Director of Development, Cancer Programs

Job Description

Director of Development, Cancer Programs

Are you inspired by the opportunity to connect high-capacity philanthropy with world-class cancer research and compassionate patient care?

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) - a premier leader in global health and medical innovation - is seeking an extraordinary, collaborative, and strategic Director of Development, Cancer Programs . Operating within the Office of University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) as a key frontline fundraiser on the Cancer Plus team, you will drive major and principal gift strategy ($250K - $1M+) for the Division of Hematology -Oncology within the prestigious UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In this role, you will build deep, trusted partnerships with world-renowned clinical faculty, pioneering scientists, and executive leadership to translate cutting-edge scientific discovery and grateful patient experiences into transformative philanthropic support. Serving as an expert development professional, you will independently navigate complex donor relationships, elevate strategic funding priorities - including seed funding, endowed chairs, capital initiatives, and novel research funds - and accelerate breakthroughs that directly impact patient outcomes.

Why This Role Is Unique

• High-Impact Ecosystem: Drive major gift fundraising for one of the nation's premier cancer centers, advancing game-changing oncology - hematology research and life-saving patient care.
• Grateful Patient Focus: Partner closely with elite clinicians and researchers to cultivate high-capacity grateful patient pipelines, turning clinical excellence into visionary donor partnerships.
• Direct Access to Academic Leaders: Work side-by-side with department heads, institute directors, and leading faculty as a trusted advisor, converting technical scientific visions into compelling cases for support.
• High Autonomy & Strategic Influence: Function as a lead expert within the Cancer Plus team, driving bespoke proposal strategies, complex moves management, and high-touch stewardship for high-net-worth individuals and family offices.
• Hybrid Work Flexibility & Premier Culture: Benefit from a flexible hybrid arrangement based out of UCSF's 2001 The Embarcadero location, embedded within a collaborative, growth-oriented development organization

Desired Mindset & Competencies

• Intellectual Curiosity & Scientific Acumen: An innate passion for cancer research, clinical care, and medical innovation, with the proven ability to translate complex scientific concepts into inspiring donor cases.
• Navigating Complex Environments: Expertise navigating complex settings, developing referral pipelines, and engaging high-net-worth grateful prospects with utmost empathy and discretion.
• Authentic Relationship Builder: Outstanding emotional intelligence, political acumen, and sophistication required to build lasting trust with world-class

*note: Salary commensurate with internal equity based on education, scope, and experience

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Req / Pref A proven track record in major gift fundraising ($100K+), donor relationship management, and successful cultivation and solicitation strategies. Required Expert working knowledge of all aspects of major gift fundraising, donor cultivation, moves management principles, solicitation, and stewardship concepts. Required Demonstrated ability to independently develop, execute, and adapt strategic fundraising plans that align institutional priorities with donor interests. Required Expert written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including high political acumen and the ability to build authentic relationships with donors, high-net-worth individuals, clinical faculty, and leadership. Required Proven ability to analyze, synthesize, and translate complex medical, clinical, and scientific research concepts into clear, compelling philanthropic cases for support. Required Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills with demonstrated initiative and intellectual curiosity. Required Expert level skills in exercising discretion, maintaining absolute confidentiality, and handling sensitive medical/patient and financial information. Required Grateful Patient Fundraising Experience: Proven track record of developing referral pipelines and navigating complex medical enterprise environments within academic healthcare or higher education. Preferred Familiarity with oncology, hematology, or related areas of medical research, along with an understanding of current trends in healthcare fundraising. Preferred Bachelor's degree in related area and 10 years of related experience / or equivalent experience / training. Req Advanced degree in a related field (e.g., Master's, JD). Pref