Major Gifts Officer

General Description

Working independently and reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Advancement, the Major Gifts Officer manages a portfolio of approximately 125 donor prospects. The role involves identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts and pledges of $50,000 and above to advance the strategic vision, goals, and priorities for Pitzer College.

• Secure major gifts and pledges of $50,000 and above from alumni, parents, and friends of the College.
• Develop and manage a minimum 125–major‑gift prospect portfolio, focusing on identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of gifts starting at $50,000 and above.
• Create, implement, and develop written cultivation strategies to advance gift conversations for successful solicitation and closing of major gifts.
• Manage a strategic calendar of regional and national travel, including arrangement and documentation for expenses.
• Collaborate with the AVP, other development officers, and the Annual Giving Team to advance the major gifts program and secure leadership annual gifts.
• Articulate persuasive messaging about deferred giving opportunities and work with the Planned Giving Director to present deferred giving alongside major gifts.
• Create and provide timely contact reports through the Raiser's Edge NXT platform and activity reports documenting all major‑gift activities.
• Attend and staff various development and alumni events, including Move‑In & Family Orientation, Family Weekend, Alumni Weekend, Commencement, and donor cultivation and recognition events.
• Coordinate and oversee volunteers, board members, faculty, alumni, and committee members at events and activities.
• Participate in regular meetings with Advancement staff to plan, implement, and evaluate objectives and strategies for major‑gift prospects in support of approved College priorities.
• Partner with the Communications team to develop and deliver personalized donor messaging aligned with fundraising priorities, special giving campaigns, and events.
• Stay informed on best practices in the field and participate in professional development.
• Attend college‑wide events, lectures, exhibits, and other campus activities to maintain community presence.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned or directed.

• Demonstrated and recent success in achieving major‑gift fundraising goals or similar experience.
• Superior interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to work productively with a diverse community.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, capable of persuasively communicating the importance of the Pitzer liberal arts experience.
• Superior organizational and planning skills with an eye for detail.
• Strategic and tactical thinking to develop and execute individual and departmental goals.
• Proven relationship‑building skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse constituencies.
• Experience working with and managing volunteers.
• Ability to maintain composure in a fast‑paced, results‑oriented environment.
• Knowledge of the Raiser's Edge and NXT software preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally by vehicle and airplane.
• Ability to work effectively from remote locations with reliable computer and internet connectivity.

Must have a Bachelor’s degree. Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Preferred qualification:
Master’s degree.

Budgeted salary range: $120,000–$125,000 per year. The position includes comprehensive benefits: health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement savings plans; generous paid time off; tuition reimbursement; tuition exchange program participation; and more.

Position is generally sedentary. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods, operate a computer, communicate via email and phone, read printed materials and screens, work in a standard office setting, and assist with event setup. Requires reaching overhead, grasping, pulling, pushing, stooping, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 15 pounds. Stamina to travel as needed and manage a high‑volume workload in a fast‑paced environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non‑Discrimination:
Pitzer College adheres to both the letter and spirit of Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action. The institution does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition, or veteran status. Pitzer encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.