Western University of Health Sciences · 22 hours ago
Director of Development
Western University of Health Sciences is dedicated to fundraising for its colleges in the Lebanon, Oregon area. The Director of Development will collaborate with the Interim VP of Development to implement strategies for securing major and principal gifts, ensuring the success of multiple fundraising projects, and engaging with prospective donors.
Education
Responsibilities
Develops and manages a portfolio to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects for gifts in the agreed upon range
Ensures that predetermined fundraising goals are met. Writes proposals for solicitation of individual, corporate, and foundation prospects with a focus on developing an individual giving pipeline, sustaining and enhancing corporate philanthropy, and developing initiatives to support the colleges and continued student success. Develops detailed gift opportunities tailored to the interest of potential major donors, consistent with established needs and priorities of the University and the college(s)
As part of engagement efforts, initiate proactive contact and develop meaningful and effective development prospects for donors and prospective donors to showcase unique opportunities for support; Track progress and results utilizing Raiser’s Edge and follow WesternU’s prospect management and stewardship guidelines
Track and analyze portfolio performance, pipeline movement, and campaign results for the college; prepare regular reports and insights for the AVP, Dean(s), and senior leadership; use data to refine strategy and improve outcomes
Collaborate with marketing/communications, alumni relations, and events to design integrated donor engagement and stewardship campaigns (digital and in‑person) that elevate the donor experience and the college(s)’ brand
Ensure adherence to WesternU policies, prospect management protocols, ethical standards, and relevant regulations (e.g., FERPA/HIPAA); continuously improve processes and documentation within Raiser’s Edge/RENXT/Banner
Maintain professional development in contemporary fundraising practices (principal gifts strategy, digital engagement, corporate/foundation trends, humanistic philanthropy) and share best practices with colleagues
Recruits, trains, and supports key volunteers to assist in advancement efforts
Organizes and directs donor solicitation involving key volunteers and academic leaders and participates in major donor solicitations. Enlists the involvement of the College faculty, the Dean and other senior administrators in their contact with volunteers and prospective donors
Supports other fundraising activities
Attends events as needed to support fundraising needs
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required
4 years of fundraising experience including closing major gifts from individuals
Has a proven track record in setting and achieving ambitious goals
Excellent written, oral and presentation skills required
Proven ability to close major/principal gifts; maintain a rigorous, data‑driven moves management process and high‑activity cadence
Expertise in building and executing fundraising plans aligned with institutional priorities, academic program needs, and campaign goals
Broad understanding of individual, corporate, and foundation fundraising; donor relations, stewardship, alumni engagement, and pipeline development
Ability to lead through influence, mentor volunteers/staff, and partner effectively with deans, faculty, and senior administrators to advance fundraising outcomes
Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills; persuasive proposal writing; skilled in donor meetings and executive‑level briefings
Ability to work independently, prioritize across multiple initiatives, manage complex projects, and deliver results against ambitious goals
Skilled with advancement CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, RENXT, Banner) and productivity tools; comfortable analyzing metrics and translating insights into action
Commitment to CASE‑aligned ethical standards, Donor Bill of Rights, and confidentiality requirements, including FERPA and HIPAA
Strong organizational, analytical, and decision‑making skills; adept at identifying risks, solving problems, and optimizing processes
Familiarity with online giving, email, social media, and content strategies that enhance donor acquisition, retention, and stewardship
Ability to engage diverse donor communities with cultural competence and inclusive practices that reflect WesternU's values
Consistently demonstrate respect, compassion, and integrity in interactions with colleagues, donors, and partners; foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture
Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism
Benefits
Competitive salaries
Generous paid time off
Insurance plans
Reimbursements
Retirement benefits
Company
Western University of Health Sciences
WesternU is a private, non-profit, graduate school for the health professions.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
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