Director of Development - Pauley Heart Center

About the role

Reporting to the senior director of development, the director of development for the Pauley Heart Center will support the priorities established by School of Medicine Leadership and the senior associate vice president for Medical Philanthropy. The position works primarily with patients and families interested in making gifts in gratitude for the care they received at VCU Health and in support of research, education, and clinical care in health and wellness departments.

The role coordinates closely with leadership and development colleagues at the MCV Foundation, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Monroe Park Campus, and VCU Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), supporting fundraising priorities connected to VCU and VCU Health’s tripartite mission of research, education, and clinical care/physical environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100–125 major gift and leadership annual gift prospects.
• Solicit gifts at the major gifts level (at or above $50K) through personal appointments, calls, and correspondence to obtain and/or increase donor contributions.
• Partner with clinical physicians and research faculty to identify prospective patient donors and create appropriate fundraising strategies.
• Develop and track metrics for accountability and evaluation.
• Collaborate with the Sr. Director of Development, AVP for Clinical Fundraising and Center-based Philanthropy, SAVP for Medical Philanthropy, VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, and School of Medicine leadership and faculty to meet or exceed fundraising goals.
• Advise faculty and administrators on appropriate fundraising strategies to assist them in securing private funding.
• Conduct a high number of quality engagement interactions through personal visits (requiring travel), telephone and Zoom solicitations, and coordinated personal written proposals.
• Assist donors with tax laws, policies, and procedures, and resolve issues with university administrators and faculty to maintain a positive image of VCU’s School of Medicine.
• Maintain prospect records and contact reports to facilitate repeated donations and establish gift histories.
• Work with prospect development staff to identify prospective donors and alumni leaders.
• Provide guidance and assist with stewardship events and correspondence in coordination with the School of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia Foundation, and the Medical Philanthropy Strategic Engagement team.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director of Planned Giving for the Medical Campus to market and secure planned gifts on behalf of Center priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, ethics, and practices of successful fundraising.
• An outgoing and positive personality, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative working style.
• Strong written, oral, and data-analysis skills.
• Familiarity with technology, software, and digital tools to communicate and engage with others.
• Three to five years of professional experience working in fundraising or sales environments, including direct engagement and solicitation of six- and seven-figure financial commitments.
• Ability to work and navigate within a complex organization and diverse constituencies.
• Willingness to plan and execute travel for donor visits, including overnight trips.
• Willingness to learn, collaborate, and grow within a high-performing fundraising team.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Three or more years of professional fundraising experience, preferably in an academic medical center, higher education (Research I), or similar complex environments.
• Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Experience with grateful patient fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability to execute objectives and goals aligned with the mission of a complex, urban university and persuasively represent its goals to multiple constituents.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• CFRE certification.