Job Details

Director of Development for Health Sciences Research

Position Number: 6874760
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Development and Fund Raising

Director of Development for Health Sciences Research

Job Summary

University Advancement is seeking an accomplished advancement professional to lead philanthropic strategies that accelerate interdisciplinary research with a health focus. Working with the System Chief Research Officer and in collaboration with other key leaders across University of Utah Health and the U's main campus, this position will play a key role in acquiring philanthropic support for the research mission of U Health, specifically, and the broader institution, generally.

The Director of Advancement will serve as a strategic partner and front-line fundraiser responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gift prospects and donors (including individuals, corporations, and foundations) in domains related to health science research. This highly visible, collaborative, and relationship-driven position will develop and manage an active portfolio of prospects and donors and will collaboratively develop compelling philanthropic opportunities. The Director will leverage deep familiarity with the broad health sciences research portfolio and use this knowledge to initiate and coordinate philanthropic initiatives that require the input of multiple health sciences units.

In alignment with the University's vision to improve lives and change the world through innovative research and discovery, the Director will articulate and execute a comprehensive development strategy that emphasizes goals, performance metrics, and best practices tailored to a growing and increasingly interdisciplinary research enterprise.

While a key expectation of this role is to proactively identify health-related philanthropic research opportunities, the Director will also be charged to enhance major gift opportunities for prospects and donors by partnering with development professionals across the entire campus to shape donor-ready, health-focused research concepts that leverage the collective expertise of multiple schools, departments, and institutes, ensuring proposals are compelling, comprehensive, and aligned with donor interests. By connecting ideas, teams, and donor priorities, the Director will help present unified, high-impact philanthropic opportunities to donors and prospects that elevate the University's research enterprise. It is anticipated that this position will engage and work in concert with a team of advancement professionals thoughtfully organized and assembled over time to support this effort to build philanthropic support for research in a comprehensive fashion.

The Director of Advancement will bring creativity, strategic insight, and exceptional relationship-building skills to elevate the University of Utah's capacity to secure private philanthropic investment in pioneering health sciences and institutional research that serves the state, the nation, and the world.

Responsibilities

Promote the vision, mission, goals, and core values of University Advancement in pursuit of philanthropic support for health sciences research and related institutional research initiatives.
Plan and implement strategies and goals to increase fundraising effectiveness with individual, foundation, and corporate major gift prospects and donors.
Develop, manage and implement qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for a portfolio of 75 (or more) donor prospects capable of making gifts of $50,000 +.
Establishes and executes donor engagement strategies specific to health sciences research and related institutional research priorities.
Develops long-term relationships with potential major gift donors and is responsible for cultivating prospects as potential donors interested in supporting strategic research initiatives and programs.
Lead and grow the Philanthropic Partners Group, a consortium of philanthropists dedicated to accelerating research at the University of Utah through a competitive and engaging grant process.
In consultation with the Deputy Chief Philanthropy Officer, responsible for generating an annual work plan, establishing and meeting performance goals, and documenting work in the University Advancement CRM, Unite.
Prepares and analyzes market research and other data to aid in fundraising.
In concert with the University Advancement Donor Relations team, ensures appropriate recognition and stewardship of donors.
Engage, support, and build strong, collaborative partnerships with campus leaders in various areas as appropriate to the process of identifying and engaging potential new major gift prospects.
Works cooperatively with University Advancement colleagues in multiple departments in furtherance of acquiring philanthropic support for the research initiatives important to the health sciences and broader institutional research goals at the U.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.

Ability to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary, on short or limited notice. Must have regular and reliable transportation for local travel and be willing to travel when necessary. Frequent local travel expected, with some travel beyond the local area required.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Senior Manager, Development Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.
Associate Director, Development Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.
Director, Development Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 12 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 10 years of directly related work experience.
Senior Director, Development Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 14 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 12 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences
Preferred Qualifications:

Ideal candidate will have at least six years of experience with progressively more responsibility in higher education fundraising, with a strong preference for major gift experience in academic medicine and/or academic health-related research, with an emphasis on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts.

Curiosity and appreciation for research initiatives, often complex in nature, that elevate scientific discovery and human health.

Significant experience closing five and six-figure gifts.

Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with fundraising best practices, with a demonstrated ability to establish, cultivate, and steward meaningful relationships with major gift prospects and donors.

Knowledge of corporate and foundation fundraising and gift planning vehicles.

Experience in grant or proposal writing, public speaking, or background working with print and/or electronic media.

Superlative interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work well with people at all levels of an organization, across a diverse range of educational and social backgrounds and to demonstrate honesty and respect for each individual.

A broad understanding of multi-faceted campaign planning, implementation, and management.

This position is not responsible for providing patient care. This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN44072B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: In office 3 + days/week; Ability to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary.
Department: 00972 - Advancement-Univ Utah Health
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 100,000 to 115,000
Close Date: 4/22/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/195727