Planned Giving Officer

Claremont McKenna College•Claremont, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is seeking an experienced relationship management professional with the proven ability to build and maintain sophisticated donor relationships. The Planned Giving Officer will be responsible for cultivation and solicitation of significant estate commitments and life income gifts from CMC alumni, parents, and friends. The Planned Giving Officer will manage a portfolio of individuals who have demonstrated interest in supporting CMC’s long-term mission of strategic priorities. The Planned Giving Officer must actively seek out opportunities to develop relationships to ensure a strong base of high-level philanthropic support. This role operates in a cross-collaborative manner in partnership with the offices of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Leadership Giving, and Annual Giving. They must have a clear understanding of the role that philanthropy can fulfill in an individual’s personal, financial, and legacy objectives in support of CMC.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is required.
Three to five years of experience in professional fundraising, relationship management or financial services, and demonstrated success in managing a diverse portfolio of clients or donors is required.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with individuals of all levels.
Ability to translate complex financial or institutional concepts into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
Experience navigating a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Strong organizational skills and proficiency in database management and strategic planning.
Working knowledge of the philanthropic spectrum, from annual support to long-term principal, complex, and legacy gifts.
Understanding of the "art and science" of donor relations—balancing personal connection with data-driven strategy.
A valid driver’s license or equivalent alternate form of transportation to off-site meetings and events is required.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to be insured under the College’s authorized driver’s policy is required to drive College-owned vehicles.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategies for cultivating, soliciting and closing estate gifts that align with donor intent and College needs.
Educate donors and prospects on the spectrum of estate giving options that align with their assets and goals.
Regularly meet with existing and prospective donors to provide institutional updates, discuss philanthropic goals, and present strategic funding opportunities.
In collaboration with the broader Advancement team, prepare detailed, personalized proposals to educate prospective donors and their advisors on the impact and benefits of various giving vehicles.
Develop and implement strategies to maximize the retention and continued engagement of the College’s most loyal long-term supporters.
Serve as a key liaison to CMC’s Leadership Giving Officers to collaborate and assist with the closing of estate commitments from major gift prospects.
Maintain accurate prospect tracking and regularly update the College’s records by preparing comprehensive reports of communications and engagement strategies.
Maintain high-level knowledge of CMC’s strategic priorities and associated fundraising priorities.
Support reunion class fundraising efforts, guide volunteer committees, and keep members updated on priorities to create impactful reunion giving milestones.
Support CMC signature events by ensuring effective event communication to Legacy Partner members and through personalized donor engagement and programming opportunities at the event.
Learn and maintain technical expertise in the areas of planned giving, charitable estate planning, and income, gift, and estate taxation.
Travel to maintain a high-touch presence with the donor base.
Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.