Director of Philanthropy

PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Claremont Graduate University is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Director of Philanthropy to work closely with university leadership to inspire philanthropic engagement with CGU. The position will report directly to the Vice President for Advancement and will combine the art and science of donor engagement—deep interpersonal and technical skills that inspire and steward significant philanthropy.

This position requires confidence and collegiality, as well as the expertise to formulate giving opportunities for donors. The Director will bring a depth of knowledge and best practices to the role, including expertise and knowledge of the full range of gift planning vehicles, up-to-date knowledge of current tax laws, and the use of effective and impactful donor engagement strategies.

The Director will collaborate with a small, high-performing Advancement team that understands the significance of philanthropy to the long-term success of the university.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the University President, Vice President for Advancement, and colleagues to plan and administer university-wide fundraising strategies.
• Serve as the primary contact for gift planning questions and instruments for donors; this includes working with donor advisors, accountants, lawyers, trust administrators, and other allied professionals.
• Initiate and strengthen donor relationships through consistent, meaningful outreach.
• Manage and execute the strategy for a portfolio of donors and prospects, setting goals in partnership with the VP and President.
• Oversee CGU’s legacy society—the Blaisdell Society—and ensure its effective stewardship and growth.

• Provide strategic oversight of a comprehensive planned giving operating and marketing plan in coordination with the overall goals of University Advancement.
• Coordinate activities on various legal and financial issues with the Vice President for Advancement and the Chief Financial Officer.
• Participate on the Gift Acceptance Committee and provide leadership and best practices for gift acceptance policies and procedures. This includes introduction and facilitation of new gift opportunities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Qualified individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be able 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.

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written/verbal communications skills.
• A proven track record and significant experience in philanthropy, specifically in initiating, soliciting, stewarding, and closing significant current-use and deferred gifts.
• Working knowledge of current federal (IRS) and state (CA) rules and regulations governing charitable giving.
• Understanding of and ability to apply marketing concepts and techniques, including market research and segmentation.
• Experience working on fundraising campaigns, including achieving financial goals that support capital and programmatic initiatives.
• Experience building and managing giving strategies, including setting financial goals.
• Sound management, leadership, and analytical skills.
• Proven self-starting and results-oriented creativity and commitment to working as part of a team enterprise.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

EDUCATION:   A bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s is preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 10 years’ experience working in higher education or a nonprofit environment in a major gift and planned giving capacity. Must have a proven track record and significant experience in fundraising, specifically in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, stewarding, and closing current use and deferred gifts. A Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) or other training that provides the essential skills and knowledge to carry out the duties of the position is preferred. Working knowledge of donor management systems. Proficiency or ability to learn and adapt to newly subscribed planned giving platforms.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES:  Must possess a valid California driver’s license.

OTHER PREFERENCES:  None.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENT:  None.

HOURS: This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt-level position. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS:  Benefits eligible; exempt

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:  No

REPORTS TO: Vice President for University Advancement

OTHER: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a full background check. Employment is contingent on the satisfactory results of the aforementioned and compliance with the requirements cited in this job description.

Physical Activities

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
☐ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☒ Constantly

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
☐ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☒ Constantly

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
☐ Never         ☒ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Adjusting or moving objects up to __ pounds in all directions.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Communicating with others to exchange information.
☐ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☒ Constantly

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
☐ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☒ Constantly

Operating machinery and/or power tools.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
☐ Never         ☒ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
☐ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☒ Constantly

Environmental Conditions

Low temperatures.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

High temperatures.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Noisy environments.
☐ Never         ☒ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Hazardous conditions.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Poor ventilation.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Small and/or enclosed spaces.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

No adverse environmental conditions expected.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Physical Demands

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
☐ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☒ Constantly

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.
☒ Never         ☐ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

EEO Statement:

Claremont Graduate University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender and/ or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, sex, age, sexual orientation, or physical disability or any other legally protected basis in its employment practice and in admission of students to educational programs and activities in accordance with the requirement of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title I of the American Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable laws. CGU is committed to affirmative action in employment practices regarding ethnic minorities, the physically challenged, Vietnam-era veterans, and women. This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of the employment position. It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of the employment position.  It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others.

It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Successful completion of criminal background and DMV checks required for final candidate.