The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden seeks a full-time Associate Director of Development to lead major gifts fundraising. Be a part of a collaborative team dedicated to the purpose of “inspiring human potential to help people and environments thrive.” As a leader in climate-ready landscapes, student environmental leadership, and public engagement within a highly ranked public university, the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden offers a vibrant workplace.

The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden spans the campus’s 5300-plus acres and includes the historic Arboretum – a 100-plus acre campus and regional amenity comprised of demonstration gardens and scientific collections as well as the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve – a rare stream and grassland ecosystem managed for teaching, research, wildlife and habitat protection.

Development & Alumni Relations (DEVAR) provides leadership in building enduring public trust, understanding, and support for UC Davis and its mission of teaching, research, and public service. DEVAR provides leadership, coordination and support services to help the university meet its mission of research, teaching and service by building philanthropic support and executing approved fundraising programs that support the university’s highest priorities and initiatives.

About the position:

The Associate Director of Development is a professional major gifts fundraiser whom has advanced understanding of the field, and who independently performs the full range of responsibilities of a university development officer, analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope, and determines solutions. The results of the incumbent’s efforts are focused on securing philanthropic support at the “major gifts" level, including building and managing a well-documented and active portfolio of individuals and focusses on donors capable of giving $50K or more.

This position plans, schedules, and furthers donor activity on behalf of the Arboretum and Public Garden. This position is metric-driven and expected to raise gift dollar amounts as established by the annual business plan and aligned with the assigned portfolio. This is a fundraising position focused on the discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of existing and new donor relationships. Guided by a “donor centered” approach, the incumbent will strategically solicit gifts using various communication methods, including in person, video, texting, phone, social media and virtual visits. This position requires good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, and works independently, collaboratively, and collegially as part of a diverse, matrix organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Professional fundraising experience, preferably in a higher educational environment, with proven ability to meet or exceed established metrics and objectives assigned to the position.
• Professional knowledge of and experience with development and fundraising techniques, including prospect identification research, evaluation of historic gift data, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and donor stewardship. Experience in major gifts prospect portfolio management as a frontline fundraiser, including knowledge of proven cultivation/solicitation techniques for gifts at all dollar levels with identified success in major gift fundraising. 
• Demonstrated success soliciting and securing philanthropic gifts. Successful track record developing strategic relationships with individuals. 
• Expert written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Skill in setting and meeting program/project goals and objectives within budget and time constraints.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

• Demonstrated experience working effectively with donors and prospects as well as with their legal and financial advisors, university colleagues, volunteers and senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a highly matrixed, diverse environment, across all levels of the organization and the public.
• Awareness, knowledge, and skill in applying diversity, equity and inclusion to one’s work. A profound belief in the value of a diverse and safe workforce and a commitment to achieve this goal through collaboration and team building, working cooperatively with a diverse group of department and campus constituencies.

$95,900-$189,000 Yearly

Job Type: Full Time

Work Location

UC Davis Campus

Davis, CA 95616

Benefits

UC Davis offers a competitive benefits package.

How to Apply

Visit https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/news/apply-become-associate-director-development for additional information and the link to apply. Open until filled.