Director of Development, Cancer Programs

Association of Fundraising Professionals; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, San Francisco seeks a Director of Development, Cancer Programs to lead major gift strategy for the Division of Hematology-Oncology within the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

You will cultivate high-net-worth donors, secure seed funding, endowed chairs, and capital projects, translating cutting-edge science into compelling cases for support, and accelerate patient impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 10 years of related experience or equivalent.
• Proven track record in major gift fundraising ($100K+).
• Expert knowledge of major gift fundraising, donor cultivation, moves management, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising plans aligned with institutional priorities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication with high political acumen.
• Ability to translate complex medical and scientific concepts into compelling philanthropic cases.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills; initiative and curiosity.
• Discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Lead major gift strategy for the Cancer Programs division within UCSF Hematology-Oncology.
• Cultivate high-net-worth donors and build strong executive-level partnerships.
• Advance moves management, stewardship, and strategic funding priorities (seed funding, endowed chairs, capital initiatives).
• Translate scientific discoveries into compelling fundraising cases for support and accelerate patient impact.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Donor relationship management

Strategic fundraising planning

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Scientific understanding

Moves management

Initiative & curiosity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Are you inspired by the opportunity to connect high-capacity philanthropy with world-class cancer research and compassionate patient care?

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) - a premier leader in global health and medical innovation - is seeking an extraordinary, collaborative, and strategic Director of Development, Cancer Programs. Operating within the Office of University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) as a key frontline fundraiser on the Cancer Plus team, you will drive major and principal gift strategy ($250K - $1M+) for the Division of Hematology -Oncology within the prestigious UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In this role, you will build deep, trusted partnerships with world-renowned clinical faculty, pioneering scientists, and executive leadership to translate cutting-edge scientific discovery and grateful patient experiences into transformative philanthropic support. Serving as an expert development professional, you will independently navigate complex donor relationships, elevate strategic funding priorities - including seed funding, endowed chairs, capital initiatives, and novel research funds - and accelerate breakthroughs that directly impact patient outcomes.

Why This Role Is Unique

• High-Impact Ecosystem: Drive major gift fundraising for one of the nation's premier cancer centers, advancing game-changing oncology - hematology research and life-saving patient care.
• Grateful Patient Focus: Partner closely with elite clinicians and researchers to cultivate high-capacity grateful patient pipelines, turning clinical excellence into visionary donor partnerships.
• Direct Access to Academic Leaders: Work side-by-side with department heads, institute directors, and leading faculty as a trusted advisor, converting technical scientific visions into compelling cases for support.
• High Autonomy & Strategic Influence: Function as a lead expert within the Cancer Plus team, driving bespoke proposal strategies, complex moves management, and high-touch stewardship for high-net-worth individuals and family offices.
• Hybrid Work Flexibility & Premier Culture: Benefit from a flexible hybrid arrangement based out of UCSF's 2001 The Embarcadero location, embedded within a collaborative, growth-oriented development organization

Desired Mindset & Competencies

• Intellectual Curiosity & Scientific Acumen: An innate passion for cancer research, clinical care, and medical innovation, with the proven ability to translate complex scientific concepts into inspiring donor cases.
• Navigating Complex Environments: Expertise in navigating complex settings, developing referral pipelines, and engaging high-net-worth grateful prospects with utmost empathy and discretion.
• Authentic Relationship Builder: Outstanding emotional intelligence, political acumen, and sophistication required to build lasting trust with world-class

*Note: Salary commensurate with internal equity based on education, scope, and experience

Department Overview

At UCSF's Office of University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR), we're proud to be the kind of place where great ideas can come from anyone, and you can do the most impactful work of your career alongside fantastic colleagues. From our pioneering work in the AIDS crisis to the creation of a silicon brain, you will experience the world-class nature of our work and the difference it makes.

UDAR is a team of innovative professionals who partner with world-class scientists, healthcare providers, and philanthropists to advance breakthrough research and life-changing patient care. We're one of the nation's top fundraising organizations, home to smart, driven people who care deeply about UCSF's mission to advance science and transform health.

Our success comes from the combined talents of many roles: frontline fundraisers who build transformative partnerships with donors; alumni relations professionals who nurture lasting connections with the UCSF community; writers and designers who help tell the university’s story; researchers and analysts who provide critical insights; and operations and information systems experts who keep us running smoothly.

What makes UDAR special? A commitment to growing talent from within, celebrating collective wins, and creating an environment where our staff thrive. Our culture of team-based fundraising is distinctly collaborative, and we're always eager to embrace fresh approaches.

Regardless of your role at UCSF, you'll be part of a unified team operating at the very top of its game.

Read more about UCSF here https://magazine.ucsf.edu/

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related area and 10 years of related experience / or equivalent experience / training.
• A proven track record in major gift fundraising ($100K+), donor relationship management, and successful cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Expert working knowledge of all aspects of major gift fundraising, donor cultivation, moves management principles, solicitation, and stewardship concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop, execute, and adapt strategic fundraising plans that align institutional priorities with donor interests.
• Expert written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including high political acumen and the ability to build authentic relationships with donors, high-net-worth individuals, clinical faculty, and leadership.
• Proven ability to analyze, synthesize, and translate complex medical, clinical, and scientific research concepts into clear, compelling philanthropic cases for support.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills with demonstrated initiative and intellectual curiosity.
• Expert level skills in exercising discretion, maintaining absolute confidentiality, and handling sensitive medical/patient and financial information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Grateful Patient Fundraising Experience: Proven track record of developing referral pipelines and navigating complex medical enterprise environments within academic healthcare or higher education.
• Familiarity with oncology, hematology, or related areas of medical research, along with an understanding of current trends in healthcare fundraising.
• Advanced degree in a related field (e.g., Master's, JD).