DIRECTOR, MAJOR GIFTS

The Scripps Research Institute; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer Contributed Retirement Plan

Health and Welfare plans including 3+醫

Flexible Spending Accounts

Vacation and sick leave policies

Free on-site parking

Job summary

The Scripps Research Institute, based in La Jolla, CA, is seeking a strategic Director of Major & Principal Gifts to lead a high-impact fundraising program. You will cultivate relationships with top donors, develop seven-figure gift strategies, and work closely with senior leadership to advance scientific priorities.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, you will manage a 50–75 donor portfolio, secure transformative gifts, and guide campaigns across multi-year initiatives, travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years in major gift fundraising, preferably in research/academic settings.
• Proven success closing gifts of $1M+.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication.
• Experience with senior leadership and donor relations.
• Willingness to travel for donor meetings and events.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate, solicit and close gifts of $1M+.

Skills

Relationship-building

Strategic thinking

Communication

Project management

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

ABOUT US

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE

POSITION SUMMARY

Scripps Research, one of the world's leading biomedical research institutes, is seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven fundraising leader to join our Philanthropy team as Director of Major & Principal Gifts. At a moment of scientific momentum and growing ambition, this role offers the opportunity to connect visionary donors with the discoveries and priorities that will shape the future of human health.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Director of Major Gifts will manage a portfolio of approximately 50-75 of the Institute's highest-priority prospects and donors, each with the capacity to give $1 million or more. The Director will develop transformational gift strategies, and will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward seven-figure and larger gifts that advance institutional priorities and special initiatives.

Success in this role depends on partnership across a complex, science-driven institution. Working closely with senior leadership, faculty scientists, Trustees, volunteers, and Development colleagues, the Director will develop compelling funding opportunities that align donor passions with Scripps Research's most important work. The Director will also join colleagues in pursuing special funding opportunities that may engage prospects outside of their assigned portfolio.

The ideal candidate will bring a record of securing seven-figure gifts, the ability to lead and influence in a complex environment, and the entrepreneurial instincts to shape strategy, move opportunities forward and help build processes as the program grows.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Personally cultivate, solicit and close gifts of $1 million or more, including complex, multi-year commitments.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 50-75 major and principal gift prospects and donors with giving capacity of $1 million or more, securing philanthropic gifts that advance Scripps Research's strategic initiatives, research priorities, and institutional objectives.
• Develop and execute highly personalized, long-term engagement and solicitation strategies including multi-year commitments, naming opportunities, blended or structured gifts, in collaboration with institutional leadership and aligned with donor interests along with institutional priorities.
• Advance prospects through all stages of the fundraising cycle, from discovery and qualification through solicitation and stewardship.
• Identify and qualify new prospects through proactive outreach, research, referrals and participation in institutional events.
• Prepare proposals and coordinate with Gift Planning, Legal and Finance on gift agreements, pledge documentation and gift acceptance.
• Facilitate high-level meetings, site visits, and donor experiences.
• Support leadership engagement efforts by preparing briefing materials, talking points, and strategic guidance for donor meetings.
• Work closely with Advancement colleagues (prospect research, stewardship, gift planning, etc.) to advance the assigned portfolio and department objectives.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of prospect strategies, interactions, and outcomes in the institution's database.
• Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals and performance metrics related to principal gift activity, prospect movement, and donor engagement.
• Maintain a proactive and strategic approach to pipeline development and portfolio management.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in a complex research, healthcare, or academic environment.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts of $1 million or more.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence high net-worth individuals.
• Proven ability to work effectively with senior institutional leadership, faculty, and donors in a collaborative and strategic manner.
• Strong strategic thinking and project management skills, with the ability to manage complex, long-term donor relationships.
• Experience using donor databases and CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge).
• Willingness and ability to travel for donor meetings and events.
• While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

COMPENSATION

The expected hiring range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.