Senior Director, Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives (Fundraiser 5)

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

UC Davis’ Office of Development provides leadership, coordination and support services to help the university meet its mission of research, teaching and service by building philanthropic support and executing approved fundraising programs that support the university’s highest priorities and initiatives.

JOB SUMMARY 
Within University Development, the Senior Director of Development for Principal Gifts &Strategic Initiatives is an experienced fundraising professional who will develop a portfolio rich in opportunities, including a robust mix of both current donors and high net-worth alumni, parents, grateful-patients, grateful-clients and other donors capable of making 7-figure gifts. Beyond proven ability with a personal portfolio, this individual will display the qualities of a great teammate, working cohesively with colleagues across campus to elevate our strategic approach to donor interaction.

Under the direction of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives, this position assists in the qualification of and strategy development for new and current principal gift and strategic initiative donor prospects in California, providing fundraising, analytical and strategic program support. This position will be based on the UC Davis campus and will have a primary focus on California prospects. Individual will manage a portfolio of leadership and principal gift donor prospects; ensures that predetermined fundraising goals are met. Results will have a major impact on overall Development program goals and assignments. Position will partner with the

AVC for Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives and university-wide development colleagues in the qualification, cultivation and solicitation of leadership and principal gift prospects and will assure that plans are in place for ongoing interaction with some of the university’s most generous donors. Evaluates donor activity and prospect potential using financial feasibility studies and market research, making recommendations for cultivation and solicitation in accordance with a donor-centered approach to fundraising. Assists in the development of sophisticated, long-term strategies in collaboration with development colleagues and university leadership. Supports teamwork and collaboration across UC Davis.

The Senior Director for Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives is independently motivated, seeks collaboration and enjoys working in a team that coordinates donor activity with the highest levels of academic and unit leadership.

POSITION INFORMATION
POSITION TO REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED. INITIAL APPLICATION REVIEW WILL BEGIN 2/26/2024.

This position is based in Davis, CA and may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid schedule. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Stand for extended periods of time during events.

Lift items weighing up to 25 lbs.

Must have access to reliable transportation to attend meetings and events.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Significant fundraising experience, as demonstrated by 5 or more years of professional experience with substantial major gifts prospects, preferably in a higher education environment; or equivalent transferrable professional experience including strategic relationship development and portfolio management; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Significant professional knowledge of and experience with development and fundraising techniques, including prospect identification research, evaluation of historic gift data, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and donor stewardship. Significant experience in major gifts prospect portfolio management as a frontline fundraiser, including demonstrated success closing gifts in the 6-figure and above range. Experience with gifts of $1M+ is a bonus.
• Demonstrated success soliciting and securing significant and complex philanthropic gifts. Successful track record developing strategic relationships with high net worth individuals, including successful collaborations with other fundraising colleagues and/or partners. 
• Expert political acumen to establish and maintain good working relationships at all organizational levels and with outside constituencies, including donors, volunteers, and subject matter experts; demonstrated success developing collaborative working relationships needed to accomplish organizational goals.
• Expert written, oral and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Substantial project/program management skills, including skills in analyzing needs, developing creative strategies, and setting and meeting program/project goals and objectives within budget and time constraints.

Preferred: 

• 5-7 years of demonstrated ability closing significant gifts. Mid to high six-figure gifts are preferred with gifts of $1M+ desirable but not mandatory. 
• Ability to work effectively with high-net worth donors and navigate complex gift discussions. 
• Demonstrated skills with strategic collaboration, working with academic leaders, volunteers/donors and colleagues to create opportunities in portfolio building. 
• Knowledge and understanding of complex university academic structures in order to effectively coordinate with various university-wide leaders and professional development colleagues. 
• Awareness, knowledge, and skill in applying diversity, equity and inclusion to one’s work. A profound belief in the value of a diverse and safe workforce and a commitment to achieve this goal through collaboration and team building, working cooperatively with a diverse group of department and campus constituencies.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

Principles of Community

 UC Davis is a diverse community comprised of individuals having many perspectives and identities. We come from a multitude of backgrounds and experiences, with distinct needs and goals. We recognize that to create an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community, we must understand and value both our individual differences and our common ground. The UC Davis Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that embodies this commitment, and reflects the ideals we seek to uphold.

https://diversity.ucdavis.edu/principles-community

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.