Executive Director, Principal Gifts

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development, the Executive Director, Principal Gifts provides strategic leadership to grow Occidental's Principal Gifts Program. The Executive Director is responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting transformational philanthropic investments ($500K+) that advance the College's mission and top priorities, managing a portfolio of Occidental's most generous donors and high-capacity prospects.

The Executive Director will provide guidance and mentorship for members of the Institutional Advancement team on fundraising strategies for securing principal gifts. The Executive Director will work closely with senior leadership, including leadership volunteers, to deepen engagement and expand the pool of principal gift supporters.

Job Duties:

70% - Principal Gifts Fundraising and Stewardship - Provide strategic leadership and direction for Occidental's Principal Gifts Program, driving its growth and long-term success in securing $500K+ commitments each year. Manage and advance a portfolio of approximately 100 high-capacity prospects.

15% - Presidential Fundraising and Leadership Engagement - Lead the identification and expansion of the pipeline of high-net-worth individuals as prospective principal gift donors.

10% - Management and Mentorship - Supervise and mentor the Senior Coordinator, Principal Gifts, providing strategic direction for program coordination.

5% - Institutional Advancement Duties - Develop a deep understanding of Occidental's mission, priorities, academic departments and business units.

Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Nine years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising
- Two years of supervisory experience
- Proven ability to secure transformational principal gifts ($500,000+ commitments)
- Exceptional relationship building skills with high-net-worth individuals
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Adobe Acrobat
- Strong commitment to justice, equity, inclusion and diversity

Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in higher education, nonprofit management, business, communications, or related field
- Experience in higher education fundraising and proficiency with CRM systems such as Salesforce

Department: Institutional Advancement Mgmt.
Duration: Indefinite
Employment Status: Exempt, Full Time

Expected Hiring Range: $142,000/yr - $200,000/yr