Executive Director of Development for Medical Innovation

Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University is seeking an executive director of development, medical innovation to lead the School of Medicine's fundraising initiatives, including principal gifts, major gifts, annual giving, foundation relations, alumni relations and communications. The role involves strategic planning, relationship cultivation and face-to-face solicitation with donors and partners.

Travel is required, and the position offers a hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week, with

Qualifications

• 10 years of progressive experience in development with a record of closing major gifts.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in medical affairs and biomedical research is desirable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently.
• Willingness to travel and adapt to a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop a portfolio of high-potential alumni, friends, and donors with gifts up to $1,000,000.
• Lead senior staff and collaborate on school priority fundraising strategies.
• Serve as primary development staff contact for chairs and senior faculty.
• Supervise the senior director of development.
• Contribute to a multimillion-dollar comprehensive campaign planning and solicitation.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising & major gifts

Relationship building

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Independent working

AI tools awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Donor management system

Job description

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $107,645 and $145,321, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The executive director of development, medical innovation has a primary responsibility to provide the strategic leadership of the comprehensive advancement program for the School of Medicine¿s high priority initiatives, including the areas of principal gifts, major gifts, annual giving, foundation relations, corporate relations, alumni relations, special events and communications. The executive director is responsible for the development of overall fundraising plans for scholarship, research, faculty support and community health in alignment with the overarching strategies of the School of Medicine and the university's division of University Relations and Development. As an experienced development professional, the executive director is expected to engage in direct face-to-face cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, with the expectation that they will be traveling off campus for much of this function. As part of the university development team, the incumbent will be expected to work collegially, and in partnership, with central and school-based colleagues.

Essential Functions

• Develop a portfolio of high-potential alumni, friends, and grateful patients prospects with a giving and/or transaction potential in the range of $100,000 to $1,000,000. Develop and implement strategic cultivation, solicitation and/or engagement strategies for each prospect to maximize major and leadership gifts to the university. (40%)
• Serve as a member of the senior staff of the School of Medicine and assist with the development and implementation of strategies and plans to fulfill the school's mission. (20%)
• Under the direction and approval of the Dean, serve as primary development staff contact for chairs and other senior faculty of assigned high priority initiatives, work with departments in planning and implementation of departmental fundraising efforts. (15%)
• Supervise, coach and mentor the senior director of development. (15%)
• Collaborate with the Development and Alumni Relations and central development staff in the implementation of the major components of a multimillion-dollar comprehensive campaign including strategic planning, oversight, management, performance measurement and solicitation strategies. (10%)

Nonessential Functions

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with dean and senior vice president of medical affairs, vice deans, associate deans, department chairs, and directors. Contact with faculty, students and staff as required to perform essential functions.

University: Frequent collaboration with the senior vice president for university relations and development, including regular contact with the president¿s office, vice presidents, deans, trustees, and alumni. Contact with directors of administrative departments, faculty and staff as required to perform essential functions.

External: Daily contact with donors, alumni, foundation representatives, community organizers/advocates, corporate executives and federal, state and local government officials. Contact with foreign visitors, healthcare officials and academic boards and organizations as required to perform essential functions.

Students: Contact with undergraduate, graduate and professional students as required performing essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Direct supervisory responsibility for the senior director of development.

Qualifications

Experience: 10 years of progressive experience in development or related field with transferable skills and a corresponding record in closing major gifts.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor¿s degree required; Master¿s degree preferred.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated strategic management skills to successfully develop and implement a development plan.
• Significant demonstrated experience in individual giving and corporate and foundation relations to provide the leadership for the entire program.
• Experience in medical affairs and biomedical research is desirable; experience in the grateful patient arena is highly desirable.
• High degree of energy, creativity, flexibility, organization and interpersonal skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
• Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and the ability to learn new programs.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Ability to demonstrate history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment, some evening and weekend work hours will be required. Frequent travel required.

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.