Santa Clara University · 7 hours ago
Director of Development
Santa Clara, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$114K/yr - $131K/yr
6+ years expSanta Clara University is a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic university located in California's Silicon Valley. They are seeking a Director of Development to lead their Major Gifts team, focusing on securing resources for strategic funding priorities and managing relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the university.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Lead the development of engagement and solicitation strategies for qualified major gift prospects (between $100,000 and $1,999,999); oversee the implementation and personally drive the execution of said strategies. This includes collaborating with internal colleagues to develop multi-interest proposals and promote organized and strategic outreach to our donors
Secure and conduct face-to-face and virtual visits to qualify, engage, solicit, and steward the university's major donors and prospects
Lead the qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of approximately 120 high-net-worth donors ensuring that each receives regular and strategic contact
Meet dollar and activity metrics as set with the Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts. This currently includes monthly and annual reporting on total dollars raised, total major gift solicitations, number of contacts with donors, and number of new planned giving donors
Help prepare the dean and/or University administrators by outlining fundraising strategies for donor meetings and events, as needed
Produce well-written, accurate, and timely follow-up and related correspondence such as contact reports, cover and thank you letters, e-mails, reports, and briefings in support of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding assigned prospects
Track and record activities as they relate to assigned prospects using the Blackbaud CRM database (CLARA) constituent management software and report regularly to the Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts
Participate as an active member of the Office of Development staff, sharing information and collaborating with colleagues in a respectful and professional manner, contributing to a healthy and positive work environment
Perform all standard essential responsibilities and meet qualifications as a Director
Demonstrate success in soliciting and closing gifts and meeting goals
Annual goal to be determined with and approved by the Senior Director of Development, typically $700,000-$1,500,000
Other duties as assigned in support of Santa Clara University’s mission
Qualification
Required
Demonstrated understanding of annual, major gift, and planned giving programs, with an emphasis on personal solicitations
Must be a goal-oriented and self-motivated individual who can demonstrate accountability, initiative, creativity, and focus in a rapidly changing and intellectually stimulating environment
Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate, build alliances, and achieve results within a population that may possess competing interests, opinions, and /or expectations
Demonstrate strong active listening skills and ability to negotiate positive outcomes
Positive attitude, sense of humor, and flexibility
Proficiency in using fundraising database (or similar)
Excellent computer skills; proficiency in using advanced functions of word processing, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint, Google products (i.e., Google docs, Gmail, etc.) database and web resources
Knowledge of CRM database a plus
Willingness to learn new software if needed
Required to have a valid driver's license and personal transportation vehicle available for frequent travel to business meetings (mileage is reimbursed under federal guidelines)
Demonstrate a level of comfort working and communicating with top executives, community leaders and/or university leadership
Ability to motivate, build long-term relationships with, and gain the respect of internal and external clients
Ability to identify and implement major gift strategic planning and solicitation strategies in support of strategic initiatives
Verifiable track record of soliciting individuals/organizations for financial investments and the ability to articulate and advocate a strong case for support
Demonstrate the ability to manage time and workload to multitask and achieve goals in a deadline-driven environment
Demonstrate a genuine appetite to contribute to a collaborative, ethical, and professional team environment
Ability to work on the road and/or work at odd hours and on weekends
Bachelor's degree required
3-5 years of direct fundraising experience
6-8 years of transferrable professional experience, including sales and/or developing relationships with high net worth clients or customers, preferably at the major gift level
Verifiable track record of successfully soliciting and closing gifts from individuals/organizations
Valid U.S. driver's license required
Preferred
Knowledge of higher education advancement and technical background preferred
Understanding the values, ideals, and mission of Santa Clara University
Company
Santa Clara University
Jesuit University in Silicon Valley
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$100MKey Investors
National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing BiopharmaceuticalsKnight Foundation
2024-04-09Grant
2022-04-07Grant
2017-01-22Grant· $100M
Leadership Team
T
Tim Harris
Dean’s Executive Professor, Coord Contemporary Business
Recent News
2025-11-05
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2025-10-24
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