Are you inspired by the opportunity to connect
high-capacity philanthropy with world-class cancer research and compassionate patient care?
The University of
California, San Francisco (UCSF) - a premier leader in global health and medical innovation - is seeking an extraordinary, collaborative,
and strategic Director of Development, Cancer
Programs . Operating within the Office of University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) as a key frontline fundraiser on
the Cancer Plus team, you will drive major and principal gift strategy ($250K - $1M+) for the Division of Hematology -Oncology within the
prestigious UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.
In this role, you will build deep, trusted partnerships
with world-renowned clinical faculty, pioneering scientists, and executive leadership to translate cutting-edge scientific discovery and
grateful patient experiences into transformative philanthropic support. Serving as an expert development professional, you will
independently navigate complex donor relationships, elevate strategic funding priorities - including seed funding, endowed chairs, capital
initiatives, and novel research funds - and accelerate breakthroughs that directly impact patient outcomes.
Why This Role Is Unique
- High-Impact
Ecosystem: Drive major gift fundraising for one of the nation's premier cancer centers, advancing game-changing oncology - hematology research and life-saving patient care. - Grateful Patient Focus: Partner closely with elite clinicians and researchers to cultivate high-capacity
grateful patient pipelines, turning clinical excellence into visionary donor partnerships. - Direct Access to Academic Leaders: Work side-by-side with department heads, institute directors, and leading
faculty as a trusted advisor, converting technical scientific visions into compelling cases for support. - High Autonomy & Strategic Influence: Function as a lead expert within the Cancer Plus team, driving bespoke
proposal strategies, complex moves management, and high-touch stewardship for high-net-worth individuals and family offices. - Hybrid Work Flexibility & Premier Culture: Benefit from a flexible hybrid
arrangement based out of UCSF's 2001 The Embarcadero location, embedded within a collaborative, growth-oriented development
organization
Desired Mindset & Competencies
- Intellectual
Curiosity & Scientific Acumen: An innate passion for cancer research, clinical care, and medical innovation, with the proven ability
to translate complex scientific concepts into inspiring donor cases. - Navigating Complex Environments: Expertise navigating complex settings,
developing referral pipelines, and engaging high-net-worth grateful prospects with utmost empathy and discretion. - Authentic Relationship Builder: Outstanding emotional intelligence, political acumen, and sophistication
required to build lasting trust with world-class
*note: Salary commensurate with internal equity based on education, scope,
and experience
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and
Abilities Req / Pref
A proven track record
in major gift fundraising ($100K+), donor relationship
management, and successful cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Required
Expert working knowledge of all aspects of major gift
fundraising, donor cultivation, moves management principles,
solicitation, and stewardship concepts.
Required
Demonstrated
ability to independently develop, execute, and adapt strategic
fundraising plans that align institutional priorities with donor interests.
Required
Expert written, verbal, and interpersonal communication
skills, including high political acumen and the ability to
build authentic relationships with donors, high-net-worth individuals, clinical
faculty, and leadership.
Required
Proven ability to
analyze, synthesize, and translate complex medical, clinical,
and scientific research concepts into clear, compelling philanthropic cases
for support.
Required
Strong organizational, analytical, and critical
thinking skills with demonstrated
initiative and intellectual curiosity.
Required
Expert level
skills in exercising discretion, maintaining absolute confidentiality, and handling sensitive
medical/patient and financial information.
Required
Grateful Patient
Fundraising Experience: Proven track record of developing referral pipelines and navigating
complex medical enterprise environments
within academic healthcare or higher education.
Preferred
Familiarity with
oncology, hematology, or related areas of medical research, along with
an understanding of current trends in healthcare fundraising.
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in related area and 10 years
of related experience / or equivalent
experience / training.
Required
Advanced degree in a related field (e.g.,
Master's, JD).
Preferred
Job Info
- Job Identification: 9547
- Job Category: External Affairs
- Degree Level: Bachelor's Degree
- Job Schedule: Full time
- Job Shift: Day
- Shift Length: 8 hours
- Budgeted Job Salary Range:$173,000 - $200,000
- Campus Location 1: Embarcadero Street (SF)
- Bargaining Unit: 99
- Employee Class: Career
- FLSA Status: Exempt
- Job Code and Payroll Title: 000463 | FUNDRAISER 5
- Workplace: Flexible 1 Day On-Site
- FTE%: 100.00

