Under the general direction of the Senior Executive Director of Development, the Senior Director, Annual Giving is responsible for the design and implementation of fundraising programs that broaden and sustain the base of annual philanthropic gift support by establishing a seamlessly integrated relationship-based pipeline of UC Irvine alumni, parents and friends. The Senior Director will establish goals, objectives, strategies and activities for a campus-wide program to secure annual and recurring gifts for the University. The incumbent will monitor, evaluate and interpret program results, market research and other data to identify new strategic opportunities across campus, including with the UCI Alumni Association and Intercollegiate Athletics. In collaboration with individual development officers across campus, incumbent will plan and coordinate donor engagement and acquisitions, and upgrade and renew strategies for annual giving programs. The Senior Director is responsible for the overall management of the Chancellor’s Club, Parents Program, Annual Giving and a frontline team of sustaining gifts officers. The incumbent will have significant knowledge of the creation and implementation of creative and innovative gift strategies designed to express UC Irvine’s value proposition to its constituencies. Incumbent will be skilled at simultaneously managing the interests, expectations and priorities of numerous campus partners and programs.

Compensation Range:

Commensurate with experience

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• A minimum of seven to nine years of progressively responsible development experience, preferably in higher education fundraising, including a strong documented record of gift solicitation in the annual gift range.
• Experience with large database management systems, preferably in a networked environment.
• Innovation and ability to identify/evaluate technological solutions for automation projects.
• Experience with automated telemarketing software.
• Understanding of caller statistical reports and their uses in management of a telephone outreach campaign.
• Successful experience working with volunteers leaders and university administrators to ensure an integrated, organized effort.
• Strong knowledge of all aspects of fundraising, donor and public relations, including strategies for donor identification, cultivation and solicitation.
• Strong knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, etc.
• Strong knowledge of the campus, its achievements, vision, mission, goals, objectives, applicable policies, infrastructure, and current issues of concern.
• Strong knowledge of management / leadership concepts, principles and best practices.
• Strong leadership / management skills to select, train, mentor, evaluate and motivate staff.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communications skills and political acumen to establish and maintain good working relationships within all organizational levels and with outside constituencies.
• Strong skills to meet predetermined goals and objectives, including securing gifts and meeting fundraising goals.
• Strong strategic planning skills and skills to conceive, design, implement, evaluate and manage fundraising programs and strategies.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving skills.
• Strong skills in persuasion / negotiation and strong marketing skills.
• Ability to be flexible in working independently as well as collaboratively with University Advancement and faculty and staff to achieve defined goals.
• Use initiative to organize and follow through with complex tasks to meet deadlines.
• Skill to use a personal computer and computer software programs at the level of sophistication required for the development office.
• Proven ability to use MS Office and database programs.
• Knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Salesforce.
• Strong experience working with technology platforms, social media and content development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid California driver license and participate in the DMV Pull Notice Program.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices and of fundraising for higher education.
• Ability to make in-person fundraising solicitations.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of corporate matching gift fundraising.

Special Conditions Required:

May work occasional evenings and weekends May be required to drive on occasion in order to perform the routine or essential job responsibilities for the 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.

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.

UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500.

About University of California, Irvine: 

In 1965, the University of California, Irvine was founded with a mission to catalyze the community and enhance lives through rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and dedicated public service. 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. Today, UCI continues to inspire change and pioneer new ideas with the support of its generous partners, alumni and friends. Through the combined efforts of the University Advancement & Alumni relations team, the University is able to share its amazing achievements, build lasting relationships and generate support for important campus programs and initiatives. University Advancement 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.