Senior Director Major Gifts & Grateful Patient Philanthropy

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid leave

Tuition benefits

Retirement plan

Well-being resources

Career development

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Senior Director of Development to lead major and principal gifts, provide strategic direction for grateful patient fundraising, and oversee a frontline team. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, you will manage a high-capacity donor portfolio and collaborate with clinical and research leaders to advance Massey’s mission.

You will also partner across Massey, VCU Health, and the Medical College of Virginia Foundation to align work with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with seven+ years of progressively responsible fundraising experience including successful close of $1M+ gifts.
• Experience fundraising within academic medical centers, hospitals, or cancer centers.
• Proven ability to lead frontline fundraisers and manage staff while fostering collaboration.
• Experience with grateful patient fundraising and physician engagement.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major and principal gifts with a focus on 5-, 6-, and 7-figure commitments.
• Develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies to grow donor support.
• Lead and mentor frontline fundraising staff and coordinate with volunteers.
• Collaborate with institutional leadership across Massey, VCU Health, and DAR to align priorities.
• Prepare compelling proposals and donor communications; maintain prospect records.

Skills

Major gifts

Relationship management

Strategic thinking

Donor stewardship

Communication skills

Executive presence

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Donor databases

Philanthropy platforms

Job description

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Senior Director of Development to lead major and principal gifts, provide strategic direction for grateful patient fundraising, and oversee a frontline team. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, you will manage a high-capacity donor portfolio and collaborate with clinical and research leaders to advance Massey’s mission.

You will also partner across Massey, VCU Health, and the Medical College of Virginia Foundation to align work with