Executive Director of Development, College of Medicine

University of Cincinnati Foundation•Cincinnati, OH

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director of Development serves as the chief philanthropic strategist for the College of Medicine, providing vision, leadership, and execution of a comprehensive major and principal gift fundraising program securing support from alumni, grateful patients, friends, foundations and community partners. This role is responsible for shaping and executing high-impact development strategy that advances the College of Medicine’s most critical priorities, with particular emphasis on major and principal gifts, complex donor engagement, and long-term relationship building. The Executive Director leads and mentors a high-performing development team, manages the Dean’s development outreach and prospect engagement strategy, and ensures that fundraising efforts are integrated, donor-centric, and aligned with both College and University advancement goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 7-10 years of progressive development experience, or an advanced degree with 5-7 years of experience, preferably in academic medicine, healthcare, or complex research environment.
Demonstrated record of success securing major and principal gifts ($100K level and above) and managing complex donor relationships.
Proven leadership and management experience, including team development, mentorship, and performance management.
Ability to understand and effectively communicate scientific, clinical, and educational priorities to philanthropic audiences.
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build credibility and trust with senior leaders, faculty, physicians, donors, and volunteers.
A commitment to and passion for the role of development in advancing the mission of the University of Cincinnati and the transformative role of philanthropy in academic medicine.
Willingness to travel and attend evening and weekend activities as needed. Valid driver’s license required for travel.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan in partnership with the Assistant Vice President for Development, Academic Health Colleges, including annual and multi-year goals.
Serve as the primary development advisor and partner to the Dean of the College of Medicine, working closely with the Dean to articulate philanthropic priorities, shape donor strategy, and advance transformational funding opportunities.
Lead and manage the Dean’s development outreach, including prospect strategy, donor engagement planning, solicitation coordination, briefing materials, and follow-up stewardship.
Recruit, lead, motivate and manage a team of development professionals; establish objectives, set performance standards and productivity metrics, and evaluate performance; provide appropriate levels of training, mentoring and professional development. Assign and direct projects and oversee day-to-day operations of the team.
Serve as a senior leader and mentor, modeling collaboration, mentorship, and best practices across the Foundation.
Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity major and principal gift prospects ($100,000+); leading cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that result in significant philanthropic commitments.
Collaborate with the Dean, senior leadership, faculty, and physician leaders to identify, prioritize, and position funding opportunities that align donor interests with institutional goals.
Work collaboratively with UCF colleagues in prospect development, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, strategic communications, and stewardship to enhance donor engagement and fundraising outcomes.
Guide the development of gift agreements that honor donor intent while advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the College of Medicine.
Ensure exemplary stewardship of donors and gifts, building long-term, trust-based relationships with major donors, volunteers and institutional partners.
Maintain strong, productive working relationships with College of Medicine faculty, staff, clinicians, and external relations partners to support coordinated advancement efforts.
Provide guidance and support to volunteers involved in fundraising initiatives; assist in identifying, recruiting, and engaging new volunteer leaders.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions, proposals, and outcomes through contact reports and monthly performance reports.
Participate fully in the UCF prospect and clearance process.
Complete special projects and assignments related to donor engagement, awareness, and philanthropic support as requested by the Dean or Assistant Vice President.
Act as a senior ambassador for the College of Medicine, strengthening relationships with internal and external stakeholders and representing the College within the broader advancement community.
Other duties as assigned.