DESCRIPTION

Under the leadership of the Executive Director of Development, Marine Sciences and the work direction of the Senior Director of Development, Marine Sciences, the Director of Development is a frontline fundraiser responsible for leading major gift strategies from identification through stewardship on behalf of Birch Aquarium and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Directors of Development manage an individual portfolio of prospects capable of giving major gifts in excess of $100,000. Directors develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of university priorities, regularly meeting with prospects and donors (with a focus on face-to-face visits), regularly meeting with development colleagues and academic leaders, preparing briefing materials and gift proposals, attending events and staffing and/or supervising projects as assigned.

This position's primary focus will be Birch Aquarium, the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California San Diego. The incumbent will work closely with the Executive Director of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography on philanthropic initiatives and take a donor-centered approach to the role with a focus on collaboration and transparency. They will have strong communications skills and be willing to serve as a role model to other professional and support staff. High integrity, strong self-motivation, innovation, flexibility and passion are all valued qualities on the University Development team. Additionally, the incumbent will have a proven ability to build long-term relationships while consistently meeting fundraising goals. As our program is complex and in a phase of rapid innovation, the ability to adapt to quickly changing environments is key.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are core values at UC San Diego and Advancement is committed to a continuous process of learning and updating practices to support systemic evolution toward equity, diversity, and inclusion for our team and constituents. We foster the UC San Diego Principles of Community by encouraging and developing a collaborative and positive environment among colleagues. UC San Diego provides resources and services so employees can develop a deeper connection to our diverse campus community. Explore more at UC San Diego Staff Associations network and Campus Community Centers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven success as a development officer in a highly sophisticated donor-centered fundraising environment as a direct-line fundraiser with five years or more of experience.

• Expert working knowledge of all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and public relations concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques. Proven experience in the full spectrum of development including: gift policies, solicitations, stewardship, donor recognition, and administration.

• Expert written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen, to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies. Expert skills in making persuasive and compelling presentations of goals and objectives for a location in order to secure gifts. Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one or in group settings, taking into account differences in social, cultural, professional, and educational backgrounds.

• Demonstrated success at fundraising by developing and implementing strategic solicitation fundraising plans that incorporate a concise definition of goals, targeted audiences, and strategies in-line with institution and academic goals in higher education and closing gifts ($100,000+) from individuals, corporations, and foundations, both local and national.

• Expert organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills. Expert project / program management skills, including skills in setting and meeting program / project goals and objectives within budget and time constraints.

• Proven record of writing proposals for a significant project/gift ($100,000+) directed to individual and foundations/corporations.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement persuasive cultivation ideas and techniques and provide critical analysis, using sound judgment with realistic expectations for prospects and donors.

• Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Demonstrated understanding of the importance of ensuring an equitable, inclusive, and diverse working environment, with the ability to work as a part of a diverse and collaborative team.

• Proven administrative ability to provide lead directi