Sr Director of Development, SIO
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Overview
UC San Diego Advancement's dynamic team inspires, builds and nurtures relationships with our community — alumni, students, faculty, staff and other members of the Triton family — that increase engagement with and philanthropic support for the university. Together, Advancement’s six units bring together strategy, partnerships and expertise to support UC San Diego’s efforts to unite diverse people and unconventional perspectives to propel limitless impact here in San Diego and far beyond. UC San Diego Advancement’s University Development department is the frontline fundraising team responsible for supporting General Campus and Scripps Institution of Oceanography leadership in securing philanthropic resources that advance opportunity for their students, faculty and initiatives. We recognize the crucial role development professionals play in identifying, engaging, cultivating and stewarding the philanthropic partners capable of assuring this university’s brightest future. Our leadership works tenaciously to seek out development professionals at all stages of their careers who evince the passion and integrity representative of our university’s character. Once part of the University Development team, colleagues are celebrated for their accomplishments and offered the support necessary to identify and realize ambitious goals. We place a premium on collaboration and shared endeavor, recognizing that true philanthropic success is measured best by the long-term advancement of UC San Diego and the impact of its work.
Position Description
The Senior Director of Development (SDOD), plans and implements strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gift prospects and donors for Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development (EDOD), the SDOD will work closely with the EDOD to formulate, manage and implement the fundraising program for Scripps Oceanography, to include major and principal gifts, annual giving programs, and stewardship and volunteer activities under the leadership of the Associate Vice Chancellor, University Development (AVC-UD) and the Senior Executive Director of Development (SEDOD). The SDOD prepares written and oral presentations to current and prospective donors and leads and partners on philanthropic strategies and activities as defined by campus policy and procedures; develops gift opportunities consistent with the priorities of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego's mission; supervises and mentors direct reports and provides work direction to the team as appropriate; and collaborates with colleagues across Advancement and the campus.
Qualifications
Proven success as a development officer in a highly sophisticated donor-centered fundraising environment as a direct-line fundraiser with six years or more of experience. 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. 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. Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one or in group settings, taking into account differences in social, cultural, professional and educational backgrounds. Demonstrated success at fundraising 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 gifts ($100,000 to $1M+) from individuals, corporations and foundations, both local and national. 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. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement persuasive cultivation ideas and techniques and provide critical analysis, using sound judgment with realistic expectations for prospects and donors. Proven record of writing proposals for a significant project/gift ($100,000+) directed to individual and foundations/corporations. Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Demonstrated understanding of the importance of ensuring welcoming and inclusive working environment, with the ability to work as a part of a collaborative team. Expert level skills in maintaining confidentiality. Strong sense of ethical conduct that will inspire confidence and motivation with the proven ability to persuade colleagues and donor prospects, while maintaining confidentiality in all matters as they relate to sensitive donor relation issues. Knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations to provide direction to special programs for outreach to prospective and existing donors. Proven administrative ability to provide lead direction to staff and volunteers in accomplishing established goals and objectives and maintain office activities with respect to established procedures and guidelines. Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning including budget planning. Expert knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, etc. 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. Demonstrated skill in the technique of donor prospect research with the ability to extract the pertinent/critical information from various documents. 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.