Director of Philanthropy

Point Loma Nazarene University • San Diego, CA

29d • $90,000 - $111,993

About The Position

Join Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) as our next Director of Philanthropy, where you’ll play a vital role in cultivating relationships with donors and advancing PLNU’s mission. In this role, you will develop and manage a portfolio of parent philanthropic partners and lead efforts to secure major and planned gifts that drive the university’s strategic priorities. This is a unique opportunity for a results-driven fundraiser to make a significant impact in Christian higher education.

Requirements

• Understanding of and commitment to the spiritual mission of the University.
• Understanding of Christian higher education combined with the ability to articulate the mission and vision of PLNU and the value of its education within the broader higher education context.
• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of ten years of successful fundraising experience.
• Experience with planned giving.
• Self-starter with a proven track record of achieving quantitative and qualitative philanthropic goals and initiatives, with or without capital projects or campaigns.
• Ability to actively listen to donors to identify areas of common interest with university and/or departmental priorities and to develop a compelling case for the university.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with upgrading donors to major and planned gifts.
• Proven ability to work collegially, collaboratively, and effectively with Advancement colleagues, colleagues across campus, senior level management, and a range of external constituencies.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment consistent with department and university guidelines.
• Must be flexible and adaptable.
• Excellent organization, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Must be proficient with Windows, Word, Excel, Google Suite.
• Experience and proficiency with Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge or similar fundraising software.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrity, patience, and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• At all times, adhere to the principles of ethics and standard practices as articulated in the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement.
• In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant .
• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check.
• PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.
• Ability to travel to the Point Loma Campus an average of one day per week.
• Sitting for periods greater than one hour.
• Use of computer equipment: computer keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
• Vision to read documents, e-mail, and other correspondence, and reports on paper and computer monitor.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others in person and by phone.
• Ability to stand, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 20 lbs throughout the day.

Nice To Haves

• A proven fundraising professional with a track record of meeting or exceeding major gift goals.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors.
• Excellent relationship builder who thrives in face-to-face donor engagement.
• Skilled strategist who can create annual work plans and execute complex development strategies.
• Collaborative team player who partners effectively across Advancement and campus leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communicator who can craft compelling proposals.
• Tech-savvy professional with experience using donor management software (Raiser’s Edge or similar).
• Flexible and adaptable individual willing to travel regionally and nationally.
• Mission-driven leader who can represent PLNU’s values and vision to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Building and managing a portfolio of major donor prospects, focusing on parents across Southern California.
• Conducting 12–15 donor visits monthly, moving prospects through the Moves Management cycle.
• Developing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies in consultation with the VP for University Advancement.
• Preparing proposals, gift agreements, and stewardship materials to secure major and planned gifts.
• Collaborating with campus leaders to align donor interests with university priorities.
• Leading efforts to support initiatives such as Green4Gold/Giving Days and comprehensive campaigns.
• Maintaining accurate and timely donor contact records in Raiser’s Edge.
• Participating in prospect management meetings, Advancement staff meetings, and university events.
• Partnering with Stewardship and Advancement Services teams to ensure excellent donor experience.
• Representing PLNU at donor events, weekends, and special programs, including travel as needed.

Benefits

• We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources.
• This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year.
• In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees