Director of Philanthropy

About the role

The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for managing a portfolio of approximately 125 donor prospects through a process of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to secure the financial support necessary to advance the strategic vision, goals, and priorities for Pitzer College.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a front-line fundraiser responsible for securing major gifts and pledges of $50,000 and above from alumni, parents, and friends of the College.
• Work closely with the AVP and other development officers to create long-range strategic plans and short-term operational plans to advance and strengthen the major gifts program.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of a minimum of 125 major gift prospects and donors, focusing on identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of gifts starting at $50,000 and above.
• Manage fundraising activities of assigned prospects, creating, implementing, and developing written cultivation strategies to advance gift conversations for the successful solicitation and closing of major gifts.
• Manage a strategic calendar of regional and national travel, including associated arrangement and documentation for expenses.
• Create and provide timely contact reports through the Raiser’s Edge NXT platform and activity reports that document identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activity.
• Attend and staff various development and alumni events, such as Move-In & Family Orientation, Family Weekend, Alumni Weekend, Commencement, and donor cultivation and recognition events.
• Provide support at special events and all-hands activities.
• Facilitate training, coordination, and oversight of volunteers, board members, faculty, alumni, and committee members as needed.
• Participate in regular meetings with Advancement staff to plan, implement, and evaluate objectives and strategies for the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects in support of approved College priorities.
• Partner with the Communications team to develop and deliver strategic donor messaging, ensuring major gift prospects and donors receive coordinated, compelling, and personalized communications aligned with fundraising priorities, special giving campaigns and events.
• Stay informed on best practices in the field and participate in professional development.

Requirements

• Demonstrated and recent success in achieving major gifts fundraising goals or demonstrated results in a similar field.
• Superior interpersonal and networking skills with an ability to work productively and congenially with a diverse community and engage alumni and parents in fundraising efforts.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to persuasively communicate the importance of the Pitzer liberal arts experience and the case for philanthropic support.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with an eye for detail. Ability to keep to a plan to achieve success.
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proven relationship-building skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse constituencies.
• Experience working with and managing the efforts of volunteers.
• Ability to work effectively and productively while maintaining composure in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of The Raiser’s Edge and NXT software preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel locally, regionally and nationally by vehicle and airplane.
• Ability to transport self to local, off-site events, including on weekend and evenings.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of progressive related experience in fundraising, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• A Master’s degree preferred.

Skills

• Superior interpersonal and networking skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Proven relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively and productively while maintaining composure in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of The Raiser’s Edge and NXT software.

Benefits

Pitzer College offers comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents, including competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Pay

Budgeted Salary Range: $120,000-$125,000 per year

Schedule

This is a regular, full-time position working 12 months per year. The regular hours for this position will be scheduled between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. These hours may vary due to needs of the College or department. Will be required to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays to support department events. Will be required to travel locally and nationally.