Planned Giving Officer

Planned Giving Officer

Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is seeking an experienced planned giving professional with the capacity to build and maintain donor relationships. The Planned Giving Officer will be responsible for cultivation and solicitation of life income and bequest gifts from CMC alumni, parents and friends. Reporting to the Director of Planned Giving, the Planned Giving Officer will be responsible for managing a portfolio of individuals who have demonstrated interest in supporting CMC with life income or bequest donations.

The Planned Giving Officer must actively seek out opportunities, both on and off-campus, to develop and implement initiatives to ensure a strong base of high‑level philanthropic support, in a cross‑collaborative manner in partnership with the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Leadership Giving, and Annual Giving. They must have a clear understanding of the role that philanthropy can play in fulfilling an individual's personal and financial objectives in support of CMC.

• Develop and implement strategies for cultivating, soliciting and closing planned giving life income and bequest gifts.
• Research and prepare detailed proposals to educate and inform prospective donors and their advisors as to the benefits of life income gifts.
• Regularly meet with existing and prospective donors to provide updates on existing gifts and detailed proposals.
• Steward existing donors and beneficiaries through regular communication; update them on CMC and the planned giving program; and assist in quickly resolving problems or questions as they arise.
• Coordinate donor and prospect visits in association with other members of the Advancement fundraising team.
• Maintain prospect tracking and regularly update the College's record for each prospect by preparing comprehensive reports of communications and strategies.
• Serve as point person in drafting governing documents related to life income gifts and the establishment of named funds, ensuring agreements comply with CMC's gift acceptance, endowment, and spending policies.
• Excel in a holistic approach, which uses all resources of the College, including College leadership, Admission, Athletics and Soll Center for Student Opportunities connections.
• Travel on a regional basis will be required. Evening and weekend work around College events and activities will be required.
• In partnership with the Director of Planned Giving, oversee the planned giving‑specific aspects of the overall leadership and individual giving pipeline to ensure donors move forward through the donor life cycle.
• Provide planned giving expertise, guidance and support to fellow frontline staff.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize the retention of alumni legacy donors.
• Provide continual coordination with College's planned gift administration and investment team to assist, as required, in the management of all planned gifts, to provide required information about donor preferences and objectives.
• Resolve any donor or agreement related problems in a quick and timely manner.
• Maintain technical expertise in the areas of planned giving, charitable estate planning, and income, gift and estate taxation. Be prepared to provide advice and assistance to other members of the CMC staff in these areas.
• Participate in professional organizations in charitable gift planning and tax matters.
• Assist in the management of reunion class fundraising efforts. Lead regular committee meetings, offer guidance and support for fundraising priorities, and keep volunteers updated about what is needed to create an impactful reunion event.
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education:

Bachelor's degree required or commensurate education and / or experience.

Experience:

Three to five years of experience in planned giving required. Formal training in charitable gift and estate planning preferred. Familiarity with financial and tax planning preferred. Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, excellent writing skills and ability to work independently and as a member of a team in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment.

Licenses: A valid…