Development & Sponsorships Director — Annual Gifts

University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Extension (UCLAx) seeks an Associate Director of Development and Corporate Sponsorships to lead annual gift programs, cultivate donors, and manage sponsorship activities. You will curate prospects, coordinate events, and partner with the External Affairs team to advance fundraising initiatives.

This role requires a strategic fundraiser with a collaborative, detail‑oriented approach and comfort working across departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of demonstrated annual giving or fundraising experience.
• Experience in establishing, managing, and evaluating strategic partnerships and initiatives.
• Experience in conceptualizing, planning, and executing special events that advance fundraising objectives.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising principles and annual giving strategies in higher education.
• Skilled in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors and partners.
• Proficient in researching prospective funders and developing value propositions.
• Exceptional written communication and reporting skills.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation abilities.
• Highly organized, able to prioritize, and meet deadlines independently.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management tools.
• Demonstrated integrity and discretion with confidential information.
• Experience with donor databases; Blackbaud CRM preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate and solicit annual gifts from a portfolio of prospects.
• Manage partnerships and sponsor events to support UCLAx operations.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean, External Affairs, on fundraising initiatives.
• Oversee execution of cultivation events and sponsorship strategies.
• Support broader External Affairs projects and fundraising goals.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Partnership development

Event planning

Fundraising principles

Donor cultivation

Prospect research

Written communication

Public speaking

Organization & time management

Staff management

Integrity & discretion

Blackbaud CRM

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Blackbaud CRM

Job description

UCLA Extension (UCLAx) seeks an Associate Director of Development and Corporate Sponsorships to lead annual gift programs, cultivate donors, and manage sponsorship activities. You will curate prospects, coordinate events, and partner with the External Affairs team to advance fundraising initiatives.

This role requires a strategic fundraiser with a collaborative, detail‑oriented approach and comfort working across departments.