The primary purpose of this position is to build prospect and donor relationships, raise financial support, and increase the donor base for Pepperdine University in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. The position focuses primarily on major and principal gift prospects with a capacity to make gifts of $25,000 to $1,000,000+, with primary emphasis on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors to the University and building stronger alumni engagement and leadership within the Pacific Northwestern region of the United States. The success of our mission to strengthen lives for purpose, service, and leadership depends in large part on strong financial support from donors who enable us to provide the facilities, programs, faculty, and opportunities necessary to provide stellar, mission-driven programs for our students.

Duties

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects of 120-150. The focus is primarily on those with a capacity to give $25K to $1M annually. This position requires regular travel to cultivate and solicit major gift prospects, ensuring both activity goals and pipeline goals are met.
• Maintain a list of top prospects and establish a development plan for each primary prospect. Focusing on top-rated prospects is a priority, while also identifying and qualifying others to meet portfolio penetration goals.
• Work with Alumni Affairs to engage members of the alumni chapters throughout the Pacific Northwestern U.S. and utilize best practices in fundraising.
• Partner with Advancement's Planned Giving Office and the Research, Grants, and Foundation Relations team to identify, solicit, and steward planned gifts and grants.
• Participate in advancement activities and regional events including dinners, receptions, alumni events, etc., many of which involve evening and weekend work hours and travel. Must be willing to travel to Malibu on occasion for important events, meetings, and Advancement all-staff activities.
• Consistently meet or exceed individual and team key performance goals. Added focus on pipeline development to meet increasingly aggressive annual fundraising goals.
• Utilize the Pepperdine advancement database, The Raiser's Edge, to research historical records and communications with donors and prospects and document new actions and proposals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required: 5+ years professional experience in fundraising, sales, or related profession; must be highly organized, able to take direction and handle multiple tasks in a rapid-paced environment; ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines and fundraising goals; proven ability to work well with character diversity; excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; must have careful attention to detail; ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision, to deal with the public in a professional manner, and to communicate clearly and accurately; ability to articulate the Pepperdine mission and incorporate it into daily work; working knowledge of personal computer and programs. Preference will be given to applicants residing in the Pacific Northwest, specifically Portland and Seattle.

Preferred: 7+ years of success in fundraising at a major and/or principal gift level, higher education, or another nonprofit environment.

Qualified individuals should be able to articulate a strong commitment to diversity, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

This is a Regular, Exempt, 40 hour per week position that may be eligible for remote work in accordance with the University Policy Manual.

Expected Pay Range: $97,750 - $115,000 per year 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.