Director of Development, Neurosciences

External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the role of Director of Development, Neurosciences. The University of Virginia has a strong and reputable advancement community, boasting effective, results-oriented, and resourceful professionals. Our community comprises a robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 university‑related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development.

University of Virginia Health Development within University Advancement at UVA seeks an experienced and accomplished Director of Development for the Neurosciences to join our collaborative, high‑achieving, and enthusiastic team. Reporting to the Executive Director, Healthcare Philanthropy, the Director of Development will maximize fundraising support for neuroscience research, clinical care programs, and education through strong partnerships with faculty and healthcare providers, patient families, community members, UVA alumni, and private foundations.

UVA Health is ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Virginia and among the top 50 hospitals nationally by Newsweek. UVA's neurological and neurosurgical programs are also frequently recognized as top specialties nationally.

• Serve as the lead fundraiser for the neurosciences, managing a portfolio of principal and major gift donors and prospects. Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward these individuals in support of the mission and priorities of program leadership.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the neurosciences in the areas of patient care, research, education and community support missions from multiple prospect populations including patient families, community members, UVA friends and alumni, and beyond.

• Manage a team of neurosciences colleagues (with potential for expansion to meet organizational needs in the future), including one frontline fundraising role, as well as a development administrative support role.

• Evaluate HIPAA‑compliant patient data for physicians in assigned programs and identify potential major gift prospects for further research and cultivation. Ensure discipline around patient philanthropy processes for self and team.

• Create and implement a transparent and intentional donor strategy to move prospective donors along the development continuum. Cultivate new and existing donors to higher levels of support for the Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences programs, research and care of patients.

• Collaborate with UVA Health Development Office (UVAHD) colleagues to assure alignment and synergy in fundraising efforts. Work in tandem and in a donor‑centric manner to advance UVA Health broadly, alongside the neurosciences. Serve as a key member of the UVAHD Cabinet.

• Establish a consistent leadership presence within assigned departments and programs, to build faculty and staff partnerships and promote a culture of philanthropy.

• Provide effective and ongoing training for faculty and staff about philanthropic principles and tactics. Coach faculty and staff so that they are well prepared to positively impact development activities and prospect/donor relationships.

• Develop and maintain an informed layperson's understanding of the science behind research and care in assigned programs. Act as a translator and synthesizer of ideas when needed to enhance communication between faculty and prospects/donors.

• Build and strengthen relationships with UVA neurosciences leadership and key stakeholders, including, but not limited to:
  Department Chairs and Division Chiefs in Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Neuroscience; UVA neuroscience program leaders; neurosciences administrative leadership.

• Other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate possesses excellent interpersonal skills, emphasizing collaboration, teamwork, and a solution‑oriented mindset, with exceptional oral and written communication abilities to convey information clearly across varying audiences. They…