Pratt Institute

Senior Director of Major Gifts

BROOKLYN, NYPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is from a recruiting firm hiring for a separate company, as indicated by the mention of Freeman Philanthropic Services, LLC facilitating the recruitment.

  • Job overview

    The Senior Director of Major Gifts at Pratt Institute leads and expands the major gifts program, playing a key role in raising significant funds to support the institution's comprehensive campaign and philanthropic goals.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The Senior Director will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, lead a team of six fundraising professionals, oversee moves management, identify planned and blended gift opportunities, and collaborate with institutional leadership and volunteers to enhance donor engagement and secure major gifts.

  • Experience and skills

    The candidate must have strong fundraising leadership experience, particularly in major gifts and international fundraising, with the ability to manage and mentor a team and demonstrate success in frontline solicitation.

  • Work environment and culture

    Pratt Institute values a diverse, generous, and creative community, emphasizing mentorship and a high-performing culture within the Institutional Advancement team.

  • Company information

    Pratt Institute is a world-class, internationally ranked college specializing in art, design, architecture, liberal arts, sciences, and information studies, known for its strong artist community and practical educational approach.

  • Team overview

    The Senior Director will lead a team of four direct reports and oversee six professionals, including directors and major gift officers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

  • Application process

    Applications and inquiries are to be sent confidentially to Freeman Philanthropic Services, LLC via the provided email address.

  • Unique job features

    The role involves leading a major gifts program at a pivotal time for Pratt Institute, including involvement in a nine-figure comprehensive campaign and opportunities to work closely with senior institutional leaders.

Company overview

Pratt Institute is a prestigious private university located in Brooklyn, New York, known for its strong emphasis on art, design, and architecture. The institute generates revenue through tuition fees, grants, and donations, offering undergraduate and graduate programs across various creative disciplines. Founded in 1887 by industrialist Charles Pratt, the institution has a rich history of fostering innovation and creativity, with notable alumni including fashion designer Betsey Johnson and architect Peter Zumthor. Pratt's commitment to integrating practical skills with theoretical knowledge makes it a leader in creative education.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to showcase leadership in major gifts fundraising, emphasizing experience managing high-value donor portfolios and successful solicitation of five- to seven-figure gifts, aligning with Pratt Institute's comprehensive campaign goals.

  • Highlight your ability to lead and mentor fundraising teams, demonstrating a track record of building high-performing cultures and collaborating with cross-functional leaders, which is crucial for managing Pratt's direct reports and advancing institutional priorities.

  • Apply through multiple platforms, including Pratt Institute's official website, LinkedIn, and specialized philanthropic recruitment sites, to maximize your application visibility and increase your chances of securing an interview.

  • Connect with current members of Pratt Institute's Institutional Advancement team on LinkedIn to gain insights about the role and institutional culture; use ice breakers such as referencing the upcoming nine-figure campaign or expressing enthusiasm for Pratt's integration of art and philanthropy.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description like 'major gifts,' 'moves management,' 'donor relations,' 'planned and blended gifts,' and 'fundraising leadership' to ensure your application passes initial screenings.

  • Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailoring your resume, identify the best application channels, and discover LinkedIn connections for networking, allowing you to focus your energy on preparing for interviews and strategic follow-ups.

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