Director of Philanthropy (San Francisco / Hybrid)
About The Position
Gladstone Institutes is seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven Director of Philanthropy & Special Initiatives to join its growing Philanthropy team. This role is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned fundraising professional to build meaningful partnerships with visionary philanthropists and help advance groundbreaking scientific discoveries that improve lives around the world. The Director will play a critical role in advancing Gladstone's mission by developing and managing a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and donors. Working closely with Gladstone's President, Vice President of Philanthropy, scientific leadership, Trustees, Foundation Board members, and key volunteers, this individual will design and execute sophisticated fundraising strategies that inspire transformational philanthropic investment. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a highly collaborative environment, enjoys translating complex scientific concepts into compelling donor opportunities, and is energized by building long-term relationships that drive impact.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Eight or more years of successful fundraising experience, including major gifts, principal gifts, comprehensive campaigns, planned giving, or related advancement work.
- Demonstrated success securing significant philanthropic investments from individual donors.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience developing fundraising strategies for sophisticated donor audiences.
- Ability to build trusted relationships with donors, scientists, executives, board members, and volunteers.
- Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in higher education, academic medicine, healthcare, biomedical research, or a mission-driven nonprofit organization.
- Familiarity with scientific research and the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for non-scientific audiences.
- Experience working with institutional leaders, governing boards, and high-net-worth philanthropists.
- Previous leadership or mentoring experience within a fundraising team.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gift prospects.
- Manage an active portfolio of 100+ high-capacity donors and prospective donors.
- Secure significant philanthropic support for Gladstone's scientific programs, strategic initiatives, and institutional priorities.
- Partner with leadership to create customized engagement plans and meaningful donor experiences.
- Lead fundraising efforts related to strategic institutional priorities, disease-focused initiatives, and emerging scientific opportunities.
- Collaborate with scientists and institutional leaders to shape compelling funding opportunities and campaign strategies.
- Serve as a strategic thought partner on initiatives that advance Gladstone's long-term growth and impact.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to Gladstone's President and Vice President of Philanthropy on donor strategy and engagement.
- Support faculty, Trustees, Foundation Board members, and volunteer leaders in their fundraising activities.
- Prepare briefing materials, donor proposals, stewardship reports, and other high-impact communications.
- Mentor and support members of the Philanthropy team.
- Help foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and fundraising excellence.
- Provide leadership and continuity during the Vice President's absence.
Benefits
- Generous medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid vacation, commuter benefits, access to free shuttle transportation.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Associate degree
