Senior Director of Development - College of Engineering

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles , Principles of Community , and Strategic Plan .

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.


Departmental Overview

The College of Engineering at UC Berkeley is recognized for its educational and research excellence and is currently ranked #2 for undergraduate engineering in the United States. With more than 250 regular faculty members, almost 7,000 graduate and undergraduate students, Engineering is the second largest college on the Berkeley campus. The College is composed of seven academic departments (all ranked in the top ten nationally) and numerous innovative research centers spanning the fields of nanotechnology, computer science, energy, health care technologies, the environment, and much more. From starting new major programs like aerospace engineering and tackling global challenges related to health and climate change, we are continually finding new ways to collaborate and innovate.

The College Development team supports the College's core projects and programs through private fundraising efforts designed to reach over 70,000 alumni, friends, students, foundations, and corporate partners. The College regularly secures over $100M million in private gifts and is consistently among the top fundraising units within the university.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Senior Director of Development identifies, cultivates, solicits, and structures major and special gifts from individuals, focusing on commitments of $500,000 or more. Raises at least $4.5 million per year once established with an appropriate portfolio. The Senior Director works closely with College leadership to maximize substantial giving to the College. Through this collaboration, the Senior Director develops and implements tailored action plans for a portfolio of prospects and donors.

This position is a pivotal member of the Development Team, which includes the Assistant Dean of Development, two other senior major gift officers, two Berkeley Engineering Fund fundraisers, two Corporate/Foundation fundraisers, and the Donor Relations & Campaign Operations team. An ideal addition to our team would have 5+ years of experience as a front-line, major gifts officer, a strong interest in higher education, and a deep intellectual curiosity about technology innovations and their impact on society.

The Senior Director is responsible for managing relationships with some of the University's most valued supporters and must ensure these relationships are nurtured and maintained for the benefit of the institution over time.


Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: May 7, 2026 - Open Until Filled


Responsibilities

• Serves as a lead development professional responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift level prospective donors. Maintains a portfolio of 75-100 major donor prospects, the bulk of whom have the capacity to give $500,000 or more. Raises at least $4.5 million per year once established with an appropriate portfolio, and makes at least 10 in-person or virtual visit contacts per month.
• Facilitates, designs, and implements highly specialized program activities, including the development of new fundraising strategies and proposals. Analyzes needs and creates strategies for fundraising and other advancement programs.
• Develops, creates, writes, implements, and evaluates strategies for cultivation and direct solicitation of major gifts. Presents formal fundraising proposals to major donors and prospects or prepares senior management, including the Dean of the College and Department Chairs, to present proposals.
• Serves as resource for assigned area of expertise, interacting with prospects, donors, staff, and outside professionals to provide information, advice, and counsel regarding assigned specialized program(s).
• Creates, establishes and evaluates methods for building/maintaining prospect and volunteer constituencies and identifies, recruits, and directs the activities of high-level volunteers.
• Special Projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Expert knowledge of all aspects of the location, including current issues of concern for both the campus and / or throughout higher education / healthcare, generally. Expert knowledge of the location, including its vision, mission, goals, objectives, achievements and infrastructure.
• Expert knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, etc.
• Expert written and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen, to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.
• Expert skills in making persuasive and compelling presentations of goals and objectives for a location in order to secure gifts.
• Expert organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills. Expert project / program management skills, including skills in setting and meeting program / project goals and objectives within budget and time constraints.
• Expert level skills in maintaining confidentiality.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $124,700 to $182,800 yearly ($10,391.67 to $15,233.34 monthly). This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Exempt and paid monthly.


How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.


Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.


Misconduct Disclosure

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace


Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 status under state or federal law.