Gift Planning Officer

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$97,717.00/yr - $/yr

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Mount Holyoke College (MHC), a private liberal arts women’s college that is gender diverse, seeks a curious, creative, and diplomatic fundraiser to join the MHC Development team as Gift Planning Officer (GPO) during a time of renewal, vigor, and bold action as the College continues its legacy as a trailblazer in women’s education and a powerhouse of changemakers and visionaries. The GPO will be an integral member of the Development team in securing blended and deferred philanthropic support across the U.S. in support of the MHC Forward Strategic Plan, calling upon the support of a fiercely loyal and connected alum community representative of the fearless leaders and boundless learners who attend and work at Mount Holyoke.

As the oldest member of the historic Seven Sisters colleges, Mount Holyoke’s history as an educational institution forged in dissent is central to its vision for the future. Rooted in a nearly 200-year history of challenging exclusion and advancing gender equity, the College remains unwavering in its support for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility—even as these values face threats. MHC has been a trailblazer in inclusive admissions policies, becoming the first of the Seven Sisters to welcome trans and nonbinary students.

With a proud legacy of global renown, the College fiercely advocates for its international student community, which represents 20 percent of students. Nationally recognized for its high level of undergraduate research, Mount Holyoke continues to invest in scholarly research and discovery. Historically, Mount Holyoke has been a premier producer of women who earn doctorates in STEM. According to 2024 data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), Mount Holyoke ranks #1 among baccalaureate colleges for women alums earning PhDs in the life sciences (1972–2022) and is virtually tied for the top spot in any STEM field.

The College earned the prestigious Carnegie Classification as a baccalaureate college with “Arts & Sciences Focus and High Research.”

Under President Danielle Holley’s leadership, the Mount Holyoke community is alive with ambition and purpose to support the MHC Forward Strategic Plan, which lays out a bold vision to ensure Mount Holyoke’s enduring excellence and transformative impact. MHC Forward sets the foundation for the College’s next comprehensive campaign, launching in the fall of 2026. Mount Holyoke’s culture of principled boldness and forward-thinking momentum offers an inspiring context for the GPO to contribute to a mission deeply rooted in societal impact at a time when women’s colleges are more important than ever.

The GPO reports to the Director of Gift Planning and plays a central role in advancing the College’s strategic priorities as a key frontline fundraiser responsible for managing a portfolio of MHC alums, partners, and friends. In partnership with senior leaders and internal partners, the GPO will utilize data and research to identify and qualify prospects, develop creative and meaningful cultivation plans, and formulate effective solicitation strategies.

The GPO will be an engaging and visible ambassador of the College and collaborate across the College Relations division to ensure a coordinated and personalized donor experience. The GPO will be a key contributor in the College’s efforts to maintain the prominent role of planned gifts in achieving annual fundraising goals.

The ideal candidate will be a values-driven, goal-oriented professional with four to five years of experience building and nurturing strong relationships to secure resources within a complex organization. The GPO must have a strong understanding of development, technical acumen, knowledge of higher education, and the ability to build trust and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The successful candidate must have exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills and a collegial, team-building style with a demonstrated ability to cultivate productive, collaborative…