Director, Parent and Family Giving

Summary

The Director of Parent and Family Giving plays a pivotal role in advancing Skidmore College’s mission by engaging families as partners in philanthropy. This position provides strategic leadership for a robust parent and family giving program, cultivating lifelong connections and generating resources that directly support the student experience. 

As a front-line fundraiser and program leader, the Director manages a portfolio of top-level prospects, oversees key initiatives such as the Parents Council and Senior Family Project, and inspires meaningful volunteer engagement. With responsibility for securing $2M+ in annual unrestricted support and growing overall parent and family philanthropy beyond $4M annually, the Director ensures that Skidmore families are fully engaged as donors, leaders, and ambassadors. 

Reporting to the Interim Executive Director, Skidmore Fund, the Director of Parent and Family Giving will 1) provide strategic direction and oversight for the College’s parent philanthropy and engagement programs, 2) develop and implement a comprehensive plan that increases philanthropic support from the College’s parent community, 3) collaborate with the Assistant Director, Parent and Family Giving, on Skidmore Fund initiatives, the Parents Council, and Senior Family fundraising efforts, as well as parent and family volunteer groups, 4) increase annual unrestricted support for the campus, 5) grow the pipeline and major gift activity from the parent community, and 6) increase opportunities for meaningful engagement with the College through active volunteerism by current and past Skidmore College parents and or family members.

Leadership and Management (30%)

• Guide the strategy and execution of parent-focused cultivation and stewardship events, major gift fundraising, and Skidmore Fund activities.
• Supervise and mentor staff members, setting priorities, supporting professional growth, and ensuring team success.
• Partner with Advancement colleagues to align parent and family giving with institutional priorities.

Parent and Family Philanthropy & Engagement (55%)

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies for parent and family philanthropy, managing a portfolio of 75+ high-capacity prospects through the donor engagement cycle. 
• Solicit gifts to achieve or exceed annual goals of $2M+ in unrestricted revenue and supporting overall family giving exceeding $4M+ 
• Plan and execute extensive travel to build and maintain philanthropic relationships.
• Integrate annual, major, and peer-to-peer solicitation channels into a coordinated approach.

Management of Council and Volunteers (15%)

• Direct the Parent and Family Council, overseeing member recruitment, engagement, and leadership development.
• Partner with volunteer leaders and board chairs to shape strategy, goals, and meeting content.
• Grow the Parent and Family Ambassador Program and the Senior Family Project, expanding opportunities for service, peer solicitation, and philanthropy.

Relationship & Resource Management: The Director must be a persuasive communicator and trusted partner to top-level donors, capable of aligning family interests with College priorities. This position requires sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage complex donor and volunteer relationships. The role also demands strategic vision, flexibility, and collaboration, balanced with the focus to meet ambitious fundraising goals. Evening and weekend work, as well as frequent travel (50%+), is required.

The Director works closely with:

• Parent and Family Giving staff (Assistant Director and administrative support)
• Major and Principal Gift Officers, Skidmore Fund, and Prospect Research
• Dean of Students, Career Development Center, and faculty partners
• Advancement leadership and colleagues across the division
• Parent and Family Council members and volunteers

Education: Bachelor’s Degree, master’s preferred

Experience: 7 or more years of commensurate experience in fundraising or a similar field.

• The successful candidate will have a history of securing major and principal gifts; possess good judgement, discretion, and sensitivity; possess strong interpersonal, public-speaking, writing, and time and personnel management skills; be an effective negotiator and self-motivated. Expert leadership/management skills, including skills to select, train, mentor, motivate, and evaluate all levels of staff. Experience in both major gifts and annual giving. Comprehensive capital campaign experience is preferred.
• An understanding and knowledge of opportunities and challenges facing public higher education
• Knowledgeable about Skidmore College, its vis