DIRECTOR, INDIVIDUAL GIVING

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute • San Diego, CA

2d • $120,000 - $145,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Sanford Burnham Prebys is a global research facility and hub for innovation, comprised of scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This diversity enriches perspectives and enhances the approach to solving complex scientific challenges. The institution aims to be a leader in biomedical research and foster an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration. Its mission is to advance biomedical sciences by cultivating future scientific leaders and providing opportunities for researchers to learn, innovate, and make discoveries that improve human health. The organization's motto is 'Together, we translate science into health.' The duties and responsibilities outlined are examples of accountabilities and may be subject to change.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Eight or more years of progressive professional fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, preferably in higher education, healthcare, medical research, or another complex nonprofit environment.
• Demonstrated success managing an individual donor portfolio and securing significant philanthropic commitments through personal cultivation, strategic engagement, and solicitation.
• Proven ability to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through the full fundraising cycle, including developing and executing successful solicitation strategies and independently leading donor conversations and complex or high-value gift discussions.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to assess donor potential, prioritize prospects, develop appropriate strategies, make sound portfolio-management decisions, and anticipate and solve problems.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively, establish credibility, and build strong relationships with donors, volunteers, senior leaders, and faculty.
• Intellectual curiosity and the ability to quickly develop a strong understanding of biomedical research, scientific discovery, and clinical research and translate complex scientific information into clear, compelling, donor-centered communications and funding opportunities.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple relationships and initiatives simultaneously, and consistently meet deadlines and fundraising goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment, with sound judgment, discretion, initiative, and a strong commitment to team success.
• Proficiency in analytical and technological skills, including experience using constituent relationship management (CRM) systems to accurately enter, track, and report donor interactions and portfolio activity.
• Commitment to the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, professionalism, and donor stewardship.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented professional with a demonstrated ability to build and strengthen long-term relationships with new and existing donors and translate those relationships into increased philanthropic engagement and support.
• California driver's license, and automobile insurance required.

Nice To Haves

• A professional fundraising credential, such as a CFRE is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 150–200 individual donor prospects, including mid-level and major gift prospects, with a focus on developing donor relationships, advancing prospects, securing gifts, and growing long-term philanthropic support.
• Achieve an annual fundraising expectation of at least $1.5 million through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors.
• Create and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans that align donor interests with the Institute’s strategic funding needs.
• Strategically identify, qualify, and requalify prospective donors by assessing philanthropic interests, capacity, motivation, and readiness for solicitation.
• Develop and execute disciplined moves-management strategies using personal interactions, donor visits, events, and other engagement opportunities.
• Proactively maintain a healthy and productive portfolio by evaluating prospect activity, advancing donors, and recommending portfolio adjustments.
• Lead sophisticated, strategic donor solicitations, demonstrating strong judgment, creativity, and negotiation skills.
• Partner strategically with the Vice President of Philanthropy and Institute leadership on donor strategy, determining appropriate roles and engagement opportunities for senior leaders and faculty.
• Develop a strong understanding of the Institute’s scientific priorities, Centers, faculty expertise, and philanthropic funding opportunities, and translate complex scientific work into compelling opportunities for investment.
• Develop compelling proposals, gift agreements, and donor communications.
• Meet or exceed annual performance metrics, including face-to-face donor visits, qualification goals, solicitations, gift closures, and stewardship activities.
• Accurately document donor interactions, strategies, and portfolio activity in the constituent relationship management (CRM) system.
• Stay informed on organizational priorities, scientific advancements, and funding opportunities to effectively communicate the Institute’s mission and impact.
• Demonstrate a high degree of sophistication and professionalism in managing relationships with donors, prospects, volunteers, and Institute leadership, upholding high standards of donor confidentiality, ethics, and professionalism.
• Perform other related tasks, duties, and responsibilities as required, assigned, or directed.

Benefits

• The company is an equal employment opportunity employer.
• Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director