<p>The Department of Development and Alumni Relations is seeking applications for an Executive Director of Principal Gift. This position will lead the major gifts team and cultivates relationships with donors, foundations, and corporations capable of making six- and seven-figure contributions. Provides guidance and strategy for identifying and stewarding major donors. Develops and manages planned giving strategies, with a focus on building Hiram's endowment through bequests, charitable annuities, and other legacy gifts.</p> <p>Founded in 1850, Hiram College provides students of all backgrounds with an attainable private education that teaches the 21st-century skills needed to thrive professionally and personally in the face of inevitable and constant change. Built on a community that fosters student-faculty collaboration, the College equips all students with the tools necessary to embrace active learning in the classroom, in Ohio, and beyond through technology, internship, study away, research, and other experiential opportunities for growth and development. Recognized by Colleges of Distinction, The Princeton Review, U.S. News and World Report, and as a top baccalaureate college by Washington Monthly, Hiram enrolls over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in academic programs on its Northeast Ohio campus and online.</p> <p>Duties and Responsibilities:</p> <ul> <li>Lead and manage the major gifts team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture focused on achieving ambitious fundraising goals. </li><li>Set clear performance metrics, monitor progress, and ensure accountability for fundraising success. </li><li>Cultivate and steward relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporations capable of making six- and seven-figure contributions. </li><li>Develop tailored engagement strategies in collaboration with the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations to inspire transformational and legacy gifts that advance Hiram College's mission and priorities. </li><li>Partner with Vice President to structure complex gift agreements that meet donor objectives and institutional needs. </li><li>Provide strategic direction for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors. </li><li>Oversee personalized stewardship plans to ensure ongoing donor engagement and satisfaction. </li><li>Work closely with colleagues across the Development and Alumni Relations team to align major gift initiatives with annual giving, alumni engagement, and campaign priorities. </li><li>Collaborate with faculty, program directors, and administrative leaders to identify funding opportunities and craft compelling proposals for high-impact initiatives. </li><li>Oversee the tracking and analysis of major and planned giving activities, using data to evaluate progress and refine strategies. </li><li>Represent the College in a positive, professional manner while maintaining confidentiality, sensitivity, and ethically-based principles while working with and within a diverse community. </li><li>Perform other duties as assigned. </li></ul> <p>Knowledge and Skills:</p> <ul> <li>Demonstrated success in securing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations. </li><li>Advanced understanding of planned giving vehicles, including bequests, charitable annuities, trusts, and other legacy gifts. </li><li>Excellent verbal & written communication skills; demonstrated ability to transform ideas into a compelling case for support (verbally & in writing) </li><li>Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, senior leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders. </li><li>Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to address challenges and changing priorities. </li><li>Proficiency in using data to evaluate donor potential, track progress, and refine fundraising strategies. </li><li>Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce) for managing donor portfolios and recording interactions. </li><li>Demonstrated attention to detail combined with abilities to organize, prioritize, and negotiate effectively </li><li>Ability to maintain confidentiality </li></ul> <p>Experience:</p> <ul> <li>Minimum of 5-7 years' experience in development, with a focus on major gifts and planned giving. </li><li>Ability to structure innovative gift agreements, and edit work of others </li><li>Proven track record of managing and mentoring a team of fundraising professionals. </li><li>Experience collaborating with senior leadership, including presidents, board members, and key stakeholders. </li></ul> <p>Education:</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree or equivalent preferred. </li></ul> <p>Application Process:</p> <p>Qualified candidates are encouraged to send a letter of application, resume, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references to HR@Hiram.edu. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.</p> <p>Hiram College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to Excellence through Diversity.</p> <p>apply now</p>