Executive Director of Development for the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute

Executive Director of Development, UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute

Cincinnati, Ohio - United States

The UC Foundation seeks an accomplished and strategic fundraising leader to serve as Executive Director of Development for the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity within one of the nation’s most dynamic public academic health enterprises, advancing philanthropy in support of world-class neuroscience research, education, and patient care.

The UC Foundation is the philanthropic and alumni engagement partner for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health. With the successful conclusion of the Next Now campaign, which raised $2.2 billion dollars, the UC Foundation ranks among the top public university advancement organizations nationally and is well-positioned for its next phase of growth and impact.

Within this enterprise, the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute stands as a flagship interdisciplinary institute and a cornerstone of the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Enterprise. Established in 1998 and housed since 2019 in a purpose-built facility, the Institute brings together more than 125 physicians and researchers across 15 specialties to deliver integrated care for patients with complex neurologic and psychiatric conditions.

The Institute is nationally recognized for excellence in stroke care, neuroscience research, and multidisciplinary clinical programs, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, brain tumors, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Philanthropy plays a central role in advancing the Institute’s mission by fueling translational research, enabling the recruitment and retention of exceptional physician-scientists, expanding patient-centered care, and accelerating innovation in precision medicine and neuroscience.

The Executive Director of Development for the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute provides strategic leadership for all philanthropic activity supporting the Institute’s research, clinical, and educational priorities. Reporting to the Vice President for Development, Academic Health Enterprise, this leader serves as the principal advancement partner to the Institute leadership, faculty, and key stakeholders.

The Executive Director is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive major gift strategy, personally managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors, and leading a team of development professionals dedicated to advancing neuroscience philanthropy. This role works in close partnership with senior academic and clinical leaders across the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and UC Health to translate institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities with transformational potential.

As the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute builds on recent philanthropic momentum, including significant multimillion-dollar investments, the Executive Director will play a critical role in sustaining growth, deepening donor engagement, and positioning the Institute for future campaign activity. This leader will also collaborate closely with colleagues across the UC Foundation in areas such as prospect development, gift planning, stewardship, corporate and foundation relations, and alumni engagement to ensure strong alignment and maximize philanthropic impact.

The ideal candidate will bring seven to ten years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, with a proven record of securing major gifts at and above the $100,000 level, preferably in complex environments such as academic medicine, health systems, or research institutions. Demonstrated success working with physician leaders, scientists, volunteers, and senior executives is essential.

The successful Executive Director will be a strategic thinker, collaborative partner, and visible presence who understands the critical role of philanthropy in advancing neuroscience research and patient care. Exceptional communication skills, experience leading and developing staff, and a deep commitment to the University of Cincinnati and UC Health's missions are required.

The anticipated base salary range is $175,000-$200,000 with annual bonus of up to…