Senior Director, Principal Gifts & Major Donor Strategy

University of California; Berkeley (CA); Remote; USD 183,000 - 233,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Director of Development at University of California, Berkeley, leads principal gifts programs and manages a portfolio of influential donors to advance campus priorities. This role partners with campus leadership to craft solicitations and secure transformative gifts.

The position requires at least 5 years of progressive fundraising, exceptional donor relations, and the ability to work across Deans, Provosts, and senior staff to meet ambitious goals.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of progressive fundraising experience managing current and prospective donors seven figures and above.
• Expert working knowledge of fundraising, donor relations, and endowment fund development.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing a prospect portfolio and closing multi‑million dollar gifts.
• Ability to lead complex gift strategies in collaboration with institutional leadership.
• Expert written and interpersonal communication skills with strong confidentiality.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and collaborate with academic leaders.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 30 to 60 major donors and meet annual fundraising goals.
• Build relationships to engage donors and solicit gifts aligned with campus priorities.
• Write complex fundraising proposals with leadership sign-off and campus input.
• Steward donors with campus partners to provide timely recognition and adhere to gift agreements.
• Educate and prepare senior leadership to engage with donors and prospects.
• Identify and craft transformational gift opportunities up to 9–10 figures and lead discussions.

Skills

Donor relations

Fundraising strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Proposal writing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

The Senior Director of Development at University of California, Berkeley, leads principal gifts programs and manages a portfolio of influential donors to advance campus priorities. This role partners with campus leadership to craft solicitations and secure transformative gifts.

The position requires at least 5 years of progressive fundraising, exceptional donor relations, and the ability to work across Deans, Provosts, and senior staff to meet ambitious goals.