DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of University Development leadership and reporting to the Executive Director of Development for the School of Biological Sciences, the Associate Director of Development initiates, develops, and implements strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of leadership and major gift prospects. The incumbent is responsible for the initial contact of newly identified prospective donors (alumni and friends) to qualify and to promote interest in providing philanthropic support for UC San Diego’s and Biological Sciences' programs and priorities. Incumbent will cultivate and solicit prospects for major gifts ($25K to $100K+), with an emphasis on donor development and will work collaboratively with major gift development officers to optimize gift support. In addition, they will provide strategic support and collaboration for General Campus development operations. This position will play a critical role in building the pipeline of donors for key campus priorities such as student and faculty support and access to education.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Progressive development experience in a complex organization including frontline experience.

• Advanced 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, cultivation, donor recognition, support group management and administration.

• Advanced written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen, to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies. Ability to make 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.

• Advanced organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills, including skill in creative and effective decision-making and problem identification / avoidance / resolution, and strong project management skills. Proven advanced analytical skills to gather, evaluate information, procedures or situations, define a problem or objective, identify relevant concerns, recognize alternatives, and formulate logical and objective conclusions and make a recommendation.

• Very strong skills in maintaining confidentiality.

• Demonstrated knowledge in creating written, strategic prospect engagement strategies including both short-term and long-term giving goals.

• Ability to develop strategies and plans to identify and cultivate prospects and steward donors.

• Proven ability to prioritize assignments and departmental needs, and to meet deadlines. Ability to make sound independent judgments and complete tasks with minimum direction.

• 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.

• Proven experience developing new programs to broaden donor base and enhance institutional outreach.

• Demonstrated understanding of the philosophy of quality service and group process, with proven aptitude for working as part of a collaborative team.

• Strong portfolio management skills including donor qualification/cultivation/stewardship.

• Ability to draft briefing materials and key talking points to staff Advancement leadership, academic leadership and volunteer leadership in prospect/donor engagements.

• Demonstrated success in recruiting and working with volunteers.

• Demonstrated ability to engage prospects in major gift conversations and basic planned giving conversations.

• 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.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Job offer is contingent on clear Background Check.

Must have access to reliable transportation.

Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.