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 Manager for Principal Gifts and Presidential Engagement reports to the Director of Philanthropic Partnerships and Presidential Strategy and plays a central coordinating role in Institute Advancement’s efforts to secure transformational philanthropic investments of $2.5M and above, including those involving direct engagement with the President. The Manager partners closely with the Vice President’s Office, senior advancement leaders, gift officers, and others to support complex gift strategies from early engagement through commitment and long-term stewardship. Serving as a strategic connector and project manager, this role helps align priorities, manage timelines, and ensure consistent communication across stakeholders to advance high-impact philanthropic opportunities. Working collaboratively across Institute Advancement and with academic and administrative leadership, the Manager supports effective coordination, documentation, and stewardship of principal and presidential-level gifts, ensuring that donor intent, institutional priorities, and leadership engagement are thoughtfully aligned throughout the lifecycle of each opportunity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in related field
• Five (5) years minimum, progressively responsible experience in the following:
  • Project / Program Management
  • Donor Engagement
  • Fundraising
  • Development Operations

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

• Professional experience in a higher education setting
• Familiarity with fundraising processes, donor pipeline management, and development practices
• Experience in preparing briefings, agendas, and strategic materials for senior leadership
• Prior experience working with principal or major gift-level prospects

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of fundraising principles, donor engagement strategies, and development processes, particularly in support of principal and presidential-level giving
• Familiarity with CRM systems and data management best practices, including accurate documentation of executive-level donor engagement
• Understanding of institutional protocols and best practices for executive and presidential donor engagement
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and related data analysis tools to track, analyze, and report on engagement and pipeline activity
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and shifting priorities
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft polished correspondence and strategic materials for donor and executive audiences
• Demonstrated ability to quickly assess information, anticipate challenges, and take proactive action to resolve issues in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple time-sensitive tasks with accuracy, discretion, and attention to detail
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• High level of professionalism, sound judgment, and demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Demonstrated ability to respond promptly and effectively to time-sensitive requests in support of executive and presidential priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or equivalent
• Strong writing and editing skills for correspondence and donor communications
• Proficiency in CRM systems
  
  

Representative Job Duties

• Manage the strategy, process, and protocol for presidential donor and prospect engagement associated with Presidential travel. Partner closely with Manager of Advancement Operations/Vice President’s office, Advancement Officers, Prospect Management, Engagement Events, and other key colleagues to coordinate outreach and visit confirmations among gift officers. Oversee timelines, and internal alignment to ensure engagements are strategic and effectively executed. Support the preparation and refinement of donor visit briefings for the Vice President and Director of Philanthropic Partnerships.
• Serve as the project manager for the development, execution, and ongoing management of Institute Advancement’s Annual Presidential Engagement Plan, with primary responsibility for coordinating prospect visits associated with presidential travel. Work cross-functionally to ensure the plan reflects institutional priorities and is strategically coordinated with campus and Institute Advancement events requiring presidential participation.
• Monitor the progress of qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting principal gift-level prospects, collaborating on data reporting and project management. In collaboration with Prospect Development and Research, manage the pipeline of new and existing principal gift prospects, ensuring strategies are effectively updated and implemented.
• Oversee the preparation of agendas and supporting materials for Presidential Trip Briefings and Presidential Prospect Strategy meetings, ensuring information is accurate, comprehensive, and delivered in a timely, executive-ready format. Project manage follow-up actions resulting from these meetings, tracking progress and ensuring accountability through completion.
• Draft and prepare correspondence on behalf of the President, Vice President of Institute Advancement, and Director of Philanthropic Partnerships to prospects and donors. Ensure communications are tailored to the audience and aligned with fundraising objectives.
• Oversee the accurate documentation of Presidential prospect engagement activity in the CRM, ensuring adherence to best practices. Produce customized reports and tracking tools to support strategic decision-making and prospect movement. 
• Provide support to the Director of Philanthropic Partnerships, including assisting with their portfolio management and related administrative tasks.
• Advise the Director of Philanthropic Partnerships of situations, issues, or actions which may influence the achievement of plans and goals which may reflect unfavorably on the Institute, or which may impact issues currently or about to be decided. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Director, Philanthropic Partnerships or designee. 

Shift

Business Hours: Monday - Friday

Travel

Driving

Incidental driving possible, but not required

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $90,000 - $100,000

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).