Director of External Relations & Leadership Giving

The Director of External Relations & Leadership Giving is a leadership position responsible for assisting with managing and advancing Landmark College’s major gift fundraising efforts. This role involves strategic planning, donor engagement, and development of major gifts that align with Landmark’s goals. The Director of External Relations & Leadership Giving will work closely with the President, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Major Gifts Director, Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders to build strong relationships with alumni, parents, corporations and individual donors.

The primary goal is to secure substantial philanthropic support to fund key College priorities including the Annual Fund and Capital Campaign.

Based on Development Plan, assist with developing and implementing a Major Gift strategy. Work with the Major Gifts Director to design and implement a comprehensive major gifts strategy to secure donations for the college’s top priorities. Identify specific fundraising goals, with emphasis on annual support, capital campaign, and planned giving. Collaborate with the VP for Institutional Advancement, Major Gifts Director and President to align fundraising goals with the institution’s strategic plan.

Regularly report to the President and VP for Institutional Advancement on the progress of major gifts, providing insights into challenges and successes. Serve as a liaison between the college’s leadership team and external constituencies to enhance partnerships and communication.

Identify and Cultivate Prospective Donors: Develop a pipeline of high-potential major gift donors through supported research and relationship‑building. Engage with high-net‑worth individuals, alumni, and other potential donors through phone calls, email, personal meetings, online meetings, events, and strategic outreach.

Donor Relationship/Stewardship Management: Build and maintain relationships with existing major gift donors, keeping them informed of the impact of their contributions and recognizing their continued support. Develop individualized cultivation plans for key prospects to encourage significant contributions. Collaborate with Institutional Advancement staff to ensure proper acknowledgment and recognition of major donors.

Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects capable of making transformative donations. Facilitate solicitation meetings with high‑net‑worth individuals, with a focus on gifts of $25,000 or more.

Utilize Landmark College’s CRM (NXT/Raiser’s Edge) system to track and report on donor activities, progress, and overall engagement effectiveness. Provide timely and accurate reporting to senior leadership on major gifts progress, including regular updates to the VP for Institutional Advancement and the President.

Work with the communication and marketing team to ensure that major gift successes are highlighted in alumni newsletters, social media, and other institutional publications. Represent Landmark College at key events to promote philanthropic engagement.

Increased donors and support for the Capital Campaign;
Annual fundraising goals met or exceeded;
Expansion of major gift portfolio and increased donor retention;
Enhanced relationships between the college and its major supporters.

The Director will bring a deep understanding of development strategy, trends, and emerging opportunities. This role calls for an individual with exceptional interpersonal instincts and someone who builds trust naturally, cultivates meaningful partnerships, and communicates the mission with authenticity and passion. Equally important is demonstrated excellence in core fundraising competencies, including major gift cultivation and solicitation, stewardship, relationship building, and long‑term donor engagement.

This position is based on‑site at Landmark College in Putney, Vermont and requires a strong understanding of and willingness to travel nationwide to cultivate and steward relationships…