"Senior Director of Development and Research Funding"

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Development and Research Funding (Senior DoD) plays a critical leadership role in advancing the philanthropic priorities of Western University of Health Sciences. This position carries primary responsibility for fundraising in the College of Optometry, while also providing strategic leadership to secure funding for research initiatives across the University. Reporting to the Vice President of Development and Campaign Strategy (VPD), the Senior DoD is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies that engage individuals, corporations, foundations, and other external partners to generate major gifts, principal gifts, and research funding. The Senior DoD manages a portfolio of top prospects, mentors colleagues in development, and partners with deans, faculty, and University leadership to secure transformative support.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to perform the essential functions of the assigned classification, with or without reasonable accommodation(s), using some other combination of skills and abilities. Necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities are as follows:

Knowledge of:

• In-depth knowledge of fundraising, donor relations, stewardship, alumni engagement, and grant/foundation fundraising.
• Familiarity with advancement database systems (Raiser’s Edge, RENXT, or Banner).
• Knowledge of federal and institutional regulations relevant to fundraising and research (FERPA, HIPAA).
• Awareness of CASE standards and professional ethical guidelines.

Skills:

• Advanced proposal development and grant writing skills for individual and research fundraising.
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, and leadership skills.
• Advanced organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.

Ability to:

• Close major and principal gifts consistently.
• Lead and collaborate with faculty, deans, and senior administrators.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities independently.
• Mentor colleagues and support team success.
• Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards in all interactions.
• Represent WesternU with integrity, professionalism, and credibility.
• Work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders across sectors.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working for an organization that values and promotes humanism.

Required Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 6–8 years of progressive fundraising experience, including securing major and principal gifts. Demonstrated success in grant writing and obtaining foundation or private funding for research. Supervisory or mentoring experience in a development office preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred in a relevant field.

Classification Pay Scale

In compliance with SB 1162, Western University of Health Sciences is providing a pay scale for this position. The pay scale reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this position. Within this range, the individual pay is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, and work location. Please note that the compensation details listed reflects the base salary only.

Expected Pay Scale

• Minimum: $130,000.00 Annually
• Maximum: $160,000.00 Annually

Posting Details

• Posting Number: A00936
• Department: 5501-External Relations
• Posting Date: 11/10/2025
• Closing Date: 11/10/2026

To apply, visit https://jobs.westernu.edu/postings/34893