Senior Philanthropy Officer

Position Category: Staff (Exempt)

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.0

Location: Thousand Oaks

University Background

The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person's dignity.

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 position focuses on the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors capable of making gifts typically at the $25,000 level and above. The Senior Philanthropy Officer will play a key role in expanding the University's 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, working with administration, faculty, and volunteers as appropriate; meet with prospects and volunteers, traveling as necessary
• Support campaign goals through strategic management of a defined portfolio of major gift prospects and donors and advance relationships through all stages of the donor lifecycle (qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship).
• Manage an active portfolio of approximately 75 prospects and donors and maintain a strategic plan for each assigned prospect.
• Track and report progress (including contact reports, proposal status, etc.) 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; apply this knowledge in collaboration with advancement colleagues and refer to subject matter experts as appropriate.
• Assist administrators and faculty in the recognition and prioritization of institutional and departmental funding needs; keep abreast of institutional and departmental priorities, University programs, personalities, and events.
• Cultivate and present proposals to corporate and foundation prospects in coordination with advancement leadership and as appropriate to the role.
• Write or assist in drafting proposals and other materials as necessary. Develop compelling gift proposals aligned with donor interests and institutional priorities.
• 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/or directing cultivation events or programs.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across University Advancement, including planned giving, advancement services, and alumni engagement, to support integrated fundraising strategies.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
  
  

Knowledge Of

• 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 To

• Develop and execute effective fundraising strategies for individual prospects and donors 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
• Demonstrate initiative, persistence, and a results-oriented approach to fundraising
• Exhibit strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and professional presence in donor interactions
• Maintain a high level of organization, accountability, and attention to detail
• Adapt to changing priorities and operate effectively in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to: A bachelor's degree and five (5) years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in major gifts or related areas

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising
• Demonstrated success managing a defined donor portfolio
• Experience participating in a comprehensive campaign
• Experience with planned or blended gift strategies
• CFRE certification preferred
  
  

Licenses And Other Requirements

Availability to work weekends and evenings.

Flexibility to travel 65%.

Physical Abilities

Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; communicate to exchange information in person, in writing, on the telephone and by email; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or transport light objects; position self to store and/or retrieve files

Working Environment

Office environment; evening or variable hours

Hiring Range $135,000-$160,000

Posting Number: Staff004962022

Open Date: 04/13/2026

Close Date: 5/3/2026

Application Procedure/Special Instructions

To apply, visit https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/13076

California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University's policies, procedures, and processes.

Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information or to request an accommodation.

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