Director of Development and Advancement at Ellis Medicine – Schenectady , New York

The Director of Development and Advancement is a newly created position designed to drive a modern and forward-looking approach to philanthropy. The Director works as part of the Foundation team with Trustees, staff and volunteers to cultivate and secure major gifts to advance patient care, capital projects, and clinical innovation, while fostering systems, relationships, and a culture of giving that supports sustainable growth. The position integrates innovation, technology, and data-driven strategies — including emerging AI applications — to strengthen donor engagement, streamline operations, and expand community impact.

This position will ensure data is used strategically to grow the next generation of major donors. By building the systems, analysis, and tools that help us understand donor behavior, this role identifies individuals who have both the capacity and the demonstrated interest to deepen their relationship with Ellis. The insights generated will guide our cultivation strategies, reduce the cost of acquiring new donors, and ensure that frontline fundraisers are investing their time with prospects most likely to become future major gift supporters.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT(S):

Bachelor’s degree required.

• Posses 5 years of progressive experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors and prospects.
• Proven track record of securing five figures and above.
• Must be knowledgeable in fundraising principles, tax laws impacting charitable giving, personal assets and estates.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

RIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

As a key member of the Foundation’s leadership team, the Director of Development and Advancement advances philanthropy through both proven and emerging strategies. This individual is responsible for major gift fundraising while driving modernization efforts that elevate the donor experience and enhance the Foundation’s long-term capacity. The role is designed to transform how development operates—blending traditional-based philanthropy with the intelligent use of technology and innovation to achieve measurable results that directly benefit patient care and community health.

Responsibilities:

• Engage a portfolio of 70–90 major gift donors and prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, to build and steward enduring relationships that inspire meaningful, sustainable, and transformational support.
• Identify and implement strategies to engage individuals and business leaders who support the hospital’s mission and strategic priorities, guiding them from donors and volunteers to becoming advocates and Trustees.
• Partner with Foundation and hospital leadership, clinicians, and program directors to connect donor interests with opportunities that advance care delivery, access, and innovation.
Develop and incorporate estate planning resources to assist in identifying and garnering planned gift commitments.
• Leverage technology and data analytics to assess fundraising performance, identify giving trends, forecast donor behavior and philanthropic outcomes, and broaden community engagement.

• Use fundraising systems and data analytics to inform strategy and modernize fundraising operations through the use of software, automation, and data intelligence to improve efficiency, measure results, and drive continuous improvement.

• Provide best practice guidance on the use of related add-on software to facilitate donations, registrations, communications, and engagement.
• Identify and champion new opportunities, partnerships, and approaches that expand the Foundation’s reach and philanthropic impact.

• Ensure accurate, ethical, and efficient management of all donor and gift data.
• Serve as a liaison to Foundation and hospital leadership, board members, and community stakeholders to align fundraising initiatives with institutional goals and priorities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Should be able to push/pull, lift/move 15 lb., be able to perform moderately difficult manual manipulations such as using a keyboard, writing, and filing for extended periods of time, must be able to perform tasks which require hand-eye coordination such as data entry, typing and using photo copiers. Mobility requirements may include the ability to be stationary at a workstation for a prolonged period time in addition to being able to squat or be mobile for a reasonable length of time and distance. Communication requirements include the ability to comprehend the spoken English language in addition to being able to communicate and read the English language.

Ellis Medicine is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest, or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, or domestic violence victim status.

Salary Range: $41.30-$61.94 /hour Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.