Polytechnic School Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Director of Development, School of Science (Sr. Major Gift Officer)
Job no: 495839
Work type: Full Time
Location: Troy, NY
Categories: Staff, Development and Fundraising
Who we are
Why Rensselaer? Join Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's dynamic global community of changemaker including some of the world's leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity.
Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world's fastest supercomputers, and an IBM Quantum One computer - the first university-based quantum computer in the U.S.
Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!
Job Summary
**To express interest, please email resume & supporting materials to Wendy Wilsker with Boyden Executive Search at wwilsker@boyden.com.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPREHENSIVE DIGITAL BRIEF
The Sr. Major Gift Officer will serve as the Director of Development for the School of Science and is the lead Advancement Officer in the school and responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive advancement program to secure philanthropic resources for the top priority projects of the Institute and the school. The Senior Major Gift Officer will work cooperatively and collegially with members of the Institute's Central Advancement Office, to effectively build successful fund-raising programs for the school.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible fundraising experience
• Experience in higher education and demonstrated record of cultivation and closing major gifts
• Valid U.S. driver license required
Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Proven ability to establish and maintain relationships with major gift prospects and to close gifts.
• Ability to set priorities while also contributing to team effort in Institute Advancement.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to deal with very technical information and to translate this information into a product salable to non-technical internal and external constituencies
• Flexibility in dealing with a wide variety of people; ability to process information quickly and accurately
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet established goals and objectives
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of Rensselaer and the major initiatives
• Ability to multi-task, handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to work in a team environment
Shift
Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required
Travel
Travel is a significant component of the position (greater than 25%)
Driving
Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use
Starting Salary/Rate
Expected hiring range: $130,000 - $145,000
Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate's salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate's qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer's good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.
Application instructions
**To express interest, please email resume & supporting materials to Wendy Wilsker with Boyden Executive Search at wwilsker@boyden.com.
Job Posted Date
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Total Compensation and Benefits Information
Rensselaer's Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).
Rensselaer is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer's work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.
Advertised: 13 Mar 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App