Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts - Occidental College

Another Source is excited to partner with Occidental College to recruit a Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts. This is an exceptional moment to join Oxy's Advancement team as the College embraces new leadership and strengthens its philanthropic strategy. The Senior Director will help shape a growing major gifts program, lead and mentor a frontline team, and manage a dynamic portfolio of donors driving support for key institutional priorities. For a fundraiser energized by relationship building, six-figure+ gift strategy, and the chance to help evolve a major gifts vertical during a period of meaningful momentum, this role offers a compelling next step.

Another Source is proud to partner with Occidental College in recruiting a Senior Director of Development for Major Gifts to join their Institutional Advancement team in Los Angeles, CA

About Occidental College

Founded in 1887, Occidental College ("Oxy") is a nationally recognized, private liberal arts college located in the vibrant Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles. With approximately 2,000 students from across the globe, Oxy offers a distinctive combination of rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, close faculty-student collaboration, and a strong commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity. The College's location in one of the world's most dynamic cities provides students, faculty, and staff with unique opportunities for academic engagement, professional development, community partnerships, and cultural enrichment. Guided by its mission to provide a transformative liberal arts education, Occidental prepares students to think critically, act ethically, and make a difference in the world.

About Occidental College & This Moment in Institutional Advancement

Occidental College (Oxy) is entering an exciting period of renewal and forward momentum. With a new College President and a new Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the College is investing in a fresh vision for philanthropy, engagement, and strategic partnerships. This is a uniquely dynamic moment to join Oxy's Advancement team as it strengthens its foundation, refines its structure, and builds the next chapter of a high-performing development organization.

The Vice President is focused on fostering a collaborative, mission-driven culture grounded in trust, clear communication, and shared purpose. Incoming team members will have the opportunity to help shape new processes, contribute to a refreshed organizational strategy, and play a meaningful role in elevating philanthropy across one of the nation's leading liberal arts colleges. It is an ideal environment for professionals who are energized by possibility, innovation, and the chance to help build something enduring.

About the Role:

Occidental College is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts to play a pivotal role in advancing the College's philanthropic vision. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Individual Giving, the Senior Director will help shape and grow a comprehensive major gifts program-serving as a senior member of the frontline fundraising team and contributing meaningfully to a culture of collaboration, strategy, and donor-centered engagement.

This leader will manage and grow a personal portfolio of major gift and principal gift prospects, guide strategy across initiatives and regions, and supervise major gift officer(s) to build a high-performing, donor-centric team. As a strategist, coach, and frontline fundraiser, the Senior Director will help elevate fundraising campaigns, deepen donor relationships, and drive support for institutional priorities-from scholarships and experiential learning to academic innovation and signature Oxy programs.

The Senior Director will also serve as a thought partner across Institutional Advancement, modeling best practices, stewarding strong cross-campus partnerships, and advancing efforts to strengthen Oxy's donor pipeline at all levels. This role is ideal for a seasoned fundraiser who thrives in a mission-driven environment, is energized by relationship-building, and is committed to helping build the next chapter of a high-impact major gifts program at one of the nation's leading liberal arts colleges.

Anticipated annual salary range: $107,400-$150,000 based on experience

How you will be spending your time:

70% - Major Gifts Strategy & Portfolio Management

Manage and deepen relationships with a robust portfolio of 100-150 prospects capable of giving $100K+.
• Lead full life-cycle donor engagement: discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Achieve annual expectations of 15-20 major gift proposals and 10-12 meaningful donor visits per month.
• Develop tailored solicitation strategies for assigned initiatives and regions while collaborating across the fundraising team on shared prospects.
• Craft compelling, well-prepared donor proposals aligned with donor motivations and institutional priorities.
• Partner with Gift Planning to secure planned gift commitments and advise donors on giving vehicles and options.
• Collaborate with the Individual Giving team, including support for the Oxy Fund and related priorities.
• Engage prospects as volunteers-including Board of Governors members, Parent & Family Council members, and challenge donors for key fundraising moments (Year-End, Day for Oxy, Reunion).
• Identify and cultivate prospects beyond the traditional Oxy network when alignment exists with philanthropic priorities.

10% - Management & Leadership

• Supervise, coach, and mentor frontline team member(s), providing strategy, support, and professional development.
• Provide constructive feedback to colleagues and lead with professionalism, persistence, and donor-centered strategy.
• Balance leadership responsibilities with high-level personal fundraising performance.

10% - Advancement & Campus Collaboration

• Serve as an advocate for Institutional Advancement and actively support the division's mission and priorities.
• Partner across all Advancement areas-including Advancement Services, Strategic Engagement, Principal Gifts, Planned Giving, and Corporate/Fdn Relations.
• Uphold industry ethics and standards, including CASE, APRA, and AFP guidelines.
• Participate in high-impact campus events ("tent-pole events"), including Homecoming & Family Weekend, Founders Day, Day for Oxy, New Family Orientation, and Reunion Weekend.

10% - Administrative Responsibilities

• Document all donor activity thoroughly and promptly in accordance with institutional policies.
• Follow College spending and expense guidelines and effectively manage planning for donor meetings and travel.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Fundraising experience in an academic environment and supervisory experience
• Deep knowledge of fundraising principles, strategies, and best practices
• Cultural competency and ability to engage donors from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism
• Strong analytical skills and ability to present data effectively
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and related tools
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent oral, written, and digital communication skills
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across constituencies
• Commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity
• Ability to lead, motivate, and work across functions and levels with professionalism
• Ability to self-direct, prioritize, and work independently

Employee Benefits at Occidental College

Occidental College is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional growth of our employees. To learn more about employee benefits at Occidental College, please visit: https://www.oxy.edu/offices-services/human-resources/benefits-information?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Health & Wellness

• Health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Life insurance coverage
• Free access to campus fitness and wellness facilities, including the swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, and weight room
• On-campus wellness programs and classes, including discounted Weight Watchers

Financial & Retirement

• Participation in a 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Access to Glendale Area Schools Credit Union membership, including financial services such as share accounts, checking, and credit options

Learning & Resources

• Library borrowing privileges and access to the Academic Commons

Perks & Discounts

• 10% discount at the Oxy Bookstore on most items
• Discounts through the Working Advantage program for entertainment, travel, shows, and more

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis.As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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