Head of Donor Relations & Volunteer Engagement

The Scripps Research Institute; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer contributed retirement plan

Health and welfare plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Vacation and sick leave

Free on-site parking

Job summary

The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California is seeking a Senior Director of Donor Relations & Volunteer Engagement. This on-site role leads donor stewardship, volunteer programs, and reporting, working with gift officers to align engagement efforts with fundraising priorities.

You will supervise a multidisciplinary team, develop strategic plans, and ensure timely, personalized recognition of donors at all levels, including annual giving and major initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of donor relations, stewardship, or advancement experience.
• At least 5 years leading the function in higher education or a research environment.
• Excellent writing, storytelling, and presentation skills for science and philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive donor relations and volunteer engagement strategy.
• Supervise programs for donor recognition, impact reporting, and volunteer engagement.
• Collaborate with gift officers to tailor stewardship plans for donors and prospects.
• Plan and execute signature cultivation and stewardship events.

Skills

Donor relations

Stewardship leadership

Team leadership

Storytelling

Executive advisory

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California is seeking a Senior Director of Donor Relations & Volunteer Engagement. This on-site role leads donor stewardship, volunteer programs, and reporting, working with gift officers to align engagement efforts with fundraising priorities.

You will supervise a multidisciplinary team, develop strategic plans, and ensure timely, personalized recognition of donors at all levels, including annual giving and major initiatives.