Executive Director for Medical Development

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range for this position: $118,409 to $159,853, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

About the role

The Executive Director for Medical Development provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive advancement program supporting the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine's highest strategic priorities. This role leads the national and international leadership gifts program, including major and principal gift strategies, and develops fundraising plans aligned with the School of Medicine and university's overarching strategies. The executive director engages in direct donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship while collaborating with university relations and development teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the executive management group of the School of Medicine's development and alumni relations office; assist with strategy and plan implementation to fulfill the school's mission (10%).
• Partner with the vice dean for development and alumni relations to develop and execute strategies for the School of Medicine's highest-level donors and prospects (10%).
• Provide leadership on fundraising plans and strategies for the School of Medicine's highest priorities, including scholarships, research funding, professorships, and inter-professional initiatives (20%).
• Develop and implement a strategic plan for the national and international development program encompassing principal gifts, major gifts, annual giving, foundation and corporate relations, alumni relations, special events, and communications (15%).
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospective donors to maximize gifts from individual and foundation constituents (10%).
• Lead and manage the medical school's Leadership Prospect Group meetings; develop and execute strategies to advance the major and principal gift pipeline (5%).
• Collaborate with university leadership, including the president, dean, vice president of health sciences, and development colleagues, to raise philanthropic support for priority programs (5%).
• Formulate an annual fundraising plan with development and alumni relations staff, outlining prospects, solicitations, and fundraising goals (5%).
• Collaborate with central development staff on a multimillion-dollar comprehensive campaign, including strategic planning, oversight, management, and solicitation strategies (5%).
• Operate effectively under the pressures of a major fundraising effort, both individually and in a team environment (5%).
• Establish and execute identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities to build lasting donor relationships (5%).
• Represent the School of Medicine in relationships with development partners at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Metro Hospital, and the Cleveland Clinic (2.5%).
• Provide leadership to inform and educate constituents about the School of Medicine's accomplishments (2.5%).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Contacts

• Department: Frequent contact with the dean, vice president of medical affairs, vice deans, associate deans, department chairs, directors, and faculty staff.
• University: Frequent collaboration with the senior vice president for university relations and development, president's office, vice presidents, deans, trustees, and alumni; contact with administrative departments, faculty, and staff.
• External: Daily contact with donors, alumni, foundation representatives, community organizers, corporate executives, government officials, healthcare officials, and academic boards.
• Students: Contact with undergraduate, graduate, and professional students as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise a staff of seven development professionals and fundraisers, and one administrative assistant.

Qualifications

• Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in development or a related field with a record of closing major gifts.
• Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrated strategic management skills to develop and implement development plans.
• Significant experience in leadership-level individual giving.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance requirements.
• Experience in medical affairs, biomedical research, or the grateful patient arena is desirable.
• High degree of energy, creativity, flexibility, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn new programs.
• Commitment to supporting, educating, and advocating for all students in alignment with university values.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

Benefits

University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Schedule

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. Some evening and weekend work hours will be required, along with frequent travel.