Regional Major Gifts Officer bei The Claremont Colleges

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Job Description:

PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Regional Major Gift Officer (MGO) is a frontline fundraiser responsible for securing philanthropic support from alumnae, parents, and friends of the College. Reporting to the Director of Development and Major Gifts, the MGO manages a portfolio of 75–100 major gift prospects and is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more.

This position is integral to advancing the College’s strategic fundraising priorities, including capital projects, endowed scholarships, and current-use support. We are hiring for two Regional Major Gift Officers. One position will focus on the Southwest territory, and the other will focus on the East Coast territory, with additional regional assignments based upon department needs. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This information is intended to be a descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position.  The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position. Perform other duties as assigned.

Major Gift Fundraising & Portfolio Management

• Develop and execute personalized strategies to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 75–100 major gift prospects for the funding priorities in support of the Scripps College’s strategic plan.

• Conduct at least 120 donor visits annually, leading to 24+ major gift solicitations per year.

• Craft and present compelling proposals aligned with institutional priorities.

• Maintain detailed and timely contact reports and donor records within the College’s CRM system.

• Collaborate with development leadership to build a pipeline of future major and planned gift donors.

Strategic Donor Engagement

• Deepen alumnae and parent engagement through one-on-one meetings, regional events, and volunteer opportunities.

• Partner with colleagues in donor relations, annual giving, and alumnae engagement to enhance the donor experience.

• Develop and implement tailored stewardship plans that communicate the impact of giving and Scripps’ ability to steward gifts with integrity.

Travel & Territory Management

• Proactively plan and execute monthly travel (5–15 days/month) within assigned region.

• Represent the College at regional events, in-home visits, and other donor-facing opportunities.

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as a key liaison between donors and campus partners, including faculty and senior administrators.

• Participate in cross-departmental fundraising planning and strategy development.

• Contribute to a culture of philanthropy across the institution.

Operations, Measurement and Analysis

• Develop goals and metrics to measure outcomes of new and existing strategies for use in external and internal reporting.

• Analyze patterns of indirect fundraising strategies on alumnae, parent and friend participation.

• Understand the College’s current database and database strategy.

• Perform other related duties and other special projects as assigned.

• Active support for the College’s Principles of Community and Institutional Values in the performance of job duties.   

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:  

Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Ability to convey commitment and passion for Scripps College while representing the College and the department in a professional manner at all times.

• Passion for women's education and liberal arts values.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to detail; able to craft compelling donor messaging.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and projects.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor CRM systems; experience with Raiser's Edge and GiveCampus or similar platforms preferred.

• Ability to take initiative and demonstrate strategic and creative thinking. 

• Strong interpersonal and networking skills to collaborate effectively with multiple diverse constituencies.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Must be efficient in prioritizing work on simultaneous projects, while being adaptable.

• Knowledge of industry best practices in higher education or other non-profits is preferred.

• Knowledge and experience with social media strategy and trends.

• Ability and willingness to travel.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree required or any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Minimum 3 years of experience in non-profit fundraising, secondary or higher education development, and/or a related field development experience, including annual campaigns is preferred.

Experience securing major gifts and building long-term donor relationships is preferred.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES: 

None.

OTHER:

HOURS & CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS:

This is a regular status, full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position.

The regular hours for this position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Hours will vary based on the needs of the College.

Must be available to work nights and weekends. Regular travel is expected—up to 15 days/month.

While the College values in-person instruction and interaction as one of its hallmarks of a residential liberal arts education, Scripps College recognizes that certain positions may be able to complete some work remotely. This position has been identified as one that can complete some duties remotely. A telecommuting schedule is provided at the discretion of the divisional Vice President and will be determined at the time of hire. The College reserves the right to modify the telecommuting policy at any time and adjust an employee’s telecommuting schedule based on the needs of the College and/or employee performance.

Salary range: $68,640-$81,500 annualized. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate. 

Physical and Mental Requirements

Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans. 

Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.  Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.  Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.  Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters.  Ability to hear within normal parameters.  Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file.  Ability to move about.  Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example to lift or move office supplies, files, books and packages.

At-Will Employment

Regular employment at the College is for no specified period of time; conditions and status of employment (hours, pay, title, duties, etc.) are subject to change at any time.  Scripps College is an At-Will employer.  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.