Lewis & Clark College
Attention Current Lewis & Clark College Employees:
In order to apply for posted positions, please apply internally in Workday in the Jobs Hub.
Working at Lewis & Clark College
The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland's southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.
Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.
PRIMARY PURPOSE
The Principal Gifts Officer within the Office of Advancement reports directly to the Vice President for Advancement. This role is primarily responsible for nurturing top donor prospects, securing the institution's largest gifts (typically in the $1M-$10M range) and leading collaborative fundraising efforts across Lewis & Clark's three schools. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in cultivating and soliciting significant philanthropic investments, strong relationship-building skills, and a strategic, donor-centered approach to advancement. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at managing complex donor relationships, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and aligning donor interests with institutional priorities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Principal Gift Strategy and Fundraising Execution Lead strategy and execution for securing philanthropic investments of $1M and above in alignment with institutional priorities. Manage a portfolio of 50-60 principal gift-level donors and prospects, including influential volunteers and community partners. Evaluate and recommend tailored giving opportunities, including complex gift structures, to maximize donor impact. Coordinate cultivation and solicitation efforts, serving as the primary relationship manager for top-tier donors. Donor and Prospect Engagement
Develop individualized engagement strategies for high-capacity prospects in collaboration with academic and administrative leaders. Facilitate meaningful connections between donors and campus representatives to deepen engagement and inspire investment. Prepare proposals, donor agreements, and stewardship materials in collaboration with the Donor Relations and Stewardship team. Promote positive, long-term relationships through ongoing communication and personalized stewardship experiences. Cross-Campus Collaboration
Partner with leadership from the College of Arts and Sciences, Law School, and Graduate School to identify fundraising priorities and shared prospects. Serve as a strategic advisor on campaign initiatives, ensuring alignment across institutional stakeholders. Facilitate collaboration between academic deans, faculty, and Advancement staff to implement integrated engagement strategies. Participate in institutional planning related to fundraising goals, donor messaging, and high-level volunteer involvement. Leadership Volunteer Management
Support and guide senior-level volunteers in their efforts to engage and solicit principal gift prospects. Leverage networks of alumni, trustees, and volunteers to open doors to new philanthropic opportunities. Provide leadership in planning and executing volunteer-led donor engagement initiatives tied to campaign goals. Data Management and Reporting
Track donor engagement and solicitation progress using Slate, the advancement database. Document prospect interactions, prepare briefing materials, and ensure data accuracy in accordance with prospect management protocols. Monitor progress toward individual and campaign fundraising goals, providing regular reports to the Vice President. Align travel and outreach plans with data-informed strategies to optimize engagement and giving outcomes. Other Duties as Assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS
Proficient in developing and executing complex philanthropic strategies for high-level donors and prospects Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with influential individuals and stakeholders Superior communication skills, both written and verbal, tailored to executive-level audiences Extremely organized with strong project management and coordination skills across multiple departments Proficient in using Slate or similar advancement or customer relationship management (CRM) systems Experienced in drafting compelling proposals, briefings, and personalized donor materials Highly skilled at exercising discretion and maintaining confidentiality in donor and institutional matters Strong analytical and evaluative thinking for aligning donor interests with institutional priorities Proficient in interpreting and presenting data to inform strategic decisions and fundraising outcomes Demonstrates professional integrity, persistence, and resilience in long-cycle donor engagement Committed to promoting a welcoming and respectful environment for colleagues, donors, and partners from all backgrounds Confident in working independently while also fostering collaboration across teams Responsive, proactive, and consistent in follow-through and stakeholder communication Open to feedback, growth-oriented, and aligned with organizational mission and goals REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field Ten years of experience in face-to-face fundraising, business, corporate development, foundations, or grants; or a combination of relevant education and experience totaling at least fourteen years Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major individual and institutional donors for gifts of $1M or more PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Master's degree in a related field Experience with campaign planning and implementation Experience with complex philanthropic gift structures and strategies Corporate foundation, corporate relations, or nonprofit development experience Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major individual and institutional donors for gifts of $5M or more Experience working in higher education settings Preferred Tech: Slate, PGCalc WORK SCHEDULE
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time Schedule: 37.5 hours per week; occasional evening and weekend event attendance required Benefit Eligible: Yes Travel: Frequent travel required for donor engagement and events Hybrid/Remote: Hybrid schedule available in alignment with department guidelines and travel responsibilities PAY RATE
FLSA Status: Exempt $125k annually PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
General office environment Frequent travel required, including air and ground transportation Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer Communicates effectively via phone, email, online meetings, and in person Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally Occasional physical activity may include standing for long periods, walking across campus or event venues, and transporting materials for donor meetings or presentations
Directions for Cover Letter
Please include a cover letter describing your interest in joining Lewis & Clark and the ways you can contribute to a culture of inclusion on our campus.
Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies. Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators
(https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance).
Reasonable Accommodation
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
Background Check
Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.
Eligibility to Work
In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.
In order to apply for posted positions, please apply internally in Workday in the Jobs Hub.
Working at Lewis & Clark College
The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland's southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.
Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.
PRIMARY PURPOSE
The Principal Gifts Officer within the Office of Advancement reports directly to the Vice President for Advancement. This role is primarily responsible for nurturing top donor prospects, securing the institution's largest gifts (typically in the $1M-$10M range) and leading collaborative fundraising efforts across Lewis & Clark's three schools. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in cultivating and soliciting significant philanthropic investments, strong relationship-building skills, and a strategic, donor-centered approach to advancement. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at managing complex donor relationships, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and aligning donor interests with institutional priorities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Principal Gift Strategy and Fundraising Execution Lead strategy and execution for securing philanthropic investments of $1M and above in alignment with institutional priorities. Manage a portfolio of 50-60 principal gift-level donors and prospects, including influential volunteers and community partners. Evaluate and recommend tailored giving opportunities, including complex gift structures, to maximize donor impact. Coordinate cultivation and solicitation efforts, serving as the primary relationship manager for top-tier donors. Donor and Prospect Engagement
Develop individualized engagement strategies for high-capacity prospects in collaboration with academic and administrative leaders. Facilitate meaningful connections between donors and campus representatives to deepen engagement and inspire investment. Prepare proposals, donor agreements, and stewardship materials in collaboration with the Donor Relations and Stewardship team. Promote positive, long-term relationships through ongoing communication and personalized stewardship experiences. Cross-Campus Collaboration
Partner with leadership from the College of Arts and Sciences, Law School, and Graduate School to identify fundraising priorities and shared prospects. Serve as a strategic advisor on campaign initiatives, ensuring alignment across institutional stakeholders. Facilitate collaboration between academic deans, faculty, and Advancement staff to implement integrated engagement strategies. Participate in institutional planning related to fundraising goals, donor messaging, and high-level volunteer involvement. Leadership Volunteer Management
Support and guide senior-level volunteers in their efforts to engage and solicit principal gift prospects. Leverage networks of alumni, trustees, and volunteers to open doors to new philanthropic opportunities. Provide leadership in planning and executing volunteer-led donor engagement initiatives tied to campaign goals. Data Management and Reporting
Track donor engagement and solicitation progress using Slate, the advancement database. Document prospect interactions, prepare briefing materials, and ensure data accuracy in accordance with prospect management protocols. Monitor progress toward individual and campaign fundraising goals, providing regular reports to the Vice President. Align travel and outreach plans with data-informed strategies to optimize engagement and giving outcomes. Other Duties as Assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS
Proficient in developing and executing complex philanthropic strategies for high-level donors and prospects Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with influential individuals and stakeholders Superior communication skills, both written and verbal, tailored to executive-level audiences Extremely organized with strong project management and coordination skills across multiple departments Proficient in using Slate or similar advancement or customer relationship management (CRM) systems Experienced in drafting compelling proposals, briefings, and personalized donor materials Highly skilled at exercising discretion and maintaining confidentiality in donor and institutional matters Strong analytical and evaluative thinking for aligning donor interests with institutional priorities Proficient in interpreting and presenting data to inform strategic decisions and fundraising outcomes Demonstrates professional integrity, persistence, and resilience in long-cycle donor engagement Committed to promoting a welcoming and respectful environment for colleagues, donors, and partners from all backgrounds Confident in working independently while also fostering collaboration across teams Responsive, proactive, and consistent in follow-through and stakeholder communication Open to feedback, growth-oriented, and aligned with organizational mission and goals REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field Ten years of experience in face-to-face fundraising, business, corporate development, foundations, or grants; or a combination of relevant education and experience totaling at least fourteen years Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major individual and institutional donors for gifts of $1M or more PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Master's degree in a related field Experience with campaign planning and implementation Experience with complex philanthropic gift structures and strategies Corporate foundation, corporate relations, or nonprofit development experience Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major individual and institutional donors for gifts of $5M or more Experience working in higher education settings Preferred Tech: Slate, PGCalc WORK SCHEDULE
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time Schedule: 37.5 hours per week; occasional evening and weekend event attendance required Benefit Eligible: Yes Travel: Frequent travel required for donor engagement and events Hybrid/Remote: Hybrid schedule available in alignment with department guidelines and travel responsibilities PAY RATE
FLSA Status: Exempt $125k annually PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
General office environment Frequent travel required, including air and ground transportation Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer Communicates effectively via phone, email, online meetings, and in person Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally Occasional physical activity may include standing for long periods, walking across campus or event venues, and transporting materials for donor meetings or presentations
Directions for Cover Letter
Please include a cover letter describing your interest in joining Lewis & Clark and the ways you can contribute to a culture of inclusion on our campus.
Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies. Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators
(https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance).
Reasonable Accommodation
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
Background Check
Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.
Eligibility to Work
In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.