Director of Development, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Human and Social Scienc

Department Purpose

At a moment where climate change, population growth and ongoing social inequities continue to threaten global stability, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is working to address the most critical issues that challenge the planet and humanity in the 21st century. Our mission is to support healthy, equitable, and vibrant communities; ensure secure, safe, and high-quality food for the world’s population, while maintaining biological diversity in ecosystems essential for global sustainability.

As the #1 in the U.S. and #2 ranked university in the world for agricultural sciences and forestry by QS World University Rankings, our opportunity for global leadership in these existential areas lie at the nexus of climate, food, human and animal health. Across three areas of interdisciplinary focus- Agricultural, Environmental and Human and Social Sciences, our students, faculty, and staff are working to produce a better world, healthier communities, and an improved global sustainability by addressing critical issues throughout agriculture, food systems, the environment, and human populations. 

The CA&ES Development Team supports this mission by generating philanthropy centered on mission critical priorities across research, teaching, and public outreach. 

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Managing Sr. Director of Development, the Director of Development (DOD) will carry a major gifts portfolio within the Human and Social Sciences Division within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The departments in the Human and Social Sciences Division are Food Science and Technology, Agricultural and Resource Economics, Human Ecology and Nutrition. It also includes multidisciplinary centers such as the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science and the Center for Regional Change.

The DOD will organize and direct efforts to identify new donor prospects through researching background information on potential donors and developing materials, marketing plans, and organizing related programs/events; and cultivate, steward, and solicit major donor prospects The Director of Development will build a portfolio with prospects and donors who have degrees and/or interest within the departments within this division and serve as development liaison to one or more of those departments. 

This position plans, schedules, and implements comprehensive fundraising projects and programs. This position is metric-driven and expected to raise gift dollar amounts as established by the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences and aligned with the assigned portfolio. This is a fundraising position focused on the stewarding existing and new donor relationships. Guided by a “donor centered” approach, the incumbent will strategically solicit gifts using various communication methods, including in person, video, texting, phone, social media and virtual visits. This position requires good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, and works independently, collaboratively, and collegially as part of a diverse, matrix organization.

Position Information

Position to remain open until filled. Initial review date of applications will be 02/16/2024.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS     

Remain stationary for extended periods of time during events.

Maneuver items (event boxes) weighing up to 25lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The division of Development and Alumni Engagement and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences embrace and value diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We are committed to employing and retaining a diverse workforce and have programs and policies in place to ensure all employees can succeed regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender expression, gender identity, gender transition status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship or service in the uniformed services, including protected veterans. In acknowledgment of historical and current injustices faced by marginalized members of our global UC Davis community, we are firmly committed to supporting our Principles of Community and applying tenets of diversity, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of our everyday work and organizational culture.

The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

Work occasional overtime including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Provide own transportation to travel to donor visits throughout the state, off-site meetings, and events. Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Ability to work effectively in an area where there is constant traffic and noise from office machines, telephones, and conversations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:                         

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience. . Advanced knowledge and experience in all aspects of fundraising, donor relations and concepts, principles, techniques, procedures and practices.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional or volunteer fundraising experience involving managing a major gift portfolio and securing major gifts of $50K or more; or equivalent transferrable professional experience including strategic relationship development and portfolio management, preferably in higher education.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Advanced written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated skills providing support to deans, faculty, volunteers, trustees, and development colleagues in carrying out their responsibilities.
• Organizational, time management and analytical skills to manage multiple fundraising activities and initiatives; and to work independently as well as an effective team member to realize complex goals and objectives through strategic planning.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Experience cultivating, soliciting and stewarding philanthropic gifts of six and seven figures from individuals and organizations. Experience managing donor contacts and outreach in a donor database system.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Ability to multi-task, conduct strategic planning, and demonstrate advanced critical thinking and persuasion/negotiation skills.

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 checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve.

We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here.

As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected .

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.