Senior Associate Director of Development, School of Medicine

Overview

External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the role of Senior Associate Director of Development, School of Medicine. The University of Virginia has a strong advancement community with a robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities and an environment for professional growth.

Position Summary The University of Virginia Health Development Office seeks a strategic fundraising professional to fill the position of Senior Associate Director of Development for the School of Medicine. This major gift officer reports to the Director of Development, School of Medicine - Medical Alumni, and will play a key role in generating philanthropic support from School of Medicine alumni, contributing to team strategy and the advancement of ambitious fundraising goals.

Responsibilities include identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospects and donors for the School of Medicine, with emphasis on alumni discovery and cultivation work to build the major gift pipeline.

This position focuses on gifts of $100,000 and above to advance the School of Medicine and UVA Health priorities. The role will work with medical alumni in assigned geographic regions and collaborate with fundraising partners and leadership to develop compelling proposals and execute fundraising initiatives aligned with the School of Medicine’s needs. The role also helps shape strategic direction for the Medical Alumni team, serving as a thought partner to the Director of Development and other senior leaders across UVA Health Development.

• Work with key constituent prospects to solicit and secure blended six-figure/major gifts for the School of Medicine.
• Advance the mission, vision, and short- and long-term goals of the School of Medicine, including campaign priorities, using agreed-upon metrics and accountability.
• Create and execute fundraising plans and donor strategies that utilize best practices in major giving, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors.
• Serve as a member of the broader UVA Health Development team and collaborate with peers on developing proposals for support, prospect management and strategy, and building partnerships with faculty.
• Partner with the Medical Alumni Association (MAA) and the Medical School Foundation (MSF) for alumni events, Board meetings, communications, and philanthropic giving to MSF funds, and establishing new donor funds.
• Travel nationally to build long-term partnerships, create outstanding constituent experiences, and foster relationships with alumni donors to support both immediate and long-term School of Medicine goals.
• Contribute to strategic planning for the Medical Alumni team, including pipeline development, portfolio optimization, and long-term fundraising priorities.
• Provide leadership within the team, offering guidance and strategic insight to strengthen performance and collaboration.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of fundraising experience or related work.
• Consistent record of soliciting and closing gifts of $100,000+
• Ability to articulate the school’s mission, strategic aims, and fundraising programs; strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with a significant fundraising campaign or capital campaign and meeting goals.
• Experience managing high-level relationships.
• Proven ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with emotional intelligence and professionalism.
• Ability to use a database to maintain donor data, prospect contacts, solicitations, and proposals.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to meet goals and metrics; willingness to travel frequently and perform occasional evening and weekend work.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Master’s degree and at least eight years of fundraising experience or related work.
• Success within collaborative fundraising models.
• Understanding of philanthropy, higher education, alumni relations, and relationship management.
• Knowledge of planned giving concepts,…