Senior Philanthropy Officer

Overview

Senior Philanthropy Officer Jobs in Thousand Oaks, USA at Inside Higher Ed

University Background

California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran) is a federally recognized Hispanic‑Serving Institution founded in 1959 in Ventura County, serving approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and faiths. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person’s dignity.

Position Category

Staff (Exempt), FLSA:
Exempt, FTE: 1.0,

Location:

Thousand Oaks.

Basic Function

Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement and Partnerships, the Senior Philanthropy Officer is responsible for developing, managing, and advancing a portfolio of major‑gift prospects and donors in support of the university’s strategic priorities and comprehensive campaign. The role focuses on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of gifting $25,000 or more, expanding the major‑gift pipeline, and securing philanthropic support aligned with institutional priorities.

Representative

Duties

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts typically at the $25,000 level and above; develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for assigned prospects.
• Support campaign goals through strategic management of a defined portfolio of major‑gift prospects and donors, advancing relationships through all stages of the donor lifecycle.
• Manage an active portfolio of approximately 75 prospects and donors and maintain a strategic plan for each assigned prospect.
• Track and report progress using the university’s CRM system and established performance metrics.
• Direct research requests and provide information on university alumni, parents, and friends to qualify interest and giving potential.
• Maintain knowledge of current tax laws, investments, and planned‑giving opportunities, applying this knowledge in collaboration with advancement colleagues.
• Assist administrators and faculty in recognizing and prioritizing institutional and departmental funding needs.
• Cultivate and present proposals to corporate and foundation prospects in coordination with advancement leadership.
• Write or assist in drafting proposals and other materials necessary to develop compelling gift proposals aligned with donor interests.
• Lead donor recognition and/or publicity arrangements for important gifts, programs, accomplishments, or events.
• Enlist and train campaign volunteers; suggest changes to strengthen membership of existing volunteer boards or organizations.
• Develop, evaluate, and refine plans and timetables for regional, departmental, or thematic assignments; assist with planning and directing cultivation events or programs.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across University Advancement to support integrated fundraising strategies.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Knowledge

• Principles and practices of major‑gift fundraising, including donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Donor lifecycle management and portfolio strategy.
• Basic understanding of planned‑giving concepts and charitable gift vehicles.
• Higher education advancement practices and campaign structures.
• Use of CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge or similar).

Ability

• Develop and execute effective fundraising strategies for individual prospects across all stages of the donor lifecycle.
• Build and sustain strong, trust‑based relationships with donors, alumni, parents, and other key stakeholders.
• Solicit and close major gifts through personalized engagement and effective communication.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, including the development of proposals and donor communications.
• Manage a portfolio of prospects and prioritize activities to achieve fundraising goals and deadlines.
• Work collaboratively across a complex organization with faculty, leadership, staff, and volunteers.
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Analyze donor interests and align them with institutional priorities to develop compelling gift opportunities.
• Travel and conduct in‑person donor meetings as required.
• D…

Title: Senior Philanthropy Officer

Company: Inside Higher Ed

Location: Thousand Oaks, USA

Category: