Director of Development, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (FUNDRAISER 4)

Job Summary

The Director of Development is an advanced fundraising professional with recognized expertise in specific areas of frontline development such as major gifts, who independently performs the full range of responsibilities of a university development officer, analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope, and determines solutions. Using advanced fundraising concepts, plans, organizes, and directs fundraising campaigns which include multiple components. The results of the incumbent's efforts have major impact on overall program goals and assignments and are typically at the "major gifts" level, including building and managing an active portfolio, and focusses on donors capable of giving $50K or more. The Director will focus on the Human and Social Sciences Division, departments include Food Science and Technology, Agricultural and Resource Economics, Human Ecology and Nutrition.

This position plans, schedules, and implements comprehensive fundraising projects and programs within the Human and Social Sciences Division of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. This position is metric-driven and expected to raise gift dollar amounts as established through an annual business planning process and aligned with the assigned portfolio. This is a fundraising position focused on building new and fostering existing donor relationships. Guided by a "donor centered" approach, the incumbent will strategically solicit gifts and steward existing ones using various communication methods, including in person, video, texting, phone, social media and virtual visits and will involve travel to secure meetings with donors and prospective donors. This position requires good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, and works independently, collaboratively, and collegially as part of a large, matrix organization.

Apply By Date: April 15, 2026

Initial Application Review date is April 9, 2026. Interviews and recruiting process may occur at any time. Position will remain open until filled.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Advanced professional frontline fundraising experience, as demonstrated by 3 or more years of professional or volunteer fundraising experience; or equivalent transferrable professional experience including strategic relationship development and portfolio management; or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Highly knowledgeable of and experienced with development and fundraising techniques, including prospect identification research, evaluation of historic gift data, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and donor stewardship. Significant experience in major gifts, prospect portfolio management as a frontline fundraiser, including knowledge of proven cultivation/solicitation techniques for gifts at all dollar levels with identified success in major gift fundraising, gifts $50k+.
• Demonstrated success soliciting and securing significant philanthropic gifts. Successful track record developing strategic relationships with donors.
• Expert political acumen, to establish and maintain good working relationships at all organizational levels and with outside constituencies, including donors, volunteers, and subject matter experts, to develop collaborative working relationships needed to accomplish organizational goals.
• Related experience conceiving, writing and editing fundraising presentations, case statements, and proposals and for support of program priorities. Expert written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Awareness, knowledge, and skill in applying inclusion to one's work. A profound belief in the value of a safe workforce and a commitment to achieve this goal through collaboration and team building, working cooperatively with a large group of department and campus constituencies.

Key Responsibilities

• 80% - College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Fundraising
• 20% - Development Operations

Department Overview

At a moment when climate change, economic pressures, and social inequities challenge global stability, the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES) is leading on behalf of California and the world in addressing the most critical issues facing the planet and humanity in the 21st century.

Ranked #1 nationally and #2 in the world- for agricultural sciences and forestry (QS World University Rankings) our impact lies at the nexus of climate, food, human and animal health. Across three divisions of interdisciplinary focus- Agricultural, Environmental and Human and Social Sciences, our students, faculty, and staff are working to support healthy, equitable, and vibrant communities; ensure secure, safe, and high-quality food for the world's population, while maintaining biological diversity in ecosystems essential for global sustainability.

The CA&ES Development Team supports this work by generating philanthropy centered on mission critical priorities across research, teaching, and public outreach. Using advanced fundraising concepts, our team serves as a key leader and providing development strategy and support that have significant impact on overall program goals. Critical to our success are robust major ($50,000 or more) and principal gifts ($2,500,000 or more) programs.

Development & Alumni Relations (DEVAR) provides leadership in building enduring public trust, understanding, and support for UC Davis and its mission of teaching, research, and public service. DEVAR provides leadership, coordination and support services to help the university meet its mission of research, teaching and service by building philanthropic support and executing approved fundraising programs that support the university's highest priorities and initiatives.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Departmental Budgeted Salary Range: $120,000 - $125,000/yr., commensurate with experience.
• Full Fundraiser 4 Classification Pay Range: $102400.00 - $202400.00/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 25
• UC Job Title: FUNDRAISER 4
• UC Job Code: 000462
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8:00am - 5:00pm
• Location: Robbins Annex (ROBBNSANX), Davis Campus
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• H1-B Eligible: Applicants must be permanently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work). This position is based in Davis, CA and may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid schedule.

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Provide own transportation to travel to donor visits throughout the state, off-site meetings, and events.

Special Requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks