Senior Associate Director of Development, School of Medicine

UVA Health

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the role of Senior Associate Director of Development, School of Medicine. The University of Virginia has a strong and reputable advancement community, boasting effective, results-oriented, and resourceful professionals. Our community comprises a robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 University-related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development. Position Summary The University of Virginia Health Development Office seeks an accomplished and strategic fundraising professional to fill the position of Senior Associate Director of Development for the School of Medicine. Reporting to the Director of Development, School of Medicine - Medical Alumni, this major gift officer will play a key role in generating philanthropic support from School of Medicine alumni while contributing to team-wide strategy, leadership, and the advancement of ambitious fundraising goals. Responsibilities will include identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospects and donors for the benefit of the School of Medicine, with an emphasis on alumni discovery and cultivation work that builds the major gift pipeline. This position will focus on gifts of $100,000 and above to advance the strategic educational and faculty support priorities of the School of Medicine and UVA Health. This individual will work with medical alumni in assigned geographic regions and will collaborate with fundraising partners and leadership in developing compelling proposals and carrying out fundraising initiatives aligned with the needs of the School of Medicine. Additionally, this position will help shape strategic direction for the Medical Alumni team, serving as a thought partner to the Director of Development and other senior leaders across UVA Health Development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of previous fundraising experience or related work.
Consistent record of soliciting and closing gifts of $100,000+.
Ability to effectively articulate the school’s mission, strategic aims, and fundraising programs; strong verbal and written communication skills.
Experience working in a significant fundraising campaign or capital campaign and meeting desired goals.
Experience managing high-level relationships.
Proven ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with high emotional intelligence and professionalism.
Ability to use a database to maintain and review records and reports such as donor data, prospect contacts, solicitations, and proposals.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to hold oneself accountable to goals and metrics.
Ability to travel frequently, as well as conduct occasional evening and weekend work.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree and at least eight years of previous fundraising experience or related work.
Success within collaborative fundraising models.
Robust understanding of principles of philanthropy, higher education, alumni relations, and relationship management.
Knowledge of and comfort with planned giving concepts, tools, and donor conversations.
Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, including experience soliciting and closing gifts at the $100,000+ level.
Previous work in or familiarity with an academic medical center and an academic/alumni fundraising environment.
Proven experience building relationships with academic medical faculty and comparable organizational leaders.
Demonstrated ability to serve as an effective ambassador for the university and / or school / unit when engaging with prospective donors, alumni, and attendees at institutional events, visits, or functions.

Responsibilities

Work with key constituent prospects to solicit and secure blended six-figure/major gifts for the School of Medicine.
Advance the mission, vision, and short and long-term goals of the School of Medicine, including campaign priorities, using agreed-upon metrics and accountability.
Create and execute fundraising plans and individual donor strategies that utilize best practices in major giving including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors.
Serve as a member of the broader UVA Health Development team and collaborate with peers on developing proposals for support, prospect management and strategy, and building partnerships with faculty.
Partner with the Medical Alumni Association (MAA) and the Medical School Foundation (MSF) when it comes to alumni events, Board meetings, communications, and philanthropic giving to currently held MSF funds, as well as establishing new donor funds.
Travel nationally to establish long-term partnerships, create outstanding constituent experiences and build relationships with alumni donors to fund immediate and long-term goals of the School of Medicine.
Contribute to strategic planning for the Medical Alumni team, including pipeline development, portfolio optimization, and long-term fundraising priorities.
Provide leadership within the team, offering guidance and strategic insight to colleagues to strengthen overall performance and collaboration.