Senior Director for Development, Schools & Centers

Santa Clara University•Santa Clara, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director for Development manages a portfolio of 125 major gift prospects and leads the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects targeted for gifts between $100,000 and $1,999,999. The role works closely with senior university administrators and an assigned School or Center to develop meaningful, donor-centered development strategies and advance Santa Clara University’s strategic funding priorities and relationships with alumni and donors. The position reports to the Senior Executive Director of Development, Schools & Centers and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with a 3:2 office-to-home ratio. The Senior Director collaborates with academic leaders and development colleagues, prepares proposals and donor correspondence, incorporates planned giving alternatives when appropriate, and records prospect activities in Blackbaud CRM. The role also contributes to strategic planning and goal setting, reports on personal fundraising performance and future projections, and may provide work direction to a shared administrative assistant or student worker. The position requires frequent travel for constituent meetings and may involve work at odd hours or on weekends.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
At least 8 years of related professional experience.
At least 3 years of direct major gift fundraising experience.
Verifiable track record of raising $1,500,000 or more annually.
Valid driver's license and personal vehicle available for frequent travel to business meetings; mileage is reimbursed under federal guidelines.
Knowledge of higher education, major giving, annual giving, and planned giving programs, particularly personal solicitations.
Knowledge of scholarship and financial aid programs.
Experience in budget development, implementation, and tracking.
Understanding and appreciation of Santa Clara University's mission and the vision and values of a Jesuit Catholic educational institution.
Strong interpersonal, active listening, collaboration, alliance-building, and negotiation skills.
Goal-oriented, self-motivated, accountable, and able to demonstrate initiative, creativity, and focus in a rapidly changing environment.
Proficiency with fundraising databases or similar systems.
Comfort working and communicating with top executives, community leaders, and university leadership.
Ability to motivate others, build long-term relationships, develop solicitation strategies, and advocate a strong case for support.
Verifiable record of soliciting individuals or organizations for financial investments.
Ability to manage time and workload, multitask, and achieve goals in a deadline-driven environment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, exercise sound judgment and discretion, and promote collaboration.
Ability to work on the road and/or at odd hours and on weekends.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Experience in university fundraising and broad knowledge of major gift fundraising principles and practices.
Verifiable track record of securing gifts of $100,000 or more.

Responsibilities

Manage and maintain a portfolio of 125 major gift prospects, providing regular, strategic contact through face-to-face visits, phone, and email.
Lead the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects targeted for gifts between $100,000 and $1,999,999.
Meet annual metrics established with the Senior Executive Director of Development.
Collaborate with academic leaders and development officers on multi-interest proposals and coordinated donor outreach.
Prepare accurate, timely proposals, budgets, contact reports, cover and thank-you letters, emails, reports, and briefings.
Incorporate planned giving alternatives as appropriate and coordinate planned giving requests.
Work with deans, directors, and university administrators on fundraising strategies, meetings, events, and written prospect briefings.
Track and record prospect-related activities in Blackbaud CRM constituent management software.
Regularly report personal fundraising performance and future projections to the Assistant Vice President of Individual Giving.
Contribute to strategic planning, decision-making, and goal setting with the Assistant Vice President of Individual Giving.
Participate actively in the Office of Development, sharing information and collaborating respectfully and professionally.
Perform other duties assigned in support of Santa Clara University's mission.
May provide work direction to a shared administrative assistant and/or student worker.