Director of Philanthropy (San Francisco / Hybrid)

About the role

The Director of Philanthropy & Special Initiatives will play a critical role in advancing Gladstone's mission by developing and managing a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and donors.

Responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Fundraising Efforts
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gift prospects.
• Manage an active portfolio of 100+ high-capacity donors and prospective donors.
• Secure significant philanthropic support for Gladstone's scientific programs, strategic initiatives, and institutional priorities.
• Partner with leadership to create customized engagement plans and meaningful donor experiences.
• Advance Special Initiatives
• Lead fundraising efforts related to strategic institutional priorities, disease-focused initiatives, and emerging scientific opportunities.
• Collaborate with scientists and institutional leaders to shape compelling funding opportunities and campaign strategies.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner on initiatives that advance Gladstone's long-term growth and impact.
• Partner with Institutional Leadership
• Serve as a trusted advisor to Gladstone's President and Vice President of Philanthropy on donor strategy and engagement.
• Support faculty, Trustees, Foundation Board members, and volunteer leaders in their fundraising activities.
• Prepare briefing materials, donor proposals, stewardship reports, and other high-impact communications.
• Strengthen Team Success
• Mentor and support members of the Philanthropy team.
• Help foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and fundraising excellence.
• Provide leadership and continuity during the Vice President's absence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eight or more years of successful fundraising experience, including major gifts, principal gifts, comprehensive campaigns, planned giving, or related advancement work.
• Demonstrated success securing significant philanthropic investments from individual donors.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience developing fundraising strategies for sophisticated donor audiences.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with donors, scientists, executives, board members, and volunteers.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, academic medicine, healthcare, biomedical research, or a mission-driven nonprofit organization.
• Familiarity with scientific research and the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for non-scientific audiences.
• Experience working with institutional leaders, governing boards, and high-net-worth philanthropists.
• Previous leadership or mentoring experience within a fundraising team.

Skills

• Strategic and results-oriented fundraiser.
• Exceptional relationship builder with strong emotional intelligence.
• A compelling storyteller who can connect donors to meaningful impact.
• Curious, collaborative, and mission-driven.
• Comfortable navigating complex organizations and engaging with senior leaders.
• Passionate about advancing science and improving human health.

Benefits

Gladstone offers a competitive salary range of $180K-$250K, along with a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Generous medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid vacation, commuter benefits, and access to free shuttle transportation.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other non-job related characteristic.