UC Berkeley Announces Key Leadership Opportunity in Student-Focused Philanthropy

The University of California, Berkeley continues to lead in higher education innovation, and its University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) division plays a central role in sustaining that excellence. A newly posted position for Deputy Director (0463U) within the Student Experience & Diversity (SED) Philanthropy program highlights the institution's commitment to securing resources for scholarships, equity initiatives, basic needs support, and student success programs. This role offers experienced fundraising professionals the chance to shape major gift strategies that directly impact thousands of students across three key administrative divisions.

Berkeley's UDAR team works collaboratively with campus partners to build lasting relationships with alumni, parents, and friends. The SED program specifically targets philanthropic partnerships that promote belonging, discovery, and financial access. With the higher education landscape evolving rapidly, positions like this Deputy Director role underscore how strategic leadership in development can drive meaningful outcomes for diverse student populations.

The Growing Importance of Specialized Development Roles in US Universities

University fundraising has transformed from traditional annual appeals into sophisticated, multi-year campaigns focused on major gifts. At institutions like UC Berkeley, development professionals manage portfolios of high-net-worth donors while aligning giving priorities with institutional goals such as student equity and inclusion. The Deputy Director position exemplifies this shift, requiring both hands-on solicitation expertise and team leadership to meet ambitious annual targets exceeding $12 million collectively.

Across American higher education, alumni relations and development offices have expanded to address rising costs and shifting donor expectations. Programs supporting undergraduate education, student affairs, and equity initiatives now rely heavily on private philanthropy to supplement public funding. This creates demand for leaders who can navigate complex stakeholder landscapes while delivering measurable results in donor engagement and gift closure.

Understanding the Student Experience & Diversity Philanthropy Program at Berkeley

The SED Philanthropy team serves as the primary fundraising arm for Equity & Inclusion, Undergraduate Education, and Student Affairs at UC Berkeley. It focuses on initiatives that remove barriers to success, including scholarships for underrepresented students, mental health resources, advising services, and co-curricular opportunities that foster belonging.

By partnering with academic and administrative units, the program ensures philanthropic investments align with campus-wide priorities. The Deputy Director will co-lead efforts alongside the Executive Director, contributing to thematic work plans and strategic campaign elements that address current challenges like basic needs insecurity and access to high-impact educational experiences.

Core Responsibilities of the Deputy Director Role

This leadership position involves direct management of a team of fundraising professionals, including hiring, training, and performance oversight. The Deputy Director sets annual fundraising strategies, tracks progress against goals, and ensures the team consistently achieves or exceeds targets through personalized donor cultivation and solicitation.

Individual portfolio management forms a key component, with responsibility for 40-60 major gift prospects and a personal annual fundraising goal of at least $2.5 million. The role also includes representing SED in cross-campus meetings, contributing to long-range planning, and developing innovative approaches to engage new donor segments in support of student-centered initiatives.

• Strategic planning and goal setting for the SED fundraising program
• Donor identification, cultivation, and stewardship at the major gift level
• Team leadership and professional development for direct reports
• Collaboration with divisional partners on priority projects
• Evaluation and refinement of development strategies based on performance data

Required Expertise and Qualifications for Success

Candidates need at least five years of major gift fundraising experience, preferably within higher education settings. Demonstrated knowledge of university operations, including mission alignment, policy frameworks, and current issues facing students, is essential. Leadership experience of three or more years, including staff supervision and mentoring, prepares individuals to guide the team effectively.

Strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills are critical for building trust with donors and campus colleagues alike. A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience provides the foundation, while proven ability to secure significant gifts and meet ambitious objectives distinguishes top applicants. The position supports up to 40% remote work, offering flexibility while maintaining connection to the vibrant Berkeley campus community.

Salary, Benefits, and Professional Growth at UC Berkeley

The budgeted salary range for this exempt, full-time career position is $165,000 to $182,000 annually. UC Berkeley offers comprehensive benefits through the University of California system, supporting work-life balance and long-term career development. Professional development opportunities, including dedicated time for growth activities, help staff advance their skills in a dynamic environment.

This role provides exposure to high-level strategic discussions and the chance to influence resource allocation for critical student support areas. Professionals seeking to deepen their impact in higher education philanthropy will find meaningful challenges and visible results in advancing equity and access initiatives.

Current Trends Shaping University Development and Alumni Relations

Philanthropy in US higher education increasingly emphasizes impact measurement, diversity in giving, and digital engagement strategies. Donors today seek transparency on how gifts translate into student outcomes, prompting development teams to adopt data-driven approaches and storytelling techniques that highlight real-world results.

Alumni relations efforts have broadened to include lifelong engagement beyond traditional reunion cycles. At leading institutions, integrated campaigns combine communications, events, and personalized outreach to sustain donor loyalty across generations. The SED program's focus on equity aligns with broader national conversations about access and belonging in college environments.

How This Opportunity Supports Broader Institutional Goals

Securing a strong leader for the Deputy Director position strengthens UC Berkeley's ability to meet rising demand for student support services. Philanthropic resources enable innovative programming that complements state funding and tuition revenue, directly benefiting the diverse student body that defines Berkeley's excellence.

The role contributes to campus-wide campaigns by ensuring SED priorities receive appropriate attention and funding. Successful fundraising in this area reinforces Berkeley's reputation as a public institution committed to social mobility and inclusive excellence, attracting further support from mission-aligned donors.

Application Process and Next Steps for Interested Candidates

Applications are currently under review, with first consideration given to those submitted by June 10, 2026. Interested professionals should prepare a tailored resume and cover letter highlighting relevant fundraising achievements, leadership experience, and alignment with student success priorities.

The position is posted through official University of California channels. Applicants can access the full details and submit materials via the provided application portal. Background checks and misconduct disclosure requirements apply as standard for positions of this responsibility.

Apply directly through the official posting. For additional context on similar opportunities, explore resources on academic career pathways in higher education administration.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Fundraising Leadership in Higher Education

As universities navigate economic pressures and evolving donor landscapes, roles like the Deputy Director at Berkeley represent critical investments in institutional sustainability. Future leaders will increasingly blend traditional relationship-building with technology-enabled prospecting and impact reporting.

UC Berkeley's emphasis on equity and student experience positions this opportunity at the forefront of progressive philanthropy. Professionals who thrive in collaborative, mission-driven environments will find this role offers both immediate impact and long-term career advancement within one of the nation's premier public research universities.