Senior Director of Development, Physical Sciences - 126460

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: La Jolla, CALIFORNIA
Deadline: ;

The Senior Director of Development (SDOD), Physical Sciences plans and implements strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gift prospects for the School of Physical Sciences. Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Development (SEDOD), University Development, the SDOD will formulate, manage, and implement the fundraising program for the School of Physical Sciences, including major and principal gifts ($100K to $1M+) and volunteer activities as determined by the Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC), University Development and the SEDOD. The SDOD prepares written and oral presentations to potential donors and coordinates approaches as defined by campus and UC policy and procedures; develops gift opportunities in partnership with academic leadership and consistent with the priorities of Physical Sciences and UC San Diego's mission; and collaborates with colleagues across Advancement and the campus.


  • Proven success as development officer in a highly sophisticated donor centered fundraising environment as a direct line fundraiser.

  • Expert working knowledge of all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and public relations concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques. Proven experience in the full spectrum of development including: gift policies, solicitations, stewardship, donor recognition, and administration.

  • Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to represent UC San Diego favorably to both campus and community constituents. Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one or in group settings, taking into account differences in social, cultural, professional, and educational backgrounds.

  • Expert written and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen, to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies. Expert skills in making persuasive and compelling presentations of goals and objectives for a location in order to secure gifts. Strong written and oral communication skills that demonstrate correct grammar usage, syntax, and format, with the ability to make oral presentations and/or interpret various related programs to constituents.

  • Demonstrated success at raising funds by developing and implementing strategic solicitation fundraising plans that incorporate a concise definition of goals, targeted audiences, and strategies in-line with institution and academic goals in higher education and closing major gifts ($100,000+) and principal gifts ($1 million+) from individuals, corporations, and foundations, both local and national.

  • Demonstrated personnel management skills to provide guidance to maintain a strong team of players. Dispense appropriate disciplinary action when necessary. Ability to hire, train, supervise and evaluate staff. A good faith effort to advocate UCSD's affirmative action program when hiring individuals. Individual shall be evaluated annually.

  • Proven record of writing proposals for a significant project/major gift level ($100,000+) and principal gift level ($1 million+) directed to individuals, foundations, and corporations.

  • Expert level skills in maintaining confidentiality. Ability to inspire confidence by displaying a strong sense of ethical conduct that will effectively motivate and persuade diverse groups.

  • Expert organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills. Expert project / program management skills, including skills in setting and meeting program / project goals and objectives within budget and time constraints. Proven ability to provide critical analysis, using sound judgment with realistic expectations for projected results.

  • Demonstrated knowledge, accountability, and comprehension skills to formulate budgetary planning and prioritization of projects, programs and activities, using sound judgment while meeting organizational skills.

  • Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Demonstrated understanding of the importance of ensuring an equitable, inclusive, and diverse working environment, with the ability to work as a part of a diverse and collaborative team.

  • Expert knowledge of all aspects of the location, including current issues of concern for both the campus and / or throughout higher education / healthcare, generally. Expert knowledge of the location, including its vision, mission, goals, objectives, achievements and infrastructure.

  • Expert knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, etc.

  • Proven ability in developing an effective volunteer structure to maximize the strengths of volunteers, thereby creating a sound, strong volunteer base for fund raising purposes.

  • Ability to work independently; exercising initiative to provide supervisor and other officials with information to keep them adequately informed. Display a willingness to seek counsel when appropriate.

  • Demonstrated expertise to utilize on-line databases and other software to create, retrieve, and compile up-to-the- minute documents and historical information for reports.

  • Demonstrated experience at creating and implementing a fundamental plan for successful capital campaigns, including feasibility studies, identification of campaign projects, establishment of priorities, strategy, cultivation and solicitation, negotiation, finalization of proposals and follow through, while providing leadership to staff.


  • Job offer is contingent on clear Background Check.

    Must have access to reliable transportation.

    Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.


    Pay Transparency Act

    Annual Full Pay Range: $112,100 - $216,500 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

    Hourly Equivalent: $53.69 - $103.69

    Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).



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