Executive Director of Development, School of Medicine and Special Projects

Executive Director of Development, School of Medicine and Special Projects

The University of Pittsburgh's Division of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement (PAE) builds relationships with donors, alumni, and partners to advance Pitt and UPMC in teaching, research, and care. The Executive Director of Development (EDOD) serves within Health Sciences & Clinical Programs Advancement, reporting to the Vice Chancellor. The EDOD leads fundraising and alumni engagement for the School of Medicine, driving short-term results and long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct and oversee School of Medicine fundraising and alumni relations.
• Partner with school leadership to build and execute annual fundraising plans.
• Lead School of Medicine fundraising for Pitt's upcoming comprehensive campaign.
• Develop and manage fundraising strategies for the Vanscoy Winter Academy, White Coat Ceremony, and Discovery Science initiatives, collaborating with department chairs on targeted plans.
• Spend at least 50% of time engaging a portfolio of major gift prospects, primarily alumni and friends, with additional prospects for Winter Academy and Discovery Science.
• Build strategic relationships with Deans, faculty, volunteers, and staff to support qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gifts.
• Help develop and manage the School of Medicine Board of Visitors, including member pipeline development, engagement plans, and periodic presentations.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven success securing major gifts of $100K+.
• Strong oral/written communication, persuasive ability, initiative, and team leadership.
• Excellent planning, project management, and ability to manage complex priorities.
• Experience in higher education, ideally within an Academic Medical Center, and ability to articulate its mission to donors.
• Sound judgment, ethical conduct, and discretion in donor and volunteer interactions.
• Regular travel and occasional evening/weekend work required.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Play a crucial role in supporting the University's mission.
• Collaborative Environment: Work within a supportive, innovative, and dynamic team.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Job Summary:

Oversees development of a program, plans, and activities to create and execute a comprehensive development plan achieving new and recurring contributions to a school, foundation, program, and/or group. Manages a portfolio of major gift donors and strategically builds fundraising prospects. Assists leadership in facilitating a comprehensive communications plan and with development strategies.

Essential Functions:

• Must be a strong communicator, both verbally and written and be a collaborative person.
• Must be a very organized person and able to multi-task.
• Must be able to travel and have access to regular transportation in order to be able to easily get to meetings.

Physical Effort:

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.