Assistant Vice President, Complex Assets and Principal Gifts

The AVP of complex assets and principal gifts, a key leader for Pomona College advancement, will build and set the strategic framework and direction for a newly established complex assets and principal gifts team and be responsible for generating new revenue for Pomona College. The position reports to the vice president for advancement, serves as a member of advancement’s leadership team, and leads as a senior fundraiser for the college. 

The AVP of complex assets and principal gifts will grow and mobilize a team to provide philanthropic support for the college’s top priorities and campaign initiatives through a donor-centric model of sustained fundraising. The AVP will oversee the administration of complex assets and principal gifts, including bequests and trusts, working with the general counsel and finance offices as well as outside financial institutions and advisors. The position requires management experience of frontline complex assets and principal gift officers and the ability to hire and retain excellent staff, facilitate a healthy team-environment, supervise and inspire employees toward excellence, and lead by example.

As a front-line fundraiser, the AVP of complex assets and principal gifts will play a leadership role in shaping Pomona’s engagement of donors and prospects with the capacity for seven- and eight-figure gifts in the form of outright, planned, and blended gifts and the transfer of complex assets. This individual will be expected to personally raise complex and principal gifts in support of the college’s fundraising priorities and will carry a highest-level portfolio of donors with a capacity of over $1 million across multiple regions, including internationally.

The AVP will also provide vision and leadership of a comprehensive and well-integrated complex assets and principal gifts fundraising program as part of Pomona’s overall fundraising efforts as well as in support of the most aspirational, comprehensive campaign in the history of the college, resulting in a sustainable level of giving beyond the campaign. The position requires judgment and the ability to independently plan and accomplish goals. The successful candidate will be an inspiring leader and an effective advocate for the value of the liberal arts with all constituents.

Rachel Ellenport is leading this search with Grace Zakim, Megan Gorman, and Rebecca Lyons. More information to follow.