Assistant Director, Vassar Fund

Vassar College Office of Residential Life

. Report to the Assistant Vice President of Leadership Gifts .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timePoughkeepsie • New York • United StatesLead💰 $65,200 - $78,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in frontline fundraising and donor relationship management, with a strong ability to solicit leadership gifts and maintain accurate donor records. Proficient in utilizing CRM systems and collaborating effectively within a team-oriented environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Frontline Fundraising ExperienceAnnual Fund FundraisingFundraising Database/CRM ProficiencyStrong Communication SkillsAbility to Travel Frequently

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

FundraisingDonor SolicitationPortfolio ManagementActivity TrackingMajor Gift Prospect IdentificationCampaign PromotionEvent CoordinationData ManagementStrategic PlanningDirect Marketing

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsOrganizational SkillsAdaptabilityCollaborationEthical Conduct

Tools & Technologies

Fundraising DatabasesCRM SystemsGoogle SuiteSocial MediaZoom

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid Driver’s License

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationAnnual GivingVassar CollegeLeadership GiftsDonor RelationshipsAlumnae/i AssociationFearlessly Consequential CampaignCrowdfunding InitiativesTri-State RegionProfessional Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Report to the Assistant Vice President of Leadership Gifts
Serve as a key frontline fundraiser for the Vassar Fund
Manage an active portfolio of 200–250 rated prospects and lapsed donors
Solicit leadership annual gifts of $1,500 or more
Conduct in-person visits across the Tri-State region to cultivate relationships and solicit leadership annual fund gifts
Partner with Prospect Development and Research to identify unassigned regional prospects
Identify and qualify potential major gift prospects to build the Leadership Gifts pipeline
Maintain broad knowledge of College programs and serve as an informed institutional representative
Build a resource hub of relevant content for donors
Demonstrate giving impact, share institutional updates, and connect donors to volunteer, event, and Alumnae/i Association opportunities
Promote giving opportunities tied to the Fearlessly Consequential campaign, special projects, and crowdfunding initiatives
Collaborate with Annual Giving and Leadership Gifts teams, including Vassar Fund Day of Giving
Maintain donor records, contact reports, and activity tracking in the advancement CRM database
Travel frequently, approximately 2 weeks per month, primarily within the Tri-State region

Requirements

What you’ll need

2 years of professional experience in annual fund fundraising, direct sales, or marketing
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
Adept at using fundraising databases/CRM systems, Google Suite, social media, text messaging, phone, and Zoom
Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to solicit donors daily and articulate a compelling case for support
Strategic, hardworking, highly collaborative, organized, and adaptable in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment
High standard of ethical conduct in donor relationships
Regular, predictable attendance
Ability and willingness to travel frequently, approximately 2 weeks per month, primarily within the Tri-State region
Valid Driver’s license
Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
Familiarity with Vassar College programs, culture, and community preferred
Prior experience in higher education annual giving, particularly as a frontline fundraiser, or direct marketing coordinator preferred
Resume and cover letter required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid eligible work arrangement
Compensation of $65,200–$78,500 per year
Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work