Chief Development Officer Energy, Climate, and Environment; U

Chief Development Officer for Energy, Climate, and Environment (0463U) 86640

We are looking for a senior advancement leader who designs, develops, and delivers fundraising programs that support the university's broader strategic goals to provide long‑term societal benefit. This position reports to the Associate Provost for Energy, Climate, and Environment (AP‑ECE) and works across disciplines with academic and fundraising leaders to build relationships with new and existing individual prospects and foundations and create solicitation strategies based on donor capacity and interest.

• Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 40–60 prospects with the capacity to give $5 million or greater, and collaborate with colleagues to advance those who may give $10 million+. Qualify major gift prospects and solicit gifts directly.
• Ensure that predetermined fundraising goals are met and raise at least $5 M annually through individual and collaborative fundraising once the portfolio is established.
• Build effective relationships across and beyond campus.
• Serve as an expert development professional in the area of philanthropy and principal gifts, leading strategies that include highly complex gift discussions and interaction with donors capable of making significant contributions to the university.
• Lead proactive collaborative efforts to develop effective and coordinated strategies for prospects shared by more than one academic unit; facilitate action plans and monitor implementation of strategies. Create and execute events and activities for cultivation, stewardship, and solicitations to advance gift conversations.
• Drive and manage strategic, consistent, personalized engagement with donors, including meaningful interaction with academic leaders, faculty, and lead campus supporters and volunteers.
• Prepare and present formal fundraising proposals to major and principal gift donors and prospects; or prepare senior campus leaders to present proposals.
• Ensure that proposals are well crafted, drawing on support from in‑house communications team and gaining sign‑off from relevant academic leaders.
• Ensure that gifts are well stewarded, drawing on campus partners for appropriate, timely, and consistent recognition, and ensure that all appropriate reporting and documentation is undertaken.
• Collaborate and partner with the AP‑ECE as well as the VCRO, the Rausser College of Natural Resources, College of Engineering, College of Chemistry, the College of Letters & Science, Organized Research Units as well as other stakeholders to ensure forward momentum with this university‑wide priority.
• Establish annual fundraising goals and priorities and ensure effective strategy, implementation, and reporting of development activities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on prospect strategies and collaborations with faculty.

• Substantial years (usually 8+) of high‑level performance in principal and major gift fundraising.
• Expert knowledge of all aspects of fundraising strategies, structuring complex gifts, donor relations, and advancement communications.
• Successful track record in building strong professional relationships with major philanthropists, academic leaders, collaborating development professionals, and other key stakeholders (for example: faculty and staff).
• Relevant field experience, project/program management skills, organization, communication and interpersonal skills as well as strong writing skills.
• Advanced knowledge of fundraising in a campaign at an organization with relevant content; demonstrated interest and passion for contributing to access and justice relating to energy, climate, and/or environment.
• Expert level skills in maintaining confidentiality.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $182,800 – $235,000. The full salary range for this class is $124,700 – $240,900.

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.

Application review begins on June 19, 2026. For full consideration, please submit application materials by July 10, 2026.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

This position requires fingerprinting and a background check. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. The final candidate who accepts a conditional offer must disclose any misconduct within the last seven years.