may be required during peak cultivation and solicitation periods.

Additional Duties

Perform additional responsibilities, special projects, and assignments as required to support departmental goals and institutional priorities.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Preferred Education

Master’s Degree and/or training at national major gift or planned giving conferences.

Knowledge of basic tax and estate law, charitable gift planning strategies, and financial planning concepts.

Experience in marketing, finance, or a customer‑service–oriented role within a service‑based focused industry.

Familiarity with PGCalc or comparable gift planning software.

Minimum Experience

2–4 years of professional experience in major/deferred gift development fundraising or a customer‑focused, service‑based sales environment.

Experience with major/deferred gift fundraising preferred.

Experience managing travel schedules, coordinating off‑campus donor meetings, and conducting productive field visits is beneficial.

Preferred Experience

Experience managing larger or complex gift situations, including blended gifts and multi‑year commitments.

Demonstrated success in securing major and/or planned gifts within a higher education or nonprofit environment.

Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen attentively, communicate with clarity, and engage effectively with diverse constituent groups.

Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills; goal‑oriented with a drive to meet and exceed expectations.

Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining strong attention to detail, organization, and time management.

Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and strict adherence to confidentiality.

Ability to understand donor motivations and synthesize complex information to guide prospects through the giving cycle.

Proven problem‑solving skills with the ability to anticipate challenges and collaborate effectively with colleagues.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and donor management systems such as Slate or comparable CRMs.

Commitment to Clarkson University’s Values Statement, the Donor Bill of Rights, and principles of diversity and inclusion.

Self‑directed and proactive, with the ability to work toward short‑ and long‑term goals.

Willingness to travel—both independently and with colleagues, including extended travel when necessary.

Physical Demands

Carry personal luggage and University packages.

Travel for 7–10 days at a time on private and public transportation, including cars, vans, buses, subways, trains, and airplanes. Driver’s license required.

Sit at a computer using a keyboard for extended periods of time.

Stand, walk, sit, bend, and stoop as required in donor meetings and other duties.

Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Use the telephone and e‑mail regularly for communication.

Hearing and vision within normal ranges for normal conversations and document handling.

Work primarily indoors; repetition of the same mental and physical tasks.

Work a set schedule with the ability to attend fundraising events on nights and weekends, requiring additional hours.

Other demands as required by specific position.

Health & Safety

All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others, and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions.

All staff is required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

Special Instructions to Applicants

An equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer; Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from veterans and people with disabilities.

All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records).

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