Job Title:
Philanthropic Advisor
Company: Yavapai College
Location: Prescott, AZ
Created: 2026-04-19
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
We are seeking a passionate and strategic Philanthropic Advisor to join our Development team. This role plays a critical part in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors who share our commitment to advancing the college's mission. The ideal candidate is a skilled relationship builder who can foster long-term, meaningful connections with donors and prospects while translating philanthropic interest into significant support for our programs and students. This individual will embody strong values in alignment with our mission, a commitment to ethical and impactful philanthropy, and a disciplined approach to achieving fundraising goals that expand opportunity and strengthen our community. Mission: In partnership with Yavapai College and our community, the Foundation harnesses private generosity to empower students and advance innovation that drives educational access, workforce readiness and long-term economic vitality. Key Responsibilities: * Major Gift Fundraising: Identify, qualify, and cultivate a portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects annually. Conduct 400+ meaningful actions per year. Develop personalized strategies for solicitation and stewardship of these individuals and organizations. * Relationship Building: Build and maintain relationships with current and potential donors, meeting regularly to discuss their philanthropic interests and provide updates on the organization's initiatives and outcomes. * Solicitation and Stewardship: Actively engage in face-to-face meetings, written communications, and other outreach to solicit gifts, follow-up on proposals, and ensure donors feel valued and informed about the impact of their contributions. * Campaign Support: Assist in planning and executing capital campaigns, special initiatives, and annual fund efforts as needed. Develop campaign strategies and serve as a key player in achieving fundraising goals. * Donor Recognition: Work with the stewardship team to ensure that major donors receive appropriate recognition and acknowledgment in line with their contribution levels and preferences. * Collaboration: Partner with the leadership team, program directors, and other colleagues to identify funding priorities and develop donor engagement strategies that align with the college's goals. * Reporting and Data Management: Maintain accurate records of all donor interactions, progress, and gift tracking within the donor database. Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership on the status of fundraising efforts and prospects. * Strategic Planning: Participate in the development of annual and long-term fundraising plans, and work toward the overall success of the organization's development objectives. * Other duties as assigned. * Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Advanced degree or CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) a plus. * Minimum of 5 years of experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in a nonprofit or higher education setting - OR - a strong background in high-net-worth sales. * Demonstrated success in securing and closing six-figure gifts or higher. * Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage, motivate, and influence high-level donors and stakeholders. * Ability to think strategically and manage multiple projects and relationships simultaneously. * Knowledge of philanthropic trends, best practices, and strategies. * Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven. * A passion for the college's mission and a commitment to advancing its work. * Proficiency in fundraising software or CRM platforms, Raiser's Edge preferred. * This position requires occasional evening or weekend work for events or meetings. * This position requires occasional evening or weekend work for events or meetings* To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and competencies listed represent the required knowledge, skill, and ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. In addition, the employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.