Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Major Gifts Officer will serve as the Regional Director of Development for Mid-West and Upstate NY and will be responsible for developing a regular cadence of strategic opportunities focused on engaging existing and prospective major donors with the end goal of qualifying, soliciting, and closing major gifts. This role will serve as the primary strategist and staff person for Mid-West and Upstate NY as well as the Capital Region Executive Council. The Major Gift Officer must collaborate with and convene other Development & Alumni Engagement stakeholders in the region to ensure a coordinated and thoughtful approach to all activities meant to engage RPI’s leading prospects and donors. These stakeholders include but are not limited to Principal Giving, Major Giving, Annual Giving, Alumni Engagement, and School/College-affiliated colleagues. Additionally, the Major Gift Officer carries a portfolio of approximately 75 major gift prospects who have the capacity to make gifts in the range of $100,000 - $2.49 million This position will oversee various special projects in the region as assigned by their AVP.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Five (5) or more years of experience in fundraising or closely related field,
  • Or a Master’s degree and 3 years of fundraising experience
• Demonstrated record of cultivation and closing major gifts
• Valid US Driver License Required

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• Experience in higher education 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven ability to establish and maintain relationships with major gift prospects and to close gifts
• Ability to set priorities while also contributing to team effort in Institute Advancement
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to deal with very technical information and to translate this information into a product salable to non-technical internal and external people
• Flexibility in dealing with a wide variety of people; ability to process information quickly and accurately
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet established goals and objectives
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of Rensselaer and the major initiatives
• Ability to multi-task, handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to work in a team environment

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $110,000 - $120,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).