Director of Development, Basic & Biomedical Sciences
University of California, San Francisco · United States
Job Function Summary:
Involves designing, developing, delivering, and administering fundraising programs. Identifies new donor prospects through researching background information on potential donors and developing materials, marketing plans, and organizing related programs / events; cultivates, stewards, and may solicit donor prospects.
Generic Scope
Recognized organization-wide expert. Has significant impact and influence on organizational policy and program development. Regularly leads projects of critical importance to the organization; these projects carry substantial consequences of success or failure. Directs programs with organization-wide impact (or may have impact beyond the University) that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources. Significant barriers to entry exist at this level.
Custom Scope
Position Overview
Are you driven by the opportunity to power discoveries that transform human health on a global scale?
The Basic and Biomedical Sciences Development team is seeking an extraordinary, strategic, and collaborative Director of Development to advance philanthropic support for world-changing scientific innovation. Partnering directly with university deans, department chairs, institute directors, and world-renowned faculty, you will shape the future of medicine by securing major and principal gifts that accelerate breakthrough research and empower the next generation of scientific leaders.
This role offers an exceptional platform for an ambitious fundraising leader: a high-impact, broad-scope portfolio spanning foundational basic science departments, cutting-edge interdisciplinary research centers, the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA), and the prestigious Sandler Program for Breakthrough Biomedical Research (PBBR).
Why This Role Is Unique
Unrivaled Portfolio Breadth: Rather than working in a single niche, you will drive philanthropic strategies across an expansive ecosystem of basic sciences, multidisciplinary institutes, and graduate education.
Direct Access to Academic Leadership: You will serve as a trusted advisor to deans, department chairs, and pioneering researchers, translating complex scientific visions into inspiring donor opportunities.
High-Impact Philanthropy: Your work will directly fund high-risk, high-reward research (through PBBR) and nurture top-tier emerging scientists (through GEPA), leaving a lasting legacy on global health outcomes.
Collaborative Environment: Join a high-performing, deeply supportive team environment built on partnership, intellectual curiosity, and shared impact.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Portfolio & Prospect Management
Manage a dynamic portfolio of 75-100 major and principal gift prospects, actively moving donors through the pipeline from identification and qualification to solicitation and stewardship.
Target, cultivate, and solicit individual donors, foundations, and family offices capable of making gifts of $250k to $1M+.
Academic Partnership & Leadership Engagement
Work directly with deans, department chairs, center and institute directors, and faculty leaders to understand strategic research priorities and convert them into compelling philanthropic proposals.
Educate and coach faculty on fundraising best practices, serving as an expert partner in donor meetings and site visits.
Interdisciplinary Strategy & Programmatic Growth
Develop customized philanthropic strategies that leverage the strengths of interdisciplinary initiatives, basic science departments, GEPA, and PBBR.
Design and execute innovative proposals that connect donor passions with institution-wide scientific breakthroughs.
Desired Mindset & Competencies
Intellectual Curiosity: A genuine passion for basic science, scientific innovation, and medical research.
Strategic Agility: Comfort navigating complex institutional structures and managing multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
Collaborative Spirit: A team-first mindset with high emotional intelligence and a commitment to shared goals.