Director of Development, Health Sciences
Position Summary
The Director of Development is a frontline major gift officer responsible for driving philanthropic support for UConn Health Sciences aligned with campaign priorities. This role manages a robust leadership and major gift portfolio—with a particular emphasis on the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Working closely with leadership and Foundation colleagues, the Director secures philanthropic investments that advance the priorities of UConn’s Health Sciences department. The Director plays a critical role in strengthening donor relationships, expanding the major gift pipeline, and increasing overall philanthropic support for high-priority initiatives.
Primary Responsibilities
Manage a portfolio of 75–100 prospects rated at $100K+
Raise $2M–$5M annually in support of UConn’s Health Sciences.
Conduct 20–40 qualification meetings at the $100K+ level; 15+ solicitations at $100K+; and 100+ meaningful, face-to-face meetings each year.
Develop and execute innovative strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects.
Prepare compelling donor proposals and case materials tailored to Health Sciences priorities.
Collaborate with UConn Health development, alumni relations, and central Foundation teams to ensure alignment with institutional fundraising strategies.
Conduct all fundraising activities in full compliance with Foundation policy, HIPAA regulations, and patient privacy requirements.
Partner with Foundation advancement leadership, Deans, and other stakeholders to develop move-management plans for prospects and advance donor relationships.
Contribute to a metric-driven fundraising environment by meeting or exceeding activity and revenue goals.
Identify and support clear fundraising priorities for Health Sciences within the campaign, crafting compelling cases to advance these initiatives.
Work with Prospect Management to assign portfolios, analyze pipeline health, track progress, complete quarterly reports, and recommend operational improvements to enhance donor engagement.
Build relationships with donors, volunteers, and Health Science partners to identify new prospects with philanthropic potential.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of fundraising activity and donor strategies in the CRM; follow all Foundation processes and policies.
Model the Foundation’s values in all professional interactions.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Major, Leadership, and Principal Gift Fundraising
Demonstrate the ability to personally solicit gifts of $100,000 and above, while advancing the number and quality of principal ($5 million and above) gift conversations in partnership with the principal gifts team.
Potential Donor Discovery
Collaborate with the Prospect Management and Research team to increase and grow the major gift pipeline and overall fundraising success.
Engagement
Collaborate with Advancement Services to steward donors, engage with alumni, and support events specific to your unit.
Leadership
Provide visible leadership across the entire organization by engaging in organization-wide activities such as development management meetings, all-staff meetings, and staff events.