Director of Development — Major Gifts, Pediatrics

Duke University; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 78,161 - 156,319; Full time

Job summary

Duke Health Development & Alumni Affairs is seeking a strategic Director of Development for Duke Children’s to lead fundraising programs, identify and cultivate major gift opportunities, and steward grateful patients and friends across multiple departments.

This hybrid, full-time role requires strong leadership, relationship-building, and the ability to work within a large academic medical environment. Experience with donor strategy and collaboration with faculty is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum five years of progressive fundraising experience with a proven track record in major gifts.
• Campaign experience desirable.
• Ability to cultivate, solicit and steward donors.
• Strong written and oral communication, relationship-building and analytical skills.
• Ability to navigate a complex academic medical environment.
• Some travel and flexible hours may be required.

Responsibilities

• Grow and manage a portfolio of major gifts (typically $100k+) from identification to stewardship.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and close gifts in partnership with faculty and leaders.
• Coordinate stewardship and recognition of donors’ philanthropy.
• Collaborate with Duke Health fundraising teams to ensure comprehensive donor coverage.
• Draft proposals and assist with publicity for gifts and programs.

Skills

Academic/medical healthcare experience

Campaign experience

Fundraising

Donor relations

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Team collaboration

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree

5 years fundraising experience

Job description

Duke Health Development & Alumni Affairs is seeking a strategic Director of Development for Duke Children’s to lead fundraising programs, identify and cultivate major gift opportunities, and steward grateful patients and friends across multiple departments.

This hybrid, full-time role requires strong leadership, relationship-building, and the ability to work within a large academic medical environment. Experience with donor strategy and collaboration with faculty is essential.