Regional Director of Development

Pomona College, one of the nation's premier liberal arts institutions and the founding member of The Claremont Colleges, seeks an experienced Regional Director of Development to lead major gift fundraising across Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. As the College prepares to launch the public phase of its most ambitious comprehensive campaign, this highly visible role offers the opportunity to cultivate transformational philanthropy, strengthen relationships with alumni and donors, and help shape the future of an institution committed to academic excellence and educational access.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of approximately 125 major gift prospects, securing philanthropic commitments of $100,000 or more in support of campaign priorities.
• Develop and execute regional fundraising strategies across Northern California and the Pacific Northwest.
• Build and steward relationships with alumni, parents, volunteers, and institutional leaders while serving as a visible ambassador for Pomona College.
• Collaborate across Advancement and campus leadership to align donor interests with institutional priorities and campaign initiatives.
• Prepare compelling proposals, conduct donor visits, and maintain a robust pipeline of leadership and major gift prospects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six years of major gifts fundraising experience, preferably within higher education or another complex nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and closing six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Experience managing sophisticated donor portfolios and developing strategic fundraising plans.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to engage high-net-worth individuals and volunteers.
• Bachelor's degree required; campaign fundraising experience and higher education advancement experience strongly preferred.

Compensation

• Annual salary range of $130,000–$150,000.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid position based in Claremont, California; employees must reside in California.

About Pomona College

Founded in 1887, Pomona College is internationally recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous liberal arts education, and commitment to ensuring that talented students can pursue their education regardless of financial circumstances. With a more than $3 billion endowment, record-setting philanthropic support, and a collaborative environment within The Claremont Colleges consortium, Pomona is entering an extraordinary period of institutional momentum and campaign growth that will shape its future for generations to come.

Lindauer, a global search and talent firm, has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of Pomona College. Consideration of candidates will continue until the position is filled.