Development Director – Podiatric Medicine & Community Engagement

Association of Fundraising Professionals, Golden Gate Chapter (AFP Golden Gate); Provo (UT); On-site; USD 117,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA is seeking a Development Director for Podiatric Medicine, Health Sciences and Community Engagement. This role manages a 100-donor portfolio, cultivates gifts from $25,000 to six figures, and drives SMU’s first comprehensive campaign with donor-centric fundraising strategies.

The Development Director will partner with senior leadership, deans, and faculty to align priorities with donor opportunities, build a major gifts pipeline, and help secure gifts

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• 3-5 years fundraising experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Monday.com, Teams, Thankview, and Workday.
• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge / Raiser's Edge NXT preferred.
• Experience cultivating five-figure gifts and above (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 100 major gift prospects through all giving cycle stages.
• Develop goals with leadership and conduct visits to meet annual targets.
• Coordinate strategic prospect visits with SMU faculty, staff, and leadership.
• Communicate plans and donor updates via briefs and stewardship activity.
• Maintain donor records in Raiser's Edge NXT and related systems.
• Collaborate across deans and Center for Community Engagement to align fundraising priorities.
• Plan and execute cultivation events and engage alumni for leadership roles.
• Attend events representing Advancement to engage donors and prospects.
• Stay informed on SMU priorities to articulate compelling cases for support.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization

Team collaboration

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Monday.com

Teams

Thankview

Workday

Job description

Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA is seeking a Development Director for Podiatric Medicine, Health Sciences and Community Engagement. This role manages a 100-donor portfolio, cultivates gifts from $25,000 to six figures, and drives SMU’s first comprehensive campaign with donor-centric fundraising strategies.

The Development Director will partner with senior leadership, deans, and faculty to align priorities with donor opportunities, build a major gifts pipeline, and help secure gifts