Assistant Director of Leadership Giving

About Us

The House of the Good Shepherd (HGS) has been changing children’s lives for over 150 years. We provide individualized, compassionate care to youth and families through a range of residential, educational, community, and foster care programs across Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and North Country. Our agency is built on a foundation of empathy, resilience, and the Sanctuary Model of care, which guides our commitment to healing and hope.

What You’ll Do

As the Assistant Director of Leadership Giving, you’ll focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding leadership-level donors while helping to build a strong pipeline for an enhanced major gifts program. You’ll also play an active role in our capital campaign, working closely with senior leadership and campaign consultants to advance fundraising strategy, manage donor engagement, and support high-impact events and initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of philanthropy at HGS while gaining professional growth and mentorship in major gift fundraising. You’ll work as part of a collaborative team that values creativity, strategy, and mission-driven results.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who brings initiative, professionalism, and relationship-building skills to donor engagement and campaign support. The ideal candidate is flexible, organized, and excited to grow within a mission-driven team environment.

Qualifications and Preferred Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred
• 2–4 years of experience in fundraising, donor engagement, or related work
• Previous capital campaign experience a plus
• Experience with donor databases (DonorPerfect or similar) preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work evenings/weekends as needed for donor meetings and events

Key Skills and Attributes

• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong follow-through
• Skilled at building relationships and communicating impact effectively
• Strategic thinker who can connect annual giving with long-term major gift goals
• Professional, discreet, and dependable when handling sensitive donor information
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Positive, adaptable, and motivated to contribute to a culture of philanthropy

Why Work with Us?

We believe caring for our staff is just as important as caring for our youth and families. That’s why we offer:

• Hybrid work flexibility (with in-office presence for key meetings/events)
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement plan with agency match
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities
• Ongoing training and opportunities for advancement
• Mission-driven work that makes a lasting difference

Equal Opportunity Employer

The House of the Good Shepherd is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. HGS encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and those with disabilities. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access throughout the hiring process.