A top public university, UCI has become internationally-recognized for improving lives through research and discovery, fostering excellence in scholarship and teaching, and engaging and enriching the community. With efforts currently underway to prepare for UCI’s next multi-billion dollar campaign, the university seeks to strengthen contributions in research, education, and service; accelerate the university’s place among globally preeminent research universities; and bring together passions, skills, and creativity to further improve people’s lives.

Job Summary:

Under supervision of the Senior Executive Director, Alumni Relations, Engagement & Annual Programs, the Director of Leadership Annual Giving Programs is responsible for soliciting and securing sustaining gifts. The primary objective of the sustaining-level giving program is to increase the number of donors who give annually to UC Irvine at the $2,500+ level, ultimately increasing the amount of private annual support raised each year. Concentration on developing strategies and increasing fundraising for the, parents program, Chancellor’s Club, renewals, upgrades and acquisition within the sustaining giving prospect pools, will assist in raising more private support each year and enhancing the major gift pipeline.

Job Description:

Essential Function 1: Solicitation of Sustaining and Major Gifts (75%)

• Develop and implement processes and solicitation strategies for the annual solicitation of donors and prospective donors of $1,500 or more, with an emphasis on securing support for UCI Chancellor’s Club, UCI Fund, and school/unit initiatives. Solicitation activities are primarily focused on personal visits.
• Responsible for meeting the established goals for the: 1) number of in-person visits [10-12/month]; 2) number of in-person solicitations [36 per year]; and, 3) number of recommendations of prospects to the major gifts program.
• Schedule personal visits from a portfolio of 150-175 prospects in an effort to encourage their support of the University. Manage a prospect portfolio to include all constituencies (alumni, parents, friends and faculty/staff) of the University.
• Develop strategies for personal visits that include a solicitation, cultivation and/or stewardship activities. Qualify prospects for possible management and upgrade the major gifts program.

Job Essential Function 2: Daily Functions (20%)

• Manage a team of Leadership Annual Giving Officers.
• Work with Director of Chancellor’s Club to develop a strategic growth plan that increases awareness, contributions and membership.
• Effectively coordinate with directors of development at the schools and units regarding their unit designated giving societies and levels, events and collateral materials to ensure alignment with university fundraising direction and standards.
• Work with the directors of development to develop schedule of programs and activities to cultivate the interest and involvement of prospective donors.
• Work with Communications staff to generate promotional materials and brochures as needed. Prepare written proposals, informational materials, and other materials needed to secure gifts.
• Work with prospect research to develop an active list of prospective donors, including alumni, parents, business and community leaders.
• Utilize University prospect development and management system to track and report on the status of gifts and pledges.
• Participate in the campus prospect management system, development officer forums and University Advancement planning meetings.
• Responsible for compliance with all UCI policies and procedures including but not limited to solicitation and acceptance of gifts, alumni and support group policies, and naming policies.

Job Essential Function 3: Donor Recognition (5%)

• Work with Senior Executive Director, Alumni Relations Engagement & Annual Programs and Director, Chancellors Club in developing ways to recognize annual donors to encourage continued support and membership in the university s annual giving recognition societies such as the Chancellor’s Club and societies of the various Schools and Units.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse and high-level group of individuals in a diplomatic and professional manner.
• Resourcefulness in finding appropriate solutions to problems and initiative in presenting alternatives and implementing solutions to ensure effective change. Ability to anticipate problems and take necessary action to eliminate or mitigate potential negative effects.
• Ability to be flexible in working independently as well as collaboratively with alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff, and volunteers to achieve defined goals. Uses initiative to organize and follow through with complex tasks to meet deadlines.
• Skills to use a personal computer and computer software programs at the level of sophistication required for the University Advancement team. Proven ability to use MS Office Suite and database programs. Knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with the Internet and how to conduct searches.
• Possesses traits of good judgment, confidentiality and discretion in communicating with colleagues and constituents.

Position Specific Skills and Abilities:

• Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising; able to participate in all aspects of the gift cycle: (1) to initiate contacts with potential donors; (2) to develop appropriate cultivation strategies for them, including working with volunteers and senior university administrators; (3) to move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure; (4) to make solicitations when appropriate; (5) to maintain stewardship contact with donors.
• Understanding of the needs and interests of donors in order to develop relationships between them and the University.
• Ability to prepare written gift proposals, fund agreements and collateral materials.
• Responsibilities require independence and the ability to effectively respond to a variety of situations involving university constituencies.
• Well organized, focused and goal-oriented.
• Proven ability to inspire confidence to motivate and to persuade.
• May be required to drive on occasion in order to perform the routine or essential job responsibilities for the position. Travel required and weekend duties as needed.
• Must possess a valid California driver license and participate in the DMV Pull Notice Program.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possess between one to three years of experience personally soliciting gifts through annual fund giving activities, leadership giving, sponsorships, or memberships.
• Experience preparing and conducting solicitations via phone, correspondence and in person, including making cold calls.

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

Salary: Commensurate with experience
Total Hours: 8-5, M-F
Career Position.
Final candidate subject to background check.
As a federal contractor, UC Irvine is required to use E-Verify to confirm the work status of individuals assigned to perform substantial work under certain federal contracts/subcontracts.
Please attach your resume.

Click here to see the University Advancement website.