Major Gift Officer (NY) - Scripps College

About the role

The Major Gifts Officer for the East Coast territory at Scripps College will serve as a key frontline fundraiser responsible for cultivating and strengthening relationships with Scripps College's most generous supporters. Reporting to the Director of Development and Major Gifts, you will manage a portfolio of approximately 125–150 major and leadership gift prospects, developing long-term strategies that inspire transformational philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic, multi-year cultivation plans for a portfolio of approximately 125–150 major and leadership gift prospects.
• Secure major gifts ranging from $25,000 to $500,000+, while helping build the pipeline for leadership, planned, and principal gifts.
• Maintain annual fundraising goals for both new commitments and cash received.
• Prepare compelling gift proposals, stewardship plans, and gift agreements in partnership with Advancement leadership.
• Collaborate with planned giving and leadership giving colleagues on complex and multi-year philanthropic opportunities.
• Represent Scripps College throughout the East Coast, strengthening relationships with alumni, parents, and friends.
• Prepare donor briefings and background materials for the President, Vice President, and other senior leaders.
• Partner with donor relations, annual giving, alumnae engagement, and campus leadership to create exceptional donor experiences.
• Engage volunteer leaders and advisory groups in fundraising initiatives as appropriate.
• Plan and execute strategic travel throughout the East Coast to maximize donor engagement and solicitation opportunities.
• Represent the College at regional events, cultivation programs, and donor gatherings.
• Travel approximately 5–15 days per month to meet with prospects and attend College events.
• Develop long-term engagement strategies that strengthen Scripps College's philanthropic presence across the territory.
• Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and campus leaders to connect donor interests with institutional priorities.
• Participate in prospect strategy meetings and campaign planning.
• Contribute to fundraising forecasts, pipeline management, and divisional planning.
• Share best practices that strengthen fundraising effectiveness across the Advancement team.
• Maintain accurate donor strategies, proposals, and contact reports within the CRM system.
• Analyze portfolio performance and adjust strategies to meet fundraising goals.
• Support data-informed fundraising decisions through pipeline analysis and forecasting.
• Champion the College's Principles of Community and institutional values.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Three or more years of nonprofit fundraising, higher education advancement, or related development experience.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts while managing a strategic donor portfolio.
• Ability to build long-term relationships with high-capacity donors and volunteer leaders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development and donor presentations.
• Experience developing fundraising strategies, managing pipelines, and meeting measurable fundraising goals.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout the East Coast (up to approximately 15 days per month).
• Valid U.S. driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of progressively responsible fundraising experience in higher education or nonprofit development.
• Experience securing gifts of $50,000 or more.
• Campaign fundraising and/or leadership annual giving experience.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge, GiveCampus, or comparable donor CRM systems.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices within higher education.
• Passion for women's education and the liberal arts.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated annual salary range for the New York-based position is $100,000–$107,500. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors. Scripps College offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Learn more about benefits available through The Claremont Colleges Services here: https://services.claremont.edu/benefits-administration/benefit-plan-information/

Tuition Benefit Program

Scripps College offers a tuition benefit program to eligible employees and their dependent children after one year of employment. Full-time employees and qualifying part-time employees can receive tuition assistance to pursue an undergraduate degree, and in some cases a job-related master's degree. Dependent children may receive tuition assistance equal to up to 50% of tuition and required fees for an undergraduate degree, subject to program limits and any scholarships received. The benefit covers tuition and required fees only and does not include expenses such as books, housing, or meal plans.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Scripps College is an At-Will employer. Regular employment at the College is for no specified period of time; conditions and status of employment are subject to change at any time. Employees, and likewise the College, are free to end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice or cause, unless otherwise prohibited by law.