The Director of Development reports directly to the Vice President of Advancement (VP-A). This individual is critical in developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program focused on individual donors.
The Director will be deeply familiar with advancement best practices, relationship and change management, and meeting ambitious fundraising goals. The Director will demonstrate creativity, flexibility, responsiveness, and positivity as they conduct day-to-day business activities that adhere to the highest industry standards.
Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) is a member of the Claremont Colleges consortium, a renowned group of seven undergraduate and graduate institutions. Founded with a vision to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical application, KGI offers a unique blend of academic rigor and industry relevance.
Our degree programs and numerous certificates integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, medicine, and genetics. We prioritize hands-on learning, industry collaborations, and team-based projects to equip our students for success in today's dynamic healthcare and technology landscape.
KGI is committed to providing our employees a supportive and rewarding work environment.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Retirement Plan: A generous contribution to your TIAA/CREF retirement plan after one year of eligible service
Other Benefits: Life insurance, disability insurance, and additional perks
By joining KGI, you'll join a vibrant community dedicated to advancing human health and making a positive impact on the world.
Education and Experience:
A Bachelor's degree is required, as well as experience in fundraising and development, non-profit management, business, marketing, banking/finance, or a related academic discipline.
Five or more years of higher education, healthcare, or other non-profit major gift and planned giving fundraising experience is highly desired. The Director is expected to command an understanding of the following areas: advancement operations, annual giving, external relations, alumni engagement, campaign management, major gifts, planned giving, foundation/corporate philanthropy, non-profit finance, gift accounting principles, and management.
Candidates should demonstrate experience and success in personally cultivating and securing major ($25,000+) and principal gifts ($1M+) through outright and deferred giving vehicles.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising program focused on individual donors.
Manage a portfolio of 100+ leadership annual and major gift donors and prospective donors.
In partnership with the VP-A, develop and implement strategies to grow the major donor pipeline.
Partner with KGI leadership to develop the case for support for all key fundraising priorities.
Build philanthropy-centric relationships with donors and prospective donors through 10-12 monthly visits and other meaningful contacts.
Work with marketing and communications staff to create and deliver a comprehensive annual giving program using direct mail, email, giving days and crowdfunding with a focus on increasing the number of donors.
Work with VP-A and prospect research to identify individuals who have the potential to make gifts to KGI. Set and achieve goals to increase the number of donors.
Create and execute cultivation strategies for major gift prospects; secure and conduct face- to-face visits weekly with top-rated prospects and donors.
Oversee donor acknowledgment, impact reporting, recognition, and stewardship; responsible for the timely and personalized acknowledgment of all contributions.
Prepare donor proposals and gift agreements, as necessary.
Create and submit contact reports, in accordance with office policy, to track moves and other updates with assigned prospects.
Maintain appropriate donor records. Work with VP-A to create and distribute regular gift revenue reports and dashboards.
Assist with preparation for Board of Trustee meetings, supporting the VP-A with data and other information as needed.
Perform other essential duties and tasks as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Strong interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to establish and develop productive and collegial relationships
Ability to communicate with various constituencies (e.g., Alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students and parents, managers and visitors).
Ability to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards when working with confidential and sensitive information and records.
Ability to effectively multi-task and produce accurate professional work products under demanding timelines.
Must possess a strong sense of customer service skills along with the ability to work cooperatively with diverse groups of people.
Acute attention to accuracy and detail in all aspects of responsibilities.
Flexibility and willingness to travel independently and work extended workdays and periodic weekends as needed to meet institutional goals.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record (as maintained by the DMV) that is acceptable to the Institute's insurance carrier.
Hours, Classification, and Status:
This is a regular, full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position.
The regular hours of this position are Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Hours may vary due to the needs of the College or department.
Salary range: $97,000 -$110,000 annualized. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
Special Requirements
Keck Graduate Institute has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza Vaccination Program covering all employees and students. Employees must submit proof of vaccination or an Institute-approved exception or deferral to comply with the policy.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Ability to analyze complex data, propose solutions and maintain appropriate concentration levels while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans. Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example to lift or move office supplies, files, books and packages.
Ability to drive locally. Occasionally, will be required to stand for prolonged periods of time at activities/events on and off-campus.
To Apply:
A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. To be ensured full consideration, please upload a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:
Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment. KGI strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
The Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and Claremont University Consortium, which provides shared institutional support services, is reminiscent of the Oxford-Cambridge model. The undergraduate colleges include Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, and Pitzer College. The two graduate institutions include Claremont Graduate University and Keck Graduate Institute.