Director of Development, Duke Children's

Duke PF; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 78,161 - 156,319; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental care

Generous retirement benefits

Family-friendly and cultural programmes

Job summary

Duke PF in Durham, NC is seeking a Director of Development for Duke Children's, responsible for overseeing major-gift fundraising efforts to support healthcare initiatives.

This full-time, hybrid role requires strong relationship-building skills, proven fundraising experience, and the ability to coordinate with various teams to optimize donor relations and fundraising strategies.

Competitive benefits are included, reflecting Duke's commitment to employee wellness and professional development.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressive fundraising experience in a related organisation.
• Experience working with high-net-worth individuals and business executives.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major-gift prospects and solicit major gifts.
• Coordinate stewardship and recognition of donor philanthropy.
• Collaborate with fundraising teams and maintain prospect coverage.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Communications skills

Relationship building

Problem-solving skills

Ability to navigate complex environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, business, or related field

Job description

Director of Development, Duke Children’s

Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710

Work Arrangement

Hybrid (On‑Site and Remote mix). Full‑time position located in Durham, NC. This is not a remote position. Employees must reside within a 50‑mile radius of the downtown Durham office. For hybrid or remote schedule, each individual must maintain a secure home office environment with high‑speed internet. Staff may work flexible start and end times within core hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard). Managers may require office presence on specific days or times as needed.

Responsibilities

• Grow and manage a portfolio of major‑gift prospects, including patients, families and friends, identifying and qualifying prospects, developing and cultivating relationships, and soliciting major and leadership‑level gifts.
• Coordinate stewardship and recognition of donor philanthropy, ensuring effective follow‑up and acknowledgement.
• Collaborate with Duke Health fundraising teams to maintain comprehensive coverage of prospects and donors.
• Write and assist in drafting proposals and materials; support publicity arrangements for important gifts, programmes, accomplishments or events.
• Forge strong partnerships throughout the organization; establish regular communication with faculty physicians to build a grateful patient referral programme.
• Develop and align compelling strategies, priorities and collaterals with campaign priorities and Duke Health’s missions of research, education and care.
• Build annual and long‑term philanthropy goals for assigned areas; assist administrators and faculty in prioritising institutional and departmental funding needs.
• Plan and direct cultivation events or programmes; evaluate and refine departmental or theme assignments.
• Partner with colleagues across Duke Health and serve as a member of the Duke Children’s fundraising team to highlight the link between patient care and research.
• Maintain and manage major‑gift portfolio, ensuring compliance with gift record procedures, entering data into tracking databases and collaborating on prospects with multiple interests.
• Identify prospects for membership on the Duke Children’s National Leadership Council.
• Perform additional related duties incidental to the work described.

Qualifications

• Academic, medical or healthcare experience. Campaign experience desirable.
• Proven track record in personal cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of philanthropic support from individuals, foundations or corporations.
• Comfort and effectiveness working with high‑net‑worth individuals and business executives.
• Creative and collaborative problem‑solving, strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Energy, self‑confidence, optimism and ability to function at peak performance in a high‑expectation environment.
• Superior oral and written communication skills with diverse audiences.
• Ability to navigate a matrixed organisation within a complex academic medical environment.
• Self‑starter with a sense of urgency, clear priorities and ability to adapt to and lead through changing circumstances.
• High competency in collaborating, goal and task management, decision‑making, influence, flexibility and organisational awareness.
• Some travel and flexibility in work hours may be necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, business, non‑profit administration or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressive fundraising experience in a related organisation with a proven track record in major gifts.
• Campaign experience desirable.
• Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Pay Range: USD $78,161.00 to USD $156,319.00 annually.

Duke provides comprehensive medical and dental care programmes, generous retirement benefits and a wide array of family‑friendly and cultural programmes for eligible team members. Learn more at https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, colour, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity and belonging. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.