Feb 15th, 2024
College of the Holy Cross
Principal Gifts Officer
( Massachusetts | On-site )
About the Organization
Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with the College of the Holy Cross in the search for a Principal Gifts Officer.
Holy Cross is a highly selective, four-year, undergraduate, liberal arts institution and is ranked among the nation’s leading four-year liberal arts colleges. Over time, Holy Cross has continuously evolved to reflect the needs of its more than 3,000 students and changing times. Its Jesuit, Catholic identity has remained a constant throughout that evolution—informing and influencing everything the college does.
As a liberal arts college, Holy Cross pursues excellence in teaching, learning, and research. All members of the Holy Cross community are challenged to be open to new ideas, to be patient with ambiguity and uncertainty, and to combine a passion for truth with respect for the views of others. Informed by the presence of diverse interpretations of the human experience, Holy Cross seeks to build a community marked by freedom, mutual respect, and civility.
Holy Cross is proud to be recognized by publications and organizations that cover higher education for its exceptional academic programs, top professors, and great campus experiences. Holy Cross is one of a select group of colleges (fewer than 100) that meets 100% of each student’s demonstrated financial need. It also received an “A” on Niche’s list of 2022 Best Colleges in America and is among the 53 most beautiful college campuses in America, according to Architectural Digest. Holy Cross was also included on Princeton Review’s list of “Best 388 Colleges” and “Colleges That Pay You Back.” It is also listed among the “best and most interesting colleges” in the Fiske Guide to Colleges.
Holy Cross was named number one on the Institute for International Education’s list of long-term student abroad programs and number four on Wall Street Journal’s list of 2022-23 best Catholic colleges in America. Money Magazine named Holy Cross fifth on its list of “Best Value Liberal Arts Colleges” and number 32 among “Best Colleges in America 2022.” The institution is also tied for top spot in the nation for highest graduation rates for student-athletes among NCAA Division I schools.
Holy Cross also ensures success after graduation. As one of the top producers of Fulbright students in the country, eight Holy Cross students received fellowships during the 2021-22 academic year, pushing the college’s total to 26 in the last four years. It is also listed among colleges with the best return on investment, according to U.S. News & World Report.
In every aspect of its community, Holy Cross champions diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a Jesuit, Catholic liberal arts college, it understands that the best way to understand the world is to embrace the full spectrum of perspectives and life experiences. To that end, Holy Cross welcomes students, staff, and faculty members of every gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and gender identity. Holy Cross encourages all community members to think critically about disparities in social structures, and to act toward positive change.
Job Description
Position reports to: Associate Vice President for Individual Giving
Position salary range: The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $165,000 annually.
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Individual Giving, the Principal Gifts Officer will be responsible for fundraising efforts which support and advance the mission of Holy Cross. Working with the college's most generous donors and its highest potential prospects, the Principal Gifts Officer will work in partnership with the principal gifts team and the Associate Vice President for Individual Giving, and other internal partners to encourage support at the $5,000,000 level and above. The Principal Gifts Officer will work closely with Advancement colleagues to develop and execute prospect strategies that strategically integrate gift planning, reunions, annual giving, and other college financial priorities into the development and execution of high-level fundraising strategies that enable the realization of established goals and objectives.
All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of the College of the Holy Cross as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in the prospectus. A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred for this position as is at least six years of experience in fundraising, preferably at an educational institution, soliciting principal and leadership level gifts. Holy Cross will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to the college, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.
College of the Holy Cross is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Jeanette Rivera-Watts at jeanetterw@aspenleadershipgroup.com.
To apply for this position, visit: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/1370