EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program.  We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Celebrating a Century:  https://100.scripps.edu/

 

POSITION TITLE:    Executive Director, Development

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Executive Director of Development is a senior leader within Scripps Research’s Office of Philanthropy, responsible for driving strategies that build and sustain philanthropic relationships across alumni, major gift, and gift planning constituencies. This role provides visionary leadership, operational oversight, and strategic alignment for three director‑level positions while serving as the senior point of contact for the institute’s alumni engagement strategy. The Executive Director will set performance goals, foster cross‑team collaboration, and ensure integration of alumni relations, major gift fundraising, and gift planning into a cohesive and effective development program. This individual also serves as a key partner to institutional leadership, including faculty, senior administrators, and board members, to cultivate and solicit transformational philanthropic support.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Strategic Leadership

• Provide overarching management, coaching, and accountability for the Director of Alumni Development & Engagement, Director of Major Gifts, and Director of Gift Planning & Estate Administration.
• Establish annual strategic plans and measurable goals for each team, ensuring alignment with institutional fundraising priorities.
• Champion a culture of collaboration and data‑driven decision making across the major gifts, alumni development, and gift planning teams.
• Serve as a member of the Philanthropy leadership team, contributing to departmental strategy, budget planning, and policy development.

Alumni Engagement Oversight

• Lead the vision and strategic direction for alumni relations as a core component of Scripps Research’s long‑term philanthropic pipeline.
• Provide high‑level oversight to ensure robust alumni programming, volunteer engagement, and philanthropic initiatives are effectively implemented.
• Collaborate with the Director of Alumni Development & Engagement on strategies for the Alumni Board, major alumni donors, and long‑term engagement efforts.
   

Major and Planned Gift Leadership

• Manage and cultivate a portfolio of approximately 25 major/principal gift prospects, guiding them through the donor cycle from discovery, cultivation, and solicitation to stewardship.
• Guide directors in developing and maintaining robust prospect pipelines with clear moves management strategies.
• Provide strategic input on top prospects, participate in cultivation/solicitation meetings as needed, and support directors with high‑level donor strategies.
• Monitor team performance metrics, ensuring each area meets or exceeds annual activity, solicitation, and revenue goals.

Collaboration and Partnership

• Partner with the President, Vice President, faculty, and senior leaders to facilitate major philanthropic opportunities.
• Serve as a visible leader at donor events, alumni gatherings, and board meetings.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration with colleagues in Development Services and other internal partners.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.    

 

REQUIREMENTS: