Planned Giving Officer

Posted:
7/9/2026, 5:09:07 AM

Location(s):
Claremont, California, United States ⋅ California, United States

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level

Field(s):
Sales & Account Management

Workplace Type:
On-site

Pay:
$75k–$85k/yr

Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Statement                                    

In addition to its commitment to a harassment-free educational and working environment, the College is an equal employment opportunity employer. The College is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable state and federal laws on the matter. The College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition or medical leave, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. The College also prohibits the harassment of any employee on any of these bases.

Location:

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Planned Giving Officer

Job Details and Requirement:

BASIC FUNCTION:

Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is seeking an experienced relationship management professional with the proven ability to build and maintain sophisticated donor relationships. The Planned Giving Officer will be responsible for cultivation and solicitation of significant estate commitments and life income gifts from CMC alumni, parents, and friends. The Planned Giving Officer will manage a portfolio of individuals who have demonstrated interest in supporting CMC’s long-term mission of strategic priorities.

The Planned Giving Officer must actively seek out opportunities to develop relationships to ensure a strong base of high-level philanthropic support. This role operates in a cross-collaborative manner in partnership with the offices of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Leadership Giving, and Annual Giving. They must have a clear understanding of the role that philanthropy can fulfill in an individual’s personal, financial, and legacy objectives in support of CMC.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Director of Planned Giving, the Planned Giving Officer works both independently and collaboratively to perform the following essential duties and responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Develop and implement strategies for cultivating, soliciting and closing estate gifts that align with donor intent and College needs.
  • Educate donors and prospects on the spectrum of estate giving options that align with their assets and goals.
  • Regularly meet with existing and prospective donors to provide institutional updates, discuss philanthropic goals, and present strategic funding opportunities.
  • In collaboration with the broader Advancement team, prepare detailed, personalized proposals to educate prospective donors and their advisors on the impact and benefits of various giving vehicles.
  • Develop and implement strategies to maximize the retention and continued engagement of the College’s most loyal long-term supporters.
  • Serve as a key liaison to CMC’s Leadership Giving Officers to collaborate and assist with the closing of estate commitments from major gift prospects.
  • Maintain accurate prospect tracking and regularly update the College’s records by preparing comprehensive reports of communications and engagement strategies.
  • Maintain high-level knowledge of CMC’s strategic priorities and associated fundraising priorities.
  • Support reunion class fundraising efforts, guide volunteer committees, and keep members updated on priorities to create impactful reunion giving milestones.
  • Support CMC signature events by ensuring effective event communication to Legacy Partner members and through personalized donor engagement and programming opportunities at the event.
  • Learn and maintain technical expertise in the areas of planned giving, charitable estate planning, and income, gift, and estate taxation.
  • Travel to maintain a high-touch presence with the donor base.
  • Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS & SKILLS:

EDUCATION: A bachelor’s degree or any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is required.

EXPERIENCE: Three to five years of experience in professional fundraising, relationship management or financial services, and demonstrated success in managing a diverse portfolio of clients or donors is required.

LICENSES: A valid driver’s license or equivalent alternate form of transportation to off-site meetings and events is required. A valid driver’s license and the ability to be insured under the College’s authorized driver’s policy is required to drive College-owned vehicles.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Individual must possess knowledge, skills, and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with individuals of all levels.
  • Ability to translate complex financial or institutional concepts into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
  • Experience navigating a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
  • Strong organizational skills and proficiency in database management and strategic planning.
  • Working knowledge of the philanthropic spectrum, from annual support to long-term principal, complex, and legacy gifts.
  • Understanding of the "art and science" of donor relations—balancing personal connection with data-driven strategy.

REQUIRED HOURS: The regular hours for this full-time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend and evening work will be required. Travel will be required. Regular hours may vary due to needs of the College or department.

CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS: This is a regular, full-time, 12-month, exempt, benefits-eligible position.

Supervisor – AB1825: No

Mandatory Reporter – CA Penal Code: Yes

Responsible Employee – Title IX: Yes

Campus Security Authority – The Clery Act: Yes

IPEDS Category Job Code: 13-0000 Business and Financial Operations Occupations

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Light (up to 20 lbs.)

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range is $75,000 to $85,000 per year. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Claremont McKenna College offers employee benefits that include health, dental, and vision plans; flexible spending accounts; health savings accounts; paid vacation, sick, and holiday time; retirement benefits; basic and voluntary life insurance; dependent tuition remission; ride-share incentives; and more.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

REPORTS TO: This position reports to the Director of Planned Giving

GROOMING AND APPEARANCE: Employees are expected to wear attire that is appropriate to the office or department in which they work.

BACKGROUND CHECK: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a full consumer background check. Certain positions will require the successful completion of a post-offer physical agility test. Employment is contingent on the satisfactory results of the aforementioned, in addition to compliance with the requirements cited in this job description.

ADA/OSHA: This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of this position. It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

DISCLAIMER: This job description 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 position. Duties and responsibilities can change and develop over time; accordingly the College reviews job descriptions on a periodic basis and may make changes of business necessity.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT:  Employment with the College is “at-will” meaning that the terms of employment may be changed with or without notice, with or without cause, including, but not limited to termination, demotion, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, duties, and location of work.  There is no agreement express or implied between the College and you for continuing or long-term employment. While the College has every hope that employment relationships will be mutually beneficial and rewarding, employees and the College retain the right to terminate the employment relationship at will, at any time, with or without cause.  The President is the only person who can modify or alter the at-will employment relationship.

Claremont McKenna College hires and promotes individuals on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.  Inquiries may be directed to the Director for Human Resources, 528 N. Mills Avenue, Claremont, California 91711-4015, (909) 621-8490.  All applicants must complete and submit an online application to be considered for an open position.

Employment is contingent upon new employee providing documents verifying U.S. citizenship or, for aliens, documents verifying legal permission to work in the United States, applicant's acceptability for positions requiring use of a college vehicle is contingent upon a driving record acceptable to the College's automobile liability insurance. Promotion from within is encouraged whenever qualified employees of Claremont McKenna College are available. Interested employees of the College are urged to contact the Office of Human Resources if qualified for any open position. Please do not contact departments directly.

Disability Accommodations                                                                                    

In compliance with applicable laws ensuring equal opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, CMC will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual (applicant or employee) with a disability if the disability affects the performance of essential job functions, unless the accommodation results in an undue hardship for the College. Employment decisions are based on the merit and not an individual’s disability.               

An applicant or employee who requires an accommodation should contact the immediate supervisor and the Human Resources Office. If multiple accommodations are identified that do not pose an undue hardship for the College, the selection of an accommodation will be at CMC’s discretion. To request disability accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (909) 621-8490 or [email protected] for assistance.

Claremont McKenna College

Website: https://cmc.edu/

Headquarter Location: Claremont, California, United States

Employee Count: 251-500

Year Founded: 1946

IPO Status: Private

Last Funding Type: Grant

Industries: Career Planning ⋅ Education ⋅ Higher Education ⋅ Universities

Visa Sponsorship: Sponsors work visas