Director of Philanthropy & Special Initiatives

Category:

Administration

Lab/Area:

Philanthropy

Description:

Help Accelerate Scientific Discovery

At Gladstone Institutes, we believe science has the power to transform human health. As an independent, nonprofit biomedical research organization affiliated with UCSF, Gladstone brings together world-renowned scientists to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in medicine, including heart disease, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence in biomedical research.

We are seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven Director of Philanthropy & Special Initiatives to join our growing Philanthropy team. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned fundraising professional to build meaningful partnerships with visionary philanthropists and help advance groundbreaking scientific discoveries that improve lives around the world.

The Opportunity

The Director of Philanthropy & Special Initiatives will play a critical role in advancing Gladstone's mission by developing and managing a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and donors. Working closely with Gladstone's President, Vice President of Philanthropy, scientific leadership, Trustees, Foundation Board members, and key volunteers, this individual will design and execute sophisticated fundraising strategies that inspire transformational philanthropic investment.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a highly collaborative environment, enjoys translating complex scientific concepts into compelling donor opportunities, and is energized by building long-term relationships that drive impact.

What You Will Do:

Lead Strategic Fundraising Efforts

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gift prospects.

• Manage an active portfolio of 100+ high-capacity donors and prospective donors.

• Secure significant philanthropic support for Gladstone's scientific programs, strategic initiatives, and institutional priorities.

• Partner with leadership to create customized engagement plans and meaningful donor experiences.

Advance Special Initiatives

• Lead fundraising efforts related to strategic institutional priorities, disease-focused initiatives, and emerging scientific opportunities.

• Collaborate with scientists and institutional leaders to shape compelling funding opportunities and campaign strategies.

• Serve as a strategic thought partner on initiatives that advance Gladstone's long-term growth and impact.

Partner with Institutional Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to Gladstone's President and Vice President of Philanthropy on donor strategy and engagement.

• Support faculty, Trustees, Foundation Board members, and volunteer leaders in their fundraising activities.

• Prepare briefing materials, donor proposals, stewardship reports, and other high-impact communications.

Strengthen Team Success

• Mentor and support members of the Philanthropy team.

• Help foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and fundraising excellence.

• Provide leadership and continuity during the Vice President's absence.

What You will Bring:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Eight or more years of successful fundraising experience, including major gifts, principal gifts, comprehensive campaigns, planned giving, or related advancement work.

• Demonstrated success securing significant philanthropic investments from individual donors.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Experience developing fundraising strategies for sophisticated donor audiences.

• Ability to build trusted relationships with donors, scientists, executives, board members, and volunteers.

• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

What is Preferred:

• Experience in higher education, academic medicine, healthcare, biomedical research, or a mission-driven nonprofit organization.

• Familiarity with scientific research and the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for non-scientific audiences.

• Experience working with institutional leaders, governing boards, and high-net-worth philanthropists.

• Previous leadership or mentoring experience within a fundraising team.

Who You Are:

• A strategic and results-oriented fundraiser.

• An exceptional relationship builder with strong emotional intelligence.

• A compelling storyteller who can connect donors to meaningful impact.

• Curious, collaborative, and mission-driven.

• Comfortable navigating complex organizations and engaging with senior leaders.

• Passionate about advancing science and improving human health.

Why Gladstone?

Gladstone offers the opportunity to work alongside some of the world's leading scientists and innovators in a mission-focused environment dedicated to advancing human health. You'll join a collaborative community where philanthropy plays a vital role in accelerating discoveries that have the potential to change lives.

If you are excited by the opportunity to connect visionary donors with transformative science, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape the future of biomedical research. Please include cover letter / resume.

Salary Range:

$180K-$250K

Gladstone Perks & Benefits

• People–work with talented, committed, and supportive teammates within an organization that values each member of its community.

• A meaningful place to grow and learn–whether it’s your professional skills or scientific knowledge, we have the resources and environment to advance either so you can better support Gladstone’s mission to drive a new era of discovery in disease-oriented science and to mentor tomorrow’s leaders in an inspiring and excellent environment.

• Healthy work/life balance–you are highly engaged and productive at work because you can have time to recharge and enjoy a vibrant life outside of work.

• Compensation–competitive salary. Title and salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

• Excellent benefits–generous medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid vacation, commuter benefits, access to free shuttle transportation.
   

​Gladstone is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other non-job related characteristic. We make all employment decisions so as to further this principle of equal employment.