Mount Holyoke College (MHC), a private liberal arts women’s college that is gender diverse, seeks a creative, courageous, and mission-driven Director of Leadership Giving (Director) to cultivate major gifts and lead a growing team during a time of renewal, vigor, and bold action as the College continues its legacy as a trailblazer in women’s education and a powerhouse of changemakers and visionaries. The Director will be a proactive and strategic leader responsible for spearheading a donor-centric fundraising program across key markets in the U.S. in support of the MHC Forward Strategic Plan, calling upon the support of a fiercely loyal and connected alum community representative of the fearless leaders and boundless learners who attend and work at Mount Holyoke.
As the oldest member of the historic Seven Sisters colleges, Mount Holyoke’s history as an educational institution forged in dissent is central to its vision for the future. Rooted in a nearly 200-year history of challenging exclusion and advancing gender equity, the College remains unwavering in its support for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility—even as these values face threats. MHC has been a trailblazer in inclusive admissions policies, becoming the first of the Seven Sisters to welcome trans and nonbinary students. With a proud legacy of global renown, the College fiercely advocates for its international student community, which represents 20 percent of students. Nationally recognized for its high level of undergraduate research, Mount Holyoke continues to invest in scholarly research and discovery. The College earned the prestigious Carnegie Classification as a baccalaureate college with “Arts & Sciences Focus and High Research,” and ranks #1 among U.S. institutions for producing graduates who go on to earn PhDs in the life sciences and STEM.
Under President Danielle Holley’s leadership, the Mount Holyoke community is alive with ambition and purpose to support the MHC Forward Strategic Plan, which lays out a bold vision to ensure Mount Holyoke’s enduring excellence and transformative impact. MHC Forward sets the foundation for the College’s next comprehensive campaign, set to launch in the fall of 2026. Mount Holyoke’s culture of principled boldness and forward-thinking momentum offers an inspiring context for the Director to contribute to a mission deeply rooted in societal impact at a time when women’s colleges are more important than ever.
In partnership with the Associate Vice President for Development, the Director will lead a team of six, ensuring the team’s professional growth and collective fundraising success. Working closely with colleagues across College Relations, the Director will help develop and execute College-wide fundraising strategies, designing compelling cases for support, and facilitating regular collaboration and communication across campus to advance Mount Holyoke’s strategic priorities. As a senior leader on the development team, the Director will serve as a thought partner to campus leaders in identifying fundraising opportunities, enabling data-informed decisions, and implementing innovative strategies. Grounded in creative and relationship-driven approaches, the Director will manage a portfolio of donors and prospects to secure gifts of at least six and seven figures while promoting proven fundraising practices within the Leadership Giving team and across the College.
The successful candidate will bring at least seven years of progressive leadership experience and a proven ability to secure major and principal gifts, in addition to five years of management experience. The ideal candidate will possess outstanding communication skills, passion for Mount Holyoke’s mission, and a commitment to inclusive fundraising practices, along with a proactive, thoughtful, and transparent management style. The candidate must possess a high level of integrity and credibility; be a self-starter with a clear set of priorities; and be adaptable to changing circumstances. In accordance with its core values and mission, MHC is especially interested in recruiting members of diverse communities and individuals who will promote and uphold the values embodied within the College’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement.
Application Instructions
Mount Holyoke College has partnered with Talent Citizen to assist in this recruitment. Please reach out to President Tracy D. Welsh, Managing Associate Rachel K. Partin, and Associate José Cisneros to share your resume and cover letter via email at: mhc-dlg@talentcitizen.com.
Mount Holyoke College is a women’s college that is gender diverse. The College is committed to providing equal access and opportunity in employment and education to all employees and students. In compliance with state and federal law, Mount Holyoke College does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, genetic information, sex, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, ancestry, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law.
