Major Gifts Officer, Family Giving

Pomona College•Claremont, MN

2d•$103,171 - $119,937•Onsite

About The Position

Pomona College is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to develop and implement individualized development programs for major gift prospects, securing gifts of $100,000 or more. The officer manages a portfolio of current parents, past parents, and family donors through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, with travel to key donor markets. The role requires an understanding of family philanthropy and relationship-centered engagement, and close collaboration with Family Giving and Advancement teams in support of the College’s comprehensive campaign. Reporting directly to the Director of Family Giving, the officer works independently and collaboratively on donor engagement, proposals and gift agreements, stewardship, fundraising projects, and campus-wide priorities. The position also supports the Family Leadership Council and partners with Alumni and Family Engagement staff on parent and family programming. The officer builds relationships throughout the Pomona community and maintains in-depth knowledge of College programs, faculty, research, student life, and initiatives. This is a regular, full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position based in Claremont, California. Regular hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with monthly travel required. Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. Work hours and location may vary according to College or division needs. Employees must reside in California; staff positions are not eligible for visa or permanent resident card sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, business administration, a liberal arts field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least five years of professional work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A proven track record of accomplishments and taking initiative.
Ability to handle activities and highly confidential information with patience, discretion, good judgment, courtesy, and tact.
Ability to advocate effectively for the value of the liberal arts with all constituents.
Must reside in California.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated fundraising experience at an academic institution.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 120 to 140 major gift prospects—including current parents, past parents, and family donors—through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, with an emphasis on travel to key donor markets.
Prepare proposals for major gifts of $100,000 or more.
Develop long-term cultivation and engagement strategies for donors.
Build relationships with assigned prospects through in-person and virtual meetings, written communications, and electronic resources.
Assess prospects’ financial capability and willingness to support College goals and objectives.
Manage projects for specific fundraising objectives as required.
Create gift proposals and agreements, negotiate gift amounts and written terms, and monitor and ensure gift fulfillment.
Maintain donor stewardship contacts and adhere to the highest ethical standards.
Prepare briefings for meetings with senior campus leadership.
Assist in creating stewardship plans and monitor their implementation.
Participate in all stages of the donor engagement cycle, from initiating contact to securing gifts in a timely and appropriate manner.
Assist the Director of Family Giving in strengthening the Family Leadership Council through member recruitment, engagement, stewardship, and programming.
Serve as a resource for Advancement staff, including identifying potential volunteer connections and information about meeting and event spaces in key locations.
Secure support for campus-wide priorities established by campus leadership.
Coordinate special projects, tasks, and duties and provide assistance as assigned.
Partner with Alumni and Family Engagement staff on parent and family programming, including regional events such as Summer Welcome Parties and other family touchpoints.
Build strong relationships with current and past parents, faculty, staff, volunteers, and the broader Pomona College community.
Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of Pomona programs, key faculty, research, student life, and student initiatives.
Prepare prospect cultivation strategies in Salesforce, maintain solicitation statuses, retrieve database information for briefings, and record key prospect actions in the master database.