Senior Director of Development and Research Funding

Senior Director of Development and Research Funding

As you take your first step onto a Western University of Health Sciences campus, each path, each person, each structure comes with a transformative story. Western

U is more than the practice of medicine. We are defined by character and culture. At Western

U, you will discover humanism at the heart of every interaction: a warm welcome, a sincere smile, a positive word, a kind deed, a thoughtful gesture. You will see students work together on case studies; a parade of pets in campus parks; student clubs offering opportunities for career growth and community involvement; and faculty, staff and students designing their future and the future of Western

U. We display a collaborative mindset in how we operate, educate, and serve others.

Position Title:

Senior Director of Development and Research Funding

Position Control Number: A03792

Type of Position:
Administration | Position Status:
Full-time | Department: 5501-External Relations

Campus:
Western University Campus-Pomona, CA |

Position Location:

California

The Senior Director of Development and Research Funding (Senior DoD) plays a critical leadership role in advancing the philanthropic priorities of Western University of Health Sciences. This position carries primary responsibility for fundraising in the College of Optometry while also providing strategic leadership to secure funding for research initiatives across the University. Reporting to the Vice President of Development and Campaign Strategy, the Senior DoD is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies that engage individuals, corporations, foundations, and other external partners to generate major gifts, principal gifts, and research funding.

The Senior DoD manages a portfolio of top prospects, mentors colleagues in development, and partners with deans, faculty, and University leadership to secure transformative support.

• In‑depth knowledge of fundraising, donor relations, stewardship, alumni engagement, and grant/foundation fundraising.
• Familiarity with advancement database systems (Raiser’s Edge, RENXT, or Banner).
• Knowledge of federal and institutional regulations relevant to fundraising and research (FERPA, HIPAA).
• Awareness of CASE standards and professional ethical guidelines.

• Advanced proposal development and grant writing skills for individual and research fundraising.
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, and leadership skills.
• Advanced organizational, analytical, and critical‑thinking skills.

• Close major and principal gifts consistently.
• Lead and collaborate with faculty, deans, and senior administrators.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities independently.
• Mentor colleagues and support team success.
• Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards in all interactions.
• Represent Western
  
  U with integrity, professionalism, and credibility.
• Work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders across sectors.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working for an organization that values and promotes humanism.

• Minimum 6–8 years of progressive fundraising experience, including securing major and principal gifts. Demonstrated success in grant writing and obtaining foundation or private funding for research. Supervisory or mentoring experience in a development office preferred.

• Master’s degree preferred in a relevant field.

• Develop and lead fundraising strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal‑gift prospects in support of the College and University priorities.
• Ensure ambitious fundraising goals are met; prepare compelling proposals for individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Expand the individual giving pipeline, enhance corporate philanthropy, and develop initiatives that sustain student success and academic excellence.
• Partner with college deans and leadership to align institutional needs with donor interests.
• Recruit, train, and guide…