Executive Director of Development, College of Medicine

About the role

The Executive Director of Development, College of Medicine is an exempt (salaried) position employed by the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF) and reports to the Assistant Vice President of Development, Academic Health Colleges. This role serves as the chief philanthropic strategist for the College of Medicine, providing vision, leadership, and execution of a comprehensive major‑ and principal‑gift fundraising program.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan in partnership with the Assistant Vice President for Development, including annual and multi‑year goals.
• Serve as the primary development advisor to the Dean, articulating philanthropic priorities and advancing transformational funding opportunities.
• Lead and manage the Dean’s development outreach, including prospect strategy, donor engagement planning, solicitation coordination, briefing materials, and follow‑up stewardship.
• Recruit, lead, motivate, and manage a team of development professionals; set objectives, performance standards, productivity metrics, and provide training, mentoring, and professional development.
• Assign and direct projects and oversee day‑to‑day operations of the team.
• Personally manage a portfolio of high‑capacity major and principal gift prospects ($100,000+), leading cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, faculty, and physician leaders to identify, prioritize, and position funding opportunities that align donor interests with institutional goals.
• Work with UCF colleagues in prospect development, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, strategic communications, and stewardship to enhance donor engagement.
• Guide the development of gift agreements that honor donor intent while advancing the College of Medicine’s mission and priorities.
• Ensure exemplary stewardship of donors and gifts, building long‑term, trust‑based relationships.
• Maintain strong working relationships with College of Medicine faculty, staff, clinicians, and external relations partners to support coordinated advancement efforts.
• Provide guidance and support to volunteers involved in fundraising initiatives; assist in recruiting and engaging new volunteer leaders.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions, proposals, and outcomes through contact reports and monthly performance reports.
• Participate fully in the UCF prospect and clearance process.
• Complete special projects and assignments related to donor engagement, awareness, and philanthropic support as requested.
• Act as a senior ambassador for the College of Medicine, strengthening relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 7‑10 years of progressive development experience, or an advanced degree with 5‑7 years of experience, preferably in academic medicine, healthcare, or a complex research environment.
• Demonstrated record of securing major and principal gifts ($100K level and above) and managing complex donor relationships.
• Proven leadership and management experience, including team development, mentorship, and performance management.
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate scientific, clinical, and educational priorities to philanthropic audiences.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to advancing the mission of the University of Cincinnati and the transformative role of philanthropy in academic medicine.
• Willingness to travel and attend evening and weekend activities as needed; valid driver’s license required.

Physical Demands

• Light work; occasional exertion of up to 20 lb, frequent exertion of up to 10 lb, and negligible constant force.
• Operation of a motor vehicle required.
• Finger use, talking, hearing, and repetitive motion of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Work environment is typical office/administrative setting with no substantial adverse conditions.

Pay

The anticipated starting salary range is $140,000 to $160,000 annually. Final offer considers scope and responsibilities, experience, education, key skills, internal equity, market data, and other business considerations.

Benefits

• Performance‑based bonus.
• Competitive health and wellness benefits.
• Tuition remission.
• Retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays, including calendar year‑end closing.