Executive Director of Development, School of Medicine and Special Projects

The Executive Director of Development (EDOD) serves within Health Sciences & Clinical Programs Advancement, reporting to the Vice Chancellor, and leads fundraising and alumni engagement for the School of Medicine, driving short-term results and long-term growth.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee School of Medicine fundraising and alumni relations.
• Partner with school leadership to build and execute annual fundraising plans.
• Lead School of Medicine fundraising for Pitt’s upcoming comprehensive campaign.
• Develop and manage fundraising strategies for the Vanscoy Winter Academy, White Coat Ceremony, and Discovery Science initiatives, collaborating with department chairs on targeted plans.
• Spend at least 50% of time engaging a portfolio of major gift prospects, primarily alumni and friends, with additional prospects for Winter Academy and Discovery Science.
• Build strategic relationships with Deans, faculty, volunteers, and staff to support qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gifts.
• Help develop and manage the School of Medicine Board of Visitors, including member pipeline development, engagement plans, and periodic presentations.

Requirements

• Proven success securing major gifts of $100K+.
• Strong oral and written communication, persuasive ability, initiative, and team leadership.
• Excellent planning, project management, and ability to manage complex priorities.
• Experience in higher education, ideally within an Academic Medical Center, and ability to articulate its mission to donors.
• Sound judgment, ethical conduct, and discretion in donor and volunteer interactions.
• Regular travel and occasional evening/weekend work required.
• Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of fundraising experience, including 3+ years in major gifts, annual giving, or alumni relations.
• Minimum 5 years of team leadership experience.
• Strong analytical, communication, and Microsoft Office skills; experience in nonprofit fundraising and partnership building preferred.

Essential Functions

• Strong communicator, both verbally and in writing, and collaborative.
• Highly organized and able to multi-task.
• Able to travel and have access to regular transportation for meetings.

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May occasionally move objects up to 25 pounds.

Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Hybrid: Combination of on-campus and remote work as determined by the department.
• Travel 5–8 times yearly for 2–4 days per trip.