Lafayette College seeks a Parent Philanthropy Officer who will will play a pivotal role in engaging parents and families of current and former students as philanthropic partners in the College’s mission. The Parent Philanthropy Officer will serve as a frontline major gifts fundraiser, cultivating and soliciting philanthropic support from parents and families of current and former students. This role manages a portfolio of high-capacity parent prospects, advancing their relationships with the College through strategic engagement, personalized stewardship, and the development of customized giving opportunities. As a member of the Individual Giving team, the Parent Philanthropy Officer will play a critical role in building a strong culture of philanthropy among parents and families, strengthening their connections to the institution, and supporting the College’s fundraising priorities and campaign goals. The Parent Philanthropy Officer will also work in close collaboration with the Director of Parent and Family Engagement to ensure a seamless and meaningful experience for families. The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, build enduring relationships that connect families to Lafayette’s strategic priorities, and inspire meaningful investment in the College’s future.

Lafayette College is a highly selective liberal arts and engineering institution with an endowment in the top 2% of independent colleges nationally. Their beautiful campus overlooks the historic Delaware River, and their students, faculty, and staff take pride in the vibrant, inclusive community that defines Lafayette. Talented faculty, staff, and coaches challenge their students to move beyond the familiar—to take intellectual risks, engage deeply, and develop into thoughtful leaders. More than 2,700 students from 44 U.S. states and territories and 60 countries come to Lafayette to experience intimate and transformative classes, labs, and field experiences. Lafayette’s pioneering roots and continued impact on Easton, the Lehigh Valley, and beyond will soon be celebrated as the College prepares for its bicentennial in 2026. Lafayette College is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate education. Students are engaged in a transformative educational experience that bridges the liberal arts, engineering, and interdisciplinary study. The College fosters intellectual inquiry, artistic exploration, scholarship, and personal growth in a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community. Lafayette students become critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and responsible citizens of the world.

" This position offers the opportunity to develop and lead a thriving parent philanthropy program, including serving as the staff lead for the Parents Council—one of the College’s most engaged volunteer groups. It’s a joy to welcome a collaborative partner who recognizes the extraordinary role Lafayette parents play in shaping the College’s future. Together, we’ll harness their pride, energy, and generosity to propel Lafayette forward in this exciting next chapter. This role represents a unique opportunity to deepen family engagement and advance Lafayette’s philanthropic momentum during a dynamic period of institutional growth."— Valerie Downing, Associate Vice President for Individual Giving

For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.