Senior Regional Director of Development

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $102,300 - $197,700. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position (including geographic differential), is $130,000 - $165,500. Job Closing Date This position is approved for a Remote work modality. Preference will be given to applicants that reside in Southern California. This is a one-year, renewable contract position which is eligible for full University of California benefits. First applicant review will take place on or around April 30, 2024. Posting may close any time after that without notice. About UC Merced The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff. Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region. The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced. The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program. The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit. About the Job The Sr. Regional Director of Development will be a vital member of a young and fast-growing institutional advancement program and will be responsible for contributing to the success of the department's annual fundraising goals, with a focus on expanding UC Merced's presence in a specific geographic region - Southern California. The Sr. Regional Director of Development will play an important role in leading and growing the overall development strategy within their designated region, including: the donor base, long-term strategic partnerships, and revenue capacity for UC Merced's fundraising efforts. including: identifying and qualifying new prospects; cultivating and stewarding current and previous donors; accomplishing meaningful touchpoints for UC Merced philanthropic engagement; and closing five-, six- and seven- figure gifts. The Sr. Regional Director of Development will develop strategy for appropriate regional events and work with External Relations colleagues on development and execution of regional events. The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative and must be strategic, well-organized, flexible, dependable and goal-oriented, with an enthusiastic and positive personality, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to manage complex projects and maintain a collaborative workstyle. May coordinate and oversee the work of support staff and/or other professionals. This position will report to the Executive Director of Major Gifts within the Department of Philanthropy and Strategic Relationships, housed in the Office of External Relations. Key Responsibilities: Develops and manages a dynamic portfolio to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects for major and principal gifts from individuals, as well as corporate prospects. Position includes travel within the assigned region to meet with donors and prospects, as well as some travel to Merced for important occasions and select meetings. Plans, schedules and implements fundraising activities to advance the major gift pipeline and maximize private fundraising support to the university. Develops detailed major gift and principal gift opportunities tailored to the interest of potential donors in the areas consistent with UC Merced fundraising priorities. Manages and builds a portfolio of 80-100 prospects in the designated region who have the capacity to give $100,000+ over a 5-year pledge period. Build a solid pipeline of donors in the region; regularly qualify new prospects to determine affinity to UC Merced. Partner with Board of Trustee members to identify new prospects and donors, implement fundraising strategies and constituency-building programs. Develops strategies with team executives to ensure team goals, annual fundraising targets and monthly activity benchmarks are met. Monthly and annual benchmarks will vary and will be determined according to the department's annual fundraising goal and size of development team. Metrics and benchmarks will track new contacts made, visits completed, solicitations completed, major gifts received, and amount raised. Generates proposals and customized request materials. Prepares drafts of donor correspondence for campus leaders and assist with development of ancillary materials, including but not limited to briefings, status reports, talking points, program descriptions, thank you letters, and strategic communication memoranda. May oversee the work of professional and support staff involved in the implementation of multicomponent fundraising program. Maintains appropriate records, including timely entry of required items in the donor database. Track all prospect and donor interactions. Monitors personal progress through database dashboard and tracking of personal metrics. Prepares annual and multi-year business plans and submits budget for regional major gift fundraising program. Leads effort to develop and grow the UC Merced presence in Southern California; advise senior leadership on engagement promotional and sponsorship opportunities for participation and visibility; utilize current affiliations and contacts to expand reach; attend community events and networking opportunities on behalf of the university to identify, cultivate and steward donors thereby increasing the reach of UC Merced in Southern California. LI-RM1 Qualifications Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training 5 yrs of progressively responsible prospect management and successful development experience or equivalent training/ experience or higher. Required Expert working knowledge of all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and public relations concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques. Expert knowledge of all aspects of the location, including current issues of concern for both the campus and / or throughout higher education / healthcare, generally. Expert knowledge of the location, including its vision, mission, goals, objectives, achievements and infrastructure. Expert knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, etc. Expert written and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen, to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies. Expert skills in making persuasive and compelling presentations of goals and objectives for a location in order to secure gifts. Expert organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills. Expert project / program management skills, including skills in setting and meeting program / project goals and objectives within budget and time constraints. Expert level skills in maintaining confidentiality. Maintain a valid driver's license. Required Background Check Background check required. Policy Statement How to Apply: An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact . Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin . click apply for full job details