Assistant Director of Major Gifts

Position Overview:

The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) Foundation has launched an inaugural gala scheduled for May 2025 to bolster fundraising results and provide sustainable funding for its programming. To support this growth, we seek to hire a dynamic, extroverted, and talented fundraiser to develop and lead a new major giving program at an exciting moment in the organization’s history.

The Assistant Director, Major Gifts will be important in advancing the Foundation's mission to support CUNY SPH's commitment to promoting and sustaining healthier populations in New York City and globally. This position will develop, manage, and grow a portfolio of prospects, cultivate and steward donor relationships, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to secure significant philanthropic investments that align with the Foundation's strategic priorities. The Assistant Director will advise the Executive Director on fundraising matters concerning the school and act as a representative on behalf of the foundation at industry events, speaking opportunities, and meetings, as needed. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in public health and have a demonstrable interest in supporting the public health workforce through strategic fundraising activities.

Responsibilities:

Donor Portfolio Management

• Harnessing the success of the Foundation’s inaugural gala, establish an initial portfolio of up to 100-125 prospects capable of contributing $5,000 or more.
• Grow the major giving portfolio through best fundraising practices to increase the minimum giving threshold of $10,000 or more.
• Lead efforts to solicit and secure major gifts primarily from existing individual donors, alumni, and friends of the schools.
• Develop personalized engagement strategies to enhance donor relationships and foster long-term commitment to the Foundation's mission.

Strategic Fundraising Initiatives

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Chief Development Officer, school leadership, faculty, and Foundation leadership to design and implement comprehensive fundraising plans that support key initiatives, such as the Health Equity and Literacy Program, Student Scholarships, and the Career Skills Academy.
• Align fundraising efforts with the Foundation's goals to advance social justice and improve health outcomes for all.

Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Develop tailored donor cultivation and stewardship plans that recognize contributions and, in partnership with the Director of Programs, highlight the impact of gifts on institutional priorities.
• Ensure donors are informed about the impact of their contributions through effective communication and recognition programs.
• To build a more robust major gifts program, design and implement donor recognition events, prospect salon dinners, and activities that strengthen donor engagement and loyalty.

Collaboration and Partnership Development

• Act as the primary liaison to the Major and Principal Gifts Committee of the Board of Directors to identify and engage individuals capable of contributing major gifts of $100,000 or more and principal-level contributions exceeding $1,000,000.
• Work closely with Foundation staff, CUNY SPH faculty, and external partners to identify funding opportunities that support the school's mission and strategic priorities.
• Engage with community leaders, alumni, and corporate partners to expand the Foundation's network and donor base.

Data Management and Reporting, and Other Duties

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor interactions and contributions records using the Foundation's CRM system (Salesforce).
• Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress, donor engagement metrics, and portfolio activity for Foundation leadership.
• All other duties appropriate to the role, as assigned by the Executive Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in major gift fundraising, preferably within higher education, healthcare, social service, or public health sectors.
• Demonstrated success in securing individual gifts of $10,000 or more and managing donor relationships.
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles, donor cultivation, and stewardship best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate the Foundation's mission and impact effectively.
• Proficiency in using CRM systems and fundraising software for donor management and reporting; experience with Salesforce a plus.
• Must live within commutable distance of New York City for regular in-person meetings with donors, prospects, and colleagues.
• Commitment to the Foundation's values of advancing social justice and improving health outcomes for diverse communities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range
  • $100,000 - $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Your Health Matters:
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health (free for individual plans and discounted for dependent and family plans), dental, and vision insurance.
  • Other benefits administered by Sequoia One include life insurance, HSA, FSA, and commuter plans, near-site and virtual primary and specialty care via One Medical, mental health services via Spring Health, and more.
• Invest in your Future:
  • 401(k) retirement matching up to 3% instantly and fully vested after 2 years of service.
  • The position will benefit from professional development opportunities, including membership in the Association of Fundraising Professionals—New York City Chapter and sponsored attendance at relevant conferences and meetings.
• Taking Time Off:
  • Generous paid time off program including 14 scheduled holidays, 15 annual leave days, and 12 sick leave days.
  • Enjoy all Fridays off for 7 weeks during the summer.
  • We support all parents with a 12-week paid parental leave after one year of service.
• Flexible Work Environment:
  • This is a remote-first job but we meet our donors, prospects, and colleagues in-person when needed.

How to Apply

Applications must be complete and submitted by February 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. Eligible applications will be reviewed and scored based on a predetermined evaluation framework. Only candidates meeting the outlined criteria will be invited for interviews. Please note that the CUNY SPH Foundation will not disclose scores, evaluation processes, or detailed feedback to applicants.

Submit your application using this link. Applications not submitted using this portal will not be considered.

About the CUNY SPH Foundation

The CUNY SPH Foundation is dedicated to advancing the mission of the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy by fostering strategic partnerships and securing philanthropic support. The Foundation focuses on initiatives that promote student success, such as the Student Scholarship Fund and the Career Skills Academy, and addresses critical public health challenges to improve health and social justice for all.

• Your Health Matters:
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health (free for individual plans and discounted for dependent and family plans), dental, and vision insurance.
  • Other benefits administered by Sequoia One include life insurance, HSA, FSA, and commuter plans, near-site and virtual primary and specialty care via One Medical, mental health services via Spring Health, and more.
• Invest in your Future:
  • 401(k) retirement matching up to 3% instantly and fully vested after 2 years of service.
  • The position will benefit from professional development opportunities, including membership in the Association of Fundraising Professionals—New York City Chapter and sponsored attendance at relevant conferences and meetings.
• Taking Time Off:
  • Generous paid time off program including 14 scheduled holidays, 15 annual leave days, and 12 sick leave days.
  • Enjoy all Fridays off for 7 weeks during the summer.
  • We support all parents with a 12-week paid parental leave after one year of service.
• Flexible Work Environment:
  • This is a remote-first job but we meet our donors, prospects, and colleagues in-person when needed.