Gift Officer, Athletics Fundraising

Colgate University

Gift Officer, Athletics Fundraising

Requisition Number: 2026S011Posting

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Division: $ATSDiv

Department: Athletics Fundraising and Engagement

Wage/Salary Range: $70,000 to $75,000

Department Statement:

Founded in 1819, Colgate is a small, highly selective residential liberal arts college for students of talent who are preparing for lives of leadership and productive citizenship. The University recently launched a $1B campaign in support of the Third-Century Plan, a comprehensive road map that will advance Colgate’s efforts to pursue its mission at the highest level and establish Colgate as one of the finest undergraduate institutions in the nation. A Division I institution, Colgate’s 25 varsity programs are a point of distinction and pride for the University that foster lifelong connections and collective memories among students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and local community members alike. The Athletics Fundraising & Engagement (AFE ) department endeavors to engage all manner of constituents around Colgate’s varsity teams as well as drive annual spendable funds to the department to support the student-athlete experience. More than 600 student-athletes compete at Colgate in pursuit of excellence in every field, every arena.

Accountabilities:

The Athletic Fundraising and Engagement department is seeking a Gift Officer to play an integral role in driving significant philanthropic support for Colgate Athletics on both an annual and ongoing basis. This role is responsible for cultivating and securing gifts from a portfolio made up of mostly Leadership Gift prospects as well as some Major Gift prospects focused on meeting annual goals associated with our 25 varsity programs and our Colgate Athletics Fund.

The successful candidate will possess strong communication and customer service skills and demonstrate a strong understanding and proven track record of success in fundraising and/or sales, preferably in a higher education setting.

This is a frontline fundraising position whose primary responsibility is to secure support on an annual and ongoing basis for our individual varsity teams as well as Colgate Athletics overall. This role will require extensive travel to cultivate and solicit prospects. Accountable for effectively developing and maintaining relationships with key leadership gift (and prospective leadership gift) constituents as assigned. Ensures effective qualification, identification, cultivation, and stewardship of constituents, including face to face, quality visits with assigned prospects. Responsible for increasing levels of annual and long-term engagement and giving within assigned constituents. Accountable for positively representing all aspects of the University at all times.

Professional Experience/Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in higher education fundraising, sales, non-profits, or related fields with a preference for experience in educational and/or athletics fundraising.

• The professionalism, insight and sound judgment necessary for interacting with alumni, trustees, administrative and academic leadership, faculty, and staff.

• Ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to collaborate closely with colleagues in advancement and across departments.

• Proficiency in CRMs and/or databases is required. Experience with Blackbaud products appreciated.

• Strategic, organized, enthusiastic, team player.

• Participating in the life of the University, including staffing Colgate’s annual Reunion weekend is a requirement of the position.

• This position requires the ability to travel extensively to engage with and solicit

• prospects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference for experience in higher education/athletics fundraising Preference for frontline fundraising experience, including demonstrated ability to close gifts.

• Previous annual fund/alumni relations, sales or marketing experience in a university setting is preferred.

Education

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required.

Other Information

Work Schedule: Weekdays, evenings, occasional weekends.

This position provides the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule with a requirement to be on site at least 3 days per week.

Job Open Date: 01/27/2026

Job Close Date: 3/5/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions Summary

To view the full job posting and apply for this position, go to: https://apptrkr.com/6899368

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.

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