Associate Director, Prospect Development
University of California, San Francisco · United States
Job Function Summary:
Involves activities associated with the research and management of prospective donors. Provides organization with key information and tools to effectively build relationships with donors and manage fundraiser portfolios. Provides performance metrics and consultation.
Generic Scope
Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues / problems without precedent and / or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy.
Custom Scope
Are you an expert prospect research strategist ready to shape executive intelligence and principal giving pipelines at one of the world's leading health sciences institutions?
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking an exceptional, highly autonomous Associate Director of Prospect Development to serve as the lead operational and research strategist supporting UCSF's Executive Office, Principal Giving Strategy team, and Volunteers program. Reporting to the Executive Director of Prospect Development within University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR), you will assume operational ownership of executive-level portfolios for the Vice Chancellor and Associate Vice Chancellor.
In this technical leadership role, you will design and manage proactive principal gift pipelines ($10M+), execute deep-dive network mapping, and vet high-caliber candidates for the UCSF Foundation Board and Benioff Children's Hospital Foundation Board. Acting as a strategic intelligence partner, you will combine deep analytical rigor with high-level stakeholder collaboration, translating complex wealth analytics and predictive modeling into executive decision intelligence that unlocks visionary philanthropy.
Why This Role Is Unique
Executive Portfolio Ownership: Directly manage the operational tracking, review cadences, and intelligence pipeline for UCSF development executive leadership (Vice Chancellor and Associate Vice Chancellor).
Principal Giving & Board Recruitment Scope: Drive network mapping and deep-dive intelligence for UHNW principal gift prospects ($10M+) and vet high-level leadership candidates for university foundation boards.
Technical & Operational Leadership: Serve as a recognized subject matter expert across UDAR, integrating modern AI tools, predictive analytics, and data sets to optimize institutional pipelines.
Matrixed Strategic Advisor: Bridge the gap between data science and frontline execution, providing matrixed guidance to interdisciplinary teams without administrative overhead.
Premier Collaborative Culture: Embedded within UDAR's innovative Prospect Development team at UCSF's 2001 The Embarcadero location with flexible hybrid work options.
Desired Mindset & Competencies
High-Level Strategic Agility: Proven ability to navigate opaque financial structures, evaluate UHNW prospects ($10M+), and frame delicate findings with exceptional diplomacy and neutrality.
Modern Tool & AI Innovation: Enthusiastic about leveraging artificial intelligence tools, automation, and advanced research engines to streamline intelligence production.
Executive Stakeholder Engagement: Superior interpersonal and political acumen to build seamless peer relationships with executive leadership, foundation board leads, and senior fundraisers.