Job SummaryThe Director of Development is an advanced fundraising professional with recognized expertise in specific areas of regional frontline development such as major gifts, who independently performs the full range of responsibilities of a university development officer, analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope, and determines solutions. Using advanced fundraising concepts, plans, organizes, and directs fundraising campaigns which include multiple components. The results of the incumbent's efforts have major impact on overall program goals and assignments and are typically at the "major gifts" level, including building and managing an active portfolio, and focusses on donors capable of giving $50K or more.
This position plans, schedules, and implements comprehensive fundraising projects, works in assigned key metropolitan regions outside of California that have been identified as strategically important to the success of UC Davis fundraising programs. This position is metric-driven and expected to raise gift dollar amounts as established through an annual business planning process and aligned with the assigned portfolio. This is a fundraising position focused on building new and fostering existing donor relationships in key regions across the country. Guided by a "donor centered" approach, the incumbent will strategically solicit gifts and steward existing ones using various communication methods, including in person, video, texting, phone, social media and virtual visits and will involve travel to secure meetings with donors and prospective donors. This position requires good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, and works independently, collaboratively, and collegially as part of a large, matrix organization.
Apply By Date: July 31, 2026 by 11:59 pmInitial Application Review date is July 16, 2026. Interviews and recruiting process may occur at any time. Position will remain open until filled.
QualificationsMinimum QualificationsBachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Advanced professional frontline fundraising experience, as demonstrated by 3 or more years of professional or volunteer fundraising experience; or equivalent transferrable professional experience including strategic relationship development and portfolio management; or equivalent combination of experience and education.
Highly knowledgeable of and experienced 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 knowledge of proven cultivation/solicitation techniques for gifts at all dollar levels with identified success in major gift fundraising, gifts $50k+.
Demonstrated success soliciting and securing significant philanthropic gifts. Successful track record developing strategic relationships with donors.
E xpert political acumen, to establish and maintain good working relationships at all organizational levels and with outside constituencies, including donors, volunteers, and subject matter experts, to develop collaborative working relationships needed to accomplish organizational goals.
Related experience conceiving, writing and editing fundraising presentations, case statements, and proposals and for support of program priorities. Expert written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
Preferred QualificationsAwareness, knowledge, and skill in applying inclusion to one's work. A profound belief in the value of a safe workforce and a commitment to achieve this goal through collaboration and team building, working cooperatively with a large group of department and campus constituencies.
Extensive major gift development experience, including general knowledge of estate and planned giving vehicles, and the various types of charitable gifts, including in-kind gifts, gifts of securities and gifts of real property. Experienced with the design, execution, and follow-through of strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, close, and steward major gifts of $50K or more.
Previous experience managing a regionally based development portfolio.
Volunteer management experience, including recruiting, developing, training, and empowering active, philanthropically-focused volunteer boards. Experience with Advance database a plus.
Key Responsibilities• 80% - Major Gift Fundraising
• 20% - Fundraising Planning and Program Responsibility
Department OverviewUC Davis Office of Development and Alumni Relations 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.
POSITION INFORMATION• Departmental Budgeted Salary Range: $118,000 - $125,000/yr., commensurate with experience. • Fundraiser 4 Full Pay Scale: $102,400.00 - $202,400.00/yr. • Salary Frequency: Monthly • Salary Grade: Grade 25 • UC Job Title: FUNDRAISER 4 • UC Job Code: 000462 • Number of Positions: 1 • Appointment Type: Staff: Career • Percentage of Time: 100 • Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8am-5pm • Location: Univ Conf Ctr (CONFCNTR), Davis Campus • Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM) • Benefits Eligible: Yes • H1-B Eligible: Applicants must be permanently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. • This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work). This position is based in Davis, CA and may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid scheduleBenefitsOutstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Physical Demands• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work EnvironmentUC 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.
Domestic travel including overnight stays will be required, in accordance with approved budget and in accordance with UC Davis policy and procedure. Work occasional evenings and weekends to attend fundraising events, commencement, and to meet operational needs as required. Must provide own transportation to off-site events and meetings.
Special RequirementsMisconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
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