Director of Principal Gifts

ZRG Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Pomona College in the search for a Director of Principal Gifts.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Complex, Legacy, and Principal Gifts, the Director of Principal Gifts be a talented, self-motivated, and intellectually curious fundraising professional with primary responsibility for the strategic growth of the principal gift program. Charged with contributing significant resources to develop and grow a sustainable pipeline of complex gifts with a focus on principal gifts, the Director will cultivate and close principal gifts of $1M+ from alumni, families, friends, donors, and prospects in support of the division's annual and multi-year campaign fundraising goals.

A primary responsibility for the Director will be securing new principal gifts of $1M+ that align, catalyze, and support institutional priorities and campaign initiatives. The Director will manage a portfolio of assigned alumni, families, friends, donors and prospects to generate interest in and to secure principal gift commitments, partnering with the Campaign Director and Assistant Vice President of Development on blended giving opportunities for alumni and families. The Director will also activate and support colleagues in sustained, donor-centric complex assets fundraising for the College's top priorities and campaign initiatives. The Director will provide vision and leadership for a comprehensive and well-integrated complex assets fundraising and principal gift program for Pomona in support of the most aspirational, comprehensive capital campaign in the history of the College, while also raising the level of giving beyond the campaign.

Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887, Pomona College is known for small classes, a challenging curriculum, close relationships between students and faculty, and a range of student research and leadership opportunities. Pomona College is a close-knit and diverse community of accomplished scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs, and artists who are passionate about making a difference in the world. Pomona students work closely with their professors in the classroom, in the lab, and in the field, and Its location—within an hour of Los Angeles and the mountains, desert, and beaches—provides countless opportunities for field study, research, and internships. Pomona holds a unique role in creating opportunity in American higher education and is committed to enrolling the best students regardless of financial circumstances. To that end, Pomona College is one of a small group of colleges committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all students who enroll. As a founding member of The Claremont Colleges, a unique consortium of seven colleges and graduate schools, Pomona offers both the advantages of a small liberal arts college and the resources of a large university.

Since 2020, Pomona's advancement team has grown and transformed as it prepares for the college's next comprehensive campaign, anticipated to be the most ambitious and impactful fundraising campaign in the College's history. For the second consecutive fiscal year, the Pomona College community has come together to support students and faculty at unprecedented levels — far surpassing all fundraising benchmarks in the institution's history. More than 7,900 alumni, family members, and friends gave a record $82.8 million in gifts and pledges this past fiscal year, signaling their steadfast commitment to elevating Pomona's transformative residential liberal arts education. This exceptional level of philanthropic support is generating strong momentum to advance the priorities outlined in the College's bold Strategic Vision.

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least seven years of experience of professional work with high net-worth clients or donors in the areas of principal gifts is required for this position. Management experience is preferred. A professional designation such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) is desirable. Pomona College will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to Pomona College, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Pomona College and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.

Pomona College is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Millie Taylor at millietaylor@aspenleadershipgroup.com.

To apply for this position, visit: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/6263.