Senior Director for Development, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

Santa Clara University•Santa Clara, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position plays a critical role in Santa Clara University's efforts to secure resources for its strategic funding priorities and deepen its relationships with alumni and donors. Reporting to the Executive Director for Development, Centers of Distinction, the Senior Director for Development, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics (MCAE), will manage and maintain a portfolio of approximately 125 major gift prospects of alumni, donors, and friends of the Markkula Center. He or she will lead the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects targeted for gifts between $100,000 and $1,999,999, working closely with senior university administrators and Markkula Center leadership and administration to develop meaningful, donor-centered development strategies. About the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics is a leading interdisciplinary center dedicated to advancing ethical reflection and practice in contemporary society. Rooted in Santa Clara University’s Jesuit, Catholic tradition, the Center promotes ethical decision-making in service of the common good through scholarship, education, and public engagement. The Center addresses ethical challenges across multiple sectors, including technology, business, government, healthcare, and education, and serves as a bridge between academic research and real-world application. Through its programs, partnerships, and public resources, the Center seeks to develop ethical leaders and foster dialogue on pressing moral issues. This position is eligible for a flexible work schedule: hybrid - work from the office and home with a 3:2 ratio.

Requirements

Knowledge of higher education.
Demonstrated understanding of major giving, annual giving, and planned giving programs, with an emphasis on personal solicitations.
Knowledge of scholarship and financial aid programs.
Experience in budget development, implementation, and tracking.
Understanding and appreciation of the mission of Santa Clara University and the vision and values of a Jesuit Catholic educational institution.
Must be a goal-oriented and self-motivated individual who can demonstrate accountability, initiative, creativity, and focus in a rapidly changing and intellectually stimulating environment.
Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate, build alliances, and achieve results within a population that may possess competing interests, opinions, and /or expectations.
Demonstrate strong active listening skills and the ability to negotiate positive outcomes.
Positive attitude, sense of humor, and flexibility.
Proficiency in using fundraising databases (or similar).
Required to have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle available for frequent travel to business meetings (mileage is reimbursed under federal guidelines).
Demonstrate a level of comfort working and communicating with top executives, community leaders, and/or University leadership.
Ability to motivate, build long-term relationships with, and gain the respect of internal and external clients.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of internal and external constituents.
Demonstrated ability to craft solicitation strategies in support of strategic initiatives.
Verifiable track record of soliciting individuals/organizations for financial investments and the ability to articulate and advocate a strong case for support.
Demonstrate the ability to manage time and workload, multitask, and achieve goals in a deadline-driven environment.
Demonstrate a genuine appetite to contribute to a collaborative, ethical, and professional team environment.
Positive attitude, sense of humor, and flexibility.
Ability to work on the road and/or work at odd hours and on weekends.
Demonstrated ability to multitask in a deadline-driven environment with a healthy attitude to attaining goals; to work independently and as a member of a staff team; to exercise sound judgment and discretion; to promote collaboration.
Bachelor's degree required.
8+ years of related professional experience.
3+ years of direct major gift fundraising experience.
Verifiable track record of raising $1,500,000 and above annually.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Experienced university fundraising with a broad knowledge of the principles and practices of major gift fundraising, and a verifiable track record of having secured gifts of $100,000+

Responsibilities

Lead the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of 125+ high-net-worth prospects, ensuring that each receives regular and strategic contact, including face-to-face visits, phone calls, and email communication.
Meet the annual metrics set with the Assistant Vice President for Individual Giving in consultation with the Executive Director of Development.
Collaborate with Center leaders, academic leaders and other development officers to develop multi-interest proposals and promote organized and strategic outreach to our donors.
Produce well-written, accurate, and timely follow-up and related correspondence such as comprehensive proposals, related budgets, contact reports, cover and thank you letters, e-mails, reports, and briefings in support of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding assigned prospects.
Incorporate planned giving alternatives as necessary and appropriate. Coordinate planned giving requests.
Interact with deans, directors, and/or University administrators in the form of fundraising strategy development, meeting and event attendance, and written briefings as they pertain to assigned prospects and prospect development.
Track and record activities as they relate to assigned prospects using Blackbaud CRM constituent management software.
Regularly reports to the Executive Director of Development on personal fundraising performance, including future projections.
Work with the Executive Director of Development to actively contribute to strategic planning, decision-making, and goal setting to further University Relations strategic priorities.
Participate as an active member of the Office of Development, sharing information and collaborating with colleagues respectfully and professionally; contributing to a healthy and positive work environment.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of Santa Clara University's mission.
May provide work direction to a shared administrative assistant and/or student worker.