Departmental Overview The Law School's Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) team engages alumni philanthropically and in programming and initiatives that strengthen the school and the student experience. The mission of the Development arm is to secure financial support for core operations and special initiatives that advance the law school's mission.
Position Overview
The position involves designing, developing, delivering, and administering fundraising programs. Develops and implements strategies for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gifts prospects with the capacity for a major gift of $25k to $1M and above; identifies new donor prospects through researching background information on potential donors and developing materials, creating marketing plans, and organizing related programs/events; cultivates, stewards, and solicits donor prospects for gifts ranging from $25K to $1M and above; prepares and negotiates gift instruments ranging from moderate to high complexity; works with the Dean, Assistant Dean and faculty as necessary to solicit the largest gifts; manages a portfolio of principal gift prospects assigned to the Dean. Directs the research and preparation of the Dean's briefings materials, creates talking points and meeting strategies for the Dean and briefs the Dean on these strategies. As appropriate, staffs the Dean on principal gifts visits and directs the tracking and implementation of all follow-up; manages the activities of the campaign cabinet and their meetings; collaborates with the Director of Financial Aid and the Director of Career Services to ensure proper stewardship of financial aid donors.
Application Review Date The First Review Date for this job is: August 12, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities Fundraising - Plans, organizes, and directs large-scale fundraising campaigns for Berkeley Law.
- Participates in short- and long-range strategic planning. This includes annual stewardship for existing donors, long-term planning for prospect cultivation, foundation research and strategy, and campaign planning related to Berkeley Law endowment funds and long-term fundraising initiatives.
- Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gift prospects and donors, using established metrics (currently CADS) to track activity and report outcomes. Utilizes a return-on-investment approach in managing a donor portfolio.
- Responsible for major gifts, corporate and foundation fundraising, and direct marketing efforts that generate philanthropic support for Berkeley Law. Manages a portfolio of donors with the capacity to give between $25,000 and $1,000,000 or more.
- Writes complex proposals for individual, corporate, and foundation prospects.
- Travels to meet with donors and represent Berkeley Law. Designs, organizes, and attends functions, meetings, and conferences as a representative of Berkeley Law. May serve on internal and external committees as a campus or Berkeley Law representative.
- May participate in cross-campus, multi-unit fundraising campaigns in partnership with UDAR.
- Ensures fundraising goals are achieved and raises at least $1 million annually by:
- Managing a portfolio of 75-100 major gift and corporate/foundation prospects with the capacity to give $25,000-$1,000,000+.
- Making 15-20 substantive donor contacts per month that advance relationships.
- Conducting 80-120 donor visits annually.
- Leading the planning and evaluation of fund development and annual solicitation programs, including financial feasibility studies, market research, and recommendations for program improvements.
- Closing at least $1 million in new gift commitments or outright gifts.
Volunteer Engagement - May recruit, train, and support key volunteers who assist in advancement and fundraising efforts.
Program Leadership & Administration - May oversee the work of professional and support staff involved in implementing multi-component fundraising programs.
- Uses key fundraising applications and databases to support fundraising strategies, goals, and objectives.
Professional Development & Other Duties - Engages in professional development and training opportunities as appropriate.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications - Advanced knowledge of all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and public relations.
- Advanced knowledge of UC Berkeley and Berkeley Law, including relevant issues affecting the campus and higher education.
- Advanced knowledge of UC Berkeley and Berkeley Law, including its vision, mission, goals, objectives, achievements, and organizational infrastructure.
- Advanced knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies related to gift acceptance, prospect management, and philanthropic fundraising.
- Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the political acumen to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
- Advanced skill in developing persuasive and compelling presentations that effectively communicate campus priorities and secure philanthropic support.
- Advanced ability to achieve established goals and objectives through effective program and project planning, organization, execution, and evaluation.
- Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), with the ability to integrate DEIB principles into daily work and interactions.
- Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds represented within the UC Berkeley community.
- Commitment to fostering an equitable, inclusive, and welcoming environment where students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors of all backgrounds feel respected, supported, and valued.
- Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to make sound decisions, identify and resolve complex issues, and develop creative solutions.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Advanced project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, as well as UDAR fundraising systems and the ability to quickly learn new technologies.
- Experience working with alumni, donors, volunteers, and other constituent groups, with the ability to cultivate and maintain positive, productive relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
- Ability to travel and work evenings, approximately twice per month, as needed.
- Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed fundraising goals and performance objectives.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
Preferred Qualifications - Juris Doctor (JD) degree and/or experience in legal environments.
- Membership in Council Advancement Secondary Education (CASE) and/or Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Salary & Benefits For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $126,800.00 - $158,500.00.
- This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
- This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
Other Information - This position is eligible for up to 20% remote work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change.
- This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
How to Apply To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
