The Philanthropic Advisor will report to the Assistant Vice President for Development and lead comprehensive fundraising efforts for Harvey Mudd College. This role is central to advancing the college’s mission by managing a portfolio of 100–125 major gift prospects and securing transformative gifts of $100,000 or more through a donor-centric approach.
What You'll Do
- Develop and execute strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and manage a select portfolio of 100–125 high-capacity donors and prospects capable of outright and deferred gifts of $100,000 or more
- Foster relationships with assigned prospects through in-person meetings, written communications, and digital channels using a donor-centric approach
- Set and achieve annual fundraising goals and performance metrics
- Craft proposals and prioritize solicitations
- Serve as philanthropic liaisons and counsel to Harvey Mudd College’s academic faculty and chairs to help identify, establish, and execute fundraising priorities
- Proactively work to understand and maintain an in-depth knowledge of HMC programs
- Build strong collaborative relationships with the Harvey Mudd College community, including alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and volunteers
- Formulate creative cultivation plans, successful solicitation strategies, and effective stewardship efforts to maximize lifetime engagement and support for the college’s mission
- Rely on past experience in the field and remain current with evolving trends in philanthropy
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across all functional areas within the Advancement division
- Seek opportunities to partner with Alumni and Parent Relations staff to strengthen alumni giving opportunities
- Ensure compliance with all college fundraising policies, goals, and procedures
- Follow all protocols for prospect and donor management established and implemented by Harvey Mudd College Advancement
- Perform other related duties as assigned or requested
- Support OCA's objective to cultivate and sustain a robust culture of philanthropy
- Reinforce that every gift supports people and programs across campus
- Inspire shared pride and a collective commitment to the College’s future
- Promote a sense of hospitality, giving, and generosity
- Ensure individuals understand the vital role of philanthropy in contributing to the College’s success
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with key offices and partners across campus, including the President’s Office, the Dean of Faculty Office, Admission, Financial Aid, Student Affairs, Financial Affairs, Communications & Marketing, academic departments and centers, and Career Services
- Coordinate and amplify engagement opportunities
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree is required
- At least five years of demonstrable experience in leadership and major gifts fundraising in a medium-to-large development operation
- A record of successfully soliciting and closing six- and seven-figure gifts
- An ability to be an effective advocate for the value of a liberal arts and STEM education with all constituents
- Demonstrable knowledge of fundraising best practices in higher education
- Success in personally qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts with significant institutional impact
- A high degree of comfort and effectiveness working with high-net-worth individuals, domestically and internationally
- An ability to monitor performance to achieve personal fundraising and metric goals
- An ability to work effectively in a complex institutional setting and maintain effective relationships with donors, volunteers, faculty, staff, colleagues, and senior management
- Self-confidence, optimism, personal resilience, and the ability to function at peak levels in a high-expectation environment
- Excellent critical thinking and listening skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- An ability to handle highly confidential information with patience, discretion, good judgment, courtesy, and tact while working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills
- An ability and willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends, as needed, to meet philanthropic partners or otherwise represent HMC at fundraising events
Nice to Have
- Experience in an academic setting
- Experience in a campaign environment
Team & Environment
- Reports to: Assistant Vice President for Development
Benefits & Compensation
- Exempt, full-time, regular, benefits eligible position
- Up to two remote work days per week during the academic year
- Up to two remote work days during the non-academic year
- Initial 30-calendar-day on-campus work period required
- Remote work arrangements subject to approval by direct supervisor, area Cabinet member, and Human Resources
- Remote work arrangements subject to periodic review based on institutional needs
- Standard working hours generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, though may vary
Compensation: $135,000–$150,000 per year
Work Mode
- Hybrid work model
- On-campus (initial 30-day period)
- Remote (up to two days per week, subject to approval)
- Occasional ad-hoc remote work flexibility; remote work requires approval and may vary based on departmental and College needs
Harvey Mudd College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be given consideration for employment without regard to age, race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation.
