Senior Director Development and Alumni Relations - Medical

Tufts University•Boston, MA

About The Position

Tufts University Advancement seeks an accomplished and strategic development leader to serve as the chief development officer for the School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Reporting to University Advancement, with a dotted-line relationship to the Dean, this individual will be the school’s chief development officer and a key member of the Dean’s Senior Leadership Team. Providing vision and executive-level leadership for all aspects of the Dean’s philanthropic portfolio, the successful candidate will drive initiatives that advance the school’s mission and strengthen Tufts’ position as a leader in medical education and research. This individual will shape and lead comprehensive fundraising and alumni engagement strategies, including major and principal gifts, annual giving, stewardship, gift planning, and special events. The role manages a team of development professionals, directs prospect cultivation and solicitation, and partners with volunteer leadership to achieve ambitious goals. Additional responsibilities include overseeing budgets and resources, maintaining a personal portfolio of prospects, and ensuring fundraising targets are met. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned development professional to make a transformative impact at Tufts. Under the leadership of President Sunil Kumar, Dean Helen Boucher, and Senior Vice President for University Advancement Josh Else, the School of Medicine is experiencing its most successful fundraising year to date. President Kumar has prioritized strengthening relationships with donors and alumni and investing in a high performing advancement enterprise, while Dean Boucher is guiding the medical school through the development of a strategic plan designed to propel the institution forward. University Advancement is a 200-member team committed to building strong relationships, aligning donor interests with institutional priorities, and securing resources to support excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. Our work is guided by values of integrity, collegiality, diversity, accountability, and respect for donors and the Tufts community

Requirements

Knowledge & Skills as Typically Acquired Through Bachelor's Degree and Related Experience 10+ years of related experience
Extensive knowledge and experience in a leadership role in philanthropy
Expert interpersonal and relationship building skills
Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
Proven track record of structuring proposals and securing major/leadership gifts in complex higher education environment
Demonstrated experience in managing professional fundraising teams

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the Dean’s Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the development and execution of the School of Medicine’s strategic plan.
Provide strategic direction for all fundraising and alumni engagement activities, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission and priorities.
Manage a personal portfolio of high-capacity donors and lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and leadership gifts.
Oversee prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies through professional staff, ensuring effective engagement and results.
Direct and integrate all aspects of fundraising programs in collaboration with annual giving, stewardship, corporate and foundation relations, gift planning, alumni relations, and special events teams.
Partner with the Dean to lead special initiatives, campaigns, and priority projects for the School of Medicine.
Report regularly to the Dean and senior leadership on progress toward fundraising and engagement goals.
Develop and approve marketing and communications strategies in collaboration with school leadership, University Advancement, and University Relations; monitor progress and adjust as needed.
Recruit, train, and manage fundraising and alumni engagement staff, including performance evaluation and professional development.
Monitor fundraising metrics, track progress against goals, and hold staff accountable for achieving results.