Director of Development - Foundation

Responsibilities

• Lead the solicitation of major gifts ($25,000+), ensuring strategic donor engagement through personalized cultivation, formal presentations, and proposal development.
• Drive efforts to meet established goals (e.g., dollars raised, solicitations made, solicitations funded, visits, contacts, and prospects qualified), with an annual expectation to raise philanthropic support, while aligning priorities with institutional needs and donor interests.
• Ensure long-term donor retention and satisfaction by implementing strategic stewardship efforts. In collaboration with the Donor Relations Team, manage impact reporting, fund updates, and recognition programs to reinforce philanthropic commitment.
• Develop and oversee exclusive engagement activities such as personalized outreach, stewardship events, site visits, and donor leadership touchpoints. Collaborate with internal partners to ensure stewardship strategies are donor-centric, demonstrating the direct impact of philanthropy and fostering deeper institutional connections.
• Lead structured engagement programs to strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, grateful patients, and advisory boards in support of long-term philanthropic goals. Assist in the management of advisory boards, and coordinate donor engagement programs outside of direct fundraising efforts.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance institutional partnerships and donor involvement through specialized events, volunteer leadership, and collaborative initiatives with department chairs and institutional leaders.
• Partner with key internal stakeholders, including Donor Experience, Planned Giving, Advancement Services, and Corporate/Foundation Relations, to drive coordinated fundraising efforts for the benefit of MUSC. Work closely with academic chairs, faculty, and clinical staff to educate and engage them in the philanthropic process.
• With Development leadership, facilitate training and partnership opportunities to identify prospects, cultivate relationships, and support the acquisition of annual, planned, major, and corporate/foundation gifts.
• Aid in proposal development and solicitation strategies to ensure alignment with fundraising goals.
• Communicate with the Dean, Clinical Leadership, Department chairs, Division leads, and the MUSC Foundation’s team to enhance engagement across all constituent groups. Oversee the creation of fundraising materials in collaboration with Donor Relations, ensuring alignment with institutional branding and philanthropic objectives.
• Manage written and electronic communications to alumni, donors, prospects, faculty, students, and volunteer leadership with the goal of increasing visibility, driving philanthropic support, and reinforcing institutional priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent and 5-7 years of related professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Proven success in securing major gifts ($25,000+).
• Strong knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor cultivation techniques.
• Ability to engage effectively with high-level donors, institutional leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Experience recruiting and managing volunteer boards or advisory committees.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong team collaboration and leadership capabilities.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to manage confidential information.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Advanced computer skills; ability to create compelling proposals and presentations.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases (Raiser’s Edge preferred).
• Willingness and ability to travel and work evenings/weekends as needed.