EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Celebrating a Century: https://100.scripps.edu/

POSITION TITLE: Executive Director, Development

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Executive Director of Development is a senior leader within Scripps Research's Office of Philanthropy, responsible for driving strategies that build and sustain philanthropic relationships across alumni, major gift, and gift planning constituencies. This role provides visionary leadership, operational oversight, and strategic alignment for three directorlevel positions while serving as the senior point of contact for the institute's alumni engagement strategy. The Executive Director will set performance goals, foster crossteam collaboration, and ensure integration of alumni relations, major gift fundraising, and gift planning into a cohesive and effective development program. This individual also serves as a key partner to institutional leadership, including faculty, senior administrators, and board members, to cultivate and solicit transformational philanthropic support.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Strategic Leadership

• Provide overarching management, coaching, and accountability for the Director of Alumni Development & Engagement, Director of Major Gifts, and Director of Gift Planning & Estate Administration.
• Establish annual strategic plans and measurable goals for each team, ensuring alignment with institutional fundraising priorities.
• Champion a culture of collaboration and datadriven decision making across the major gifts, alumni development, and gift planning teams.
• Serve as a member of the Philanthropy leadership team, contributing to departmental strategy, budget planning, and policy development.

Alumni Engagement Oversight

• Lead the vision and strategic direction for alumni relations as a core component of Scripps Research's longterm philanthropic pipeline.
• Provide highlevel oversight to ensure robust alumni programming, volunteer engagement, and philanthropic initiatives are effectively implemented.
• Collaborate with the Director of Alumni Development & Engagement on strategies for the Alumni Board, major alumni donors, and longterm engagement efforts.
  

Major and Planned Gift Leadership

• Manage and cultivate a portfolio of approximately 25 major/principal gift prospects, guiding them through the donor cycle from discovery, cultivation, and solicitation to stewardship.
• Guide directors in developing and maintaining robust prospect pipelines with clear moves management strategies.
• Provide strategic input on top prospects, participate in cultivation/solicitation meetings as needed, and support directors with highlevel donor strategies.
• Monitor team performance metrics, ensuring each area meets or exceeds annual activity, solicitation, and revenue goals.

Collaboration and Partnership

• Partner with the President, Vice President, faculty, and senior leaders to facilitate major philanthropic opportunities.
• Serve as a visible leader at donor events, alumni gatherings, and board meetings.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration with colleagues in Development Services and other internal partners.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with demonstrated success in managing major gifts, planned giving, and/or alumni engagement programs.
• Proven leadership experience managing seniorlevel fundraising professionals.
• Strong strategic planning skills with the ability to integrate multiple programs into a unified vision.
• Excellent relationship management skills with highnetworth donors, volunteers, and institutional leadership.
• Deep knowledge of fundraising best practices, gift planning vehicles, and moves management strategies.
• Experience in a complex academic, research, or nonprofit environment.
• Familiarity with Raiser's Edge or similar CRM systems.
• While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

COMPENSATION:

• The expected hiring range for this position is $195,000 to $250,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.