Senior Director of Development , University Development and Alumni Relations

Departmental Overview

University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) increases support for and enhances knowledge of UC Berkeley through communications, public outreach, and fundraising. The department manages centralized fundraising, donor engagement, and provides services such as events, communications, stewardship, prospect development, gift management, database management, and more.

Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives (PGSI) works with campus members to build life‑long relationships between principal gift donors and Berkeley. PGSI assists leaders in engaging donors as partners and advancing the university’s priorities.

After a successful Light the Way Campaign, UC Berkeley is now focused on building relationships with alumni and friends who can make a transformational difference. This position will be part of a high‑performing team of fundraisers and development professionals.

The Senior Director of Development is responsible for developing and delivering fundraising programs that support the highest priorities of the University and the Chancellor. The incumbent manages a portfolio of influential donors, builds stewardship relationships, and creates solicitation strategies aligned with campus priorities and donor capacity. The role is expected to raise at least $4.5 million annually in collaboration with the team lead.

• Manage a portfolio (serve as primary manager) of 30 to 60 the most influential, complex or highest capacity‑rated donors. Ensure that annual fundraising goals are met.
• Build effective relationships to engage donors and prospects with the University's highest priorities. Qualify new prospects and solicit gifts directly as appropriate.

• Write complex fundraising proposals, white papers and/or other materials for principal gift level donors and prospects. Ensure that materials have sign‑off from leadership and key campus partners.
• Steward donors, drawing on campus partners (Deans, CDOs, programmatic staff) when appropriate, to provide timely and consistent recognition and meet any requirements stated in gift agreements.

• Educate and prepare senior leadership to engage with, and solicit, donors and prospects.
• In partnership with campus leadership, and in coordination with relevant faculty and staff, identify and craft transformational gift opportunities, up to and including 9‑ and 10‑figure gifts, for the university. Lead and facilitate highly complex gift discussions as needed.

• Attend functions, meetings and serve on internal/external committees as a Berkeley representative.
• Provide UDAR operational support as needed, including but not limited to working a shift annually at a Berkeley Commencement or the Homecoming events/activities.

• At least 5 years of progressive fundraising experience managing current and prospective donors seven figures and above.
• Expert working knowledge of all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and public relations concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques. Understanding of operating, capital and endowment fund development.
• Demonstrated experience in building and managing a prospect portfolio; ability and sophistication to effectively advance gift discussions and close multi‑million dollar gifts. Expert knowledge of how to qualify and cultivate new donor prospects.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex gift strategies and negotiations in collaboration with institutional executives, academic leadership, faculty and key volunteers.
• Ability to thrive in a high‑stakes, fast‑paced environment while effectively executing a range of principal gifts plans and programs.
• Expert written and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen, to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.
• Expert communication, analytical, and organizational skills; keen attention to detail and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Expertise in developing persuasive communication materials from diverse written, oral and primary source information.
• Ambition and…