Development Director - Podiatric Medicine, Health Sciences and Community Engagement

Samuel Merritt University; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Development Director based in Oakland, CA, to lead fundraising efforts for the College of Podiatric Medicine and Health Sciences. This role involves managing major gift prospects, collaborating with faculty and leadership, and supporting SMU’s first comprehensive campaign.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, 3-5 years of fundraising experience, and strong communication skills. This onsite position offers a dynamic academic environment with an annual pay range up to $130,000 based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of fundraising experience or equivalent.
• Database management experience, particularly with Blackbaud products.
• Experience in higher education or healthcare fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 100 major gift prospects.
• Develop goals in partnership with leaders and conduct visits.
• Organize strategic prospect visits with key stakeholders.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Raiser’s Edge NXT

Microsoft Office

Monday.com

Teams

Job description

Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy and Gift Planning (SD), the Development Director for Podiatric Medicine, Health Sciences, and Community Engagement (DD) is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts ranging from $25,000 to six figures from alumni, friends, and supporters of the College of Podiatric Medicine, College of Health Sciences, and Center for Community Engagement.

The Development Director serves as a strategic Advancement partner, shaping fundable priorities and connecting philanthropic investment to measurable impact for students, community, and the institution.

The DD will work closely with the SD, deans and faculty of the colleges, and CCE staff to advance funding opportunities and donor engagement activities, and will play a key role in driving success for SMU’s first‑ever comprehensive campaign by building a major gift pipeline and developing donor‑ready funding opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 100 major gift prospects and donors through all phases of the giving cycle, deepening engagement and increasing annual revenue.
• Develop goals in partnership with the SD and the Vice President of Advancement, conduct visits, make asks, and meet established goals and expectations annually.
• Organize strategic prospect visits, including key SMU faculty, staff, leadership, and Board of Regents, to build relationships and secure gifts supporting the three campaign pillars: Scholarship and Academic Innovation; City Center Campus and Unrestricted Support; and Community Engagement and Impact.
• Communicate with all parties via briefings, cultivation and solicitation plans, stewardship updates, and donor correspondence.
• Manage all communications and follow‑up with assigned prospects and donors, maintaining detailed contact reports in SMU’s database of record (Raiser’s Edge NXT).
• Work closely with the deans, faculty, and staff to facilitate a positive relationship with the colleges and CCE, developing and articulating fundraising priorities that align with the units and the university.
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues in planning and executing cultivation and solicitation events, identifying alumni for volunteer leadership roles.
• Attend special events representing Advancement to engage donors and prospects.
• Work with Advancement Services on donor and prospect record updates.
• Maintain in‑depth knowledge of SMU and its funding priorities to articulate a compelling case for support.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• 3‑5 years of experience in fundraising or equivalent.
• Competence in Microsoft Office, Monday.com, Teams, Thankview, and Workday.

Preferred Qualifications

• Database management experience, especially with Blackbaud products such as Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Experience as a successful fundraiser in a complex environment, such as higher education or healthcare.
• Previous campaign experience and/or experience cultivating, soliciting, and securing five‑figure gifts and above.
• Experience developing, managing, and adhering to budgets and measurable fundraising metrics.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written, verbal, and aural communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to collaborate with many internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Capability to meet in person with SMU donors and prospects.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends and travel periodically (primarily in California).
• Knowledge of SMU’s mission and connection to SMU communities in the Bay Area, Sacramento, and/or Fresno.

Work Environment

• Office Location: Oakland Campus – Onsite.
• This is an onsite position based in Oakland, CA, requiring regular in‑office presence to support daily operations, collaboration, and team engagement.
• Work is performed primarily on campus in a dynamic academic environment, with direct interaction across multidisciplinary teams.

Pay Range

Up to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors.