Executive Director of Development

Since its founding in 1965, the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) has quickly become one of the nation’s top-ranked public universities and one of the most dynamic campuses in the world-renowned University of California system. For nearly 60 years, UC Irvine has advanced its mission to catalyze the community and enhance lives through rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, dedicated public service, and exceptional patient care. As the university further cements its prominence and expands its impact in Orange County and beyond, it seeks a driven and collaborative fundraising professional to serve as the Executive Director of Development (EDoD) for the Samueli School of Engineering (Samueli or SSoE). As a critical member of Dean Magnus Egerstedt’s executive team, the EDoD will lead the development program for Samueli, partnering closely with Dean Egerstedt and University Advancement & Alumni Relations (UAAR) colleagues to identify philanthropic priorities; develop fundraising strategy; and secure significant philanthropic investments, including those interdisciplinary in nature. The EDoD will join at an exciting time of growth and momentum as the university nears the successful completion of Brilliant Future: The Campaign for UC Irvine. The greatest philanthropic effort in Orange County’s history, the Brilliant Future campaign has already surpassed its $2 billion goal, of which SSoE has secured $173 million. This includes a recent $50 million gift to establish three new multidisciplinary research institutes for Samueli. Building on this success, the EDoD will partner closely with Dean Egerstedt to define and implement an ambitious philanthropic vision for the school.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement & Alumni Relations, and with a dotted line to the dean of SSoE, the EDoD will lead the development program at Samueli and establish vision and strategy to secure significant philanthropic investments. Partnering with a dynamic and visionary dean with bold aspirations for philanthropy at Samueli, the EDoD will have the unique opportunity to hire and lead a team of three to further elevate and enhance the school’s advancement program. With a strong external focus, the EDoD will develop and implement funding priorities, secure private philanthropic support, establish strategic relationships with external organizations, and promote SSoE’s research and educational mission in the broader community. The EDoD will develop a multi-year strategy to significantly expand the donor pipeline, with a particular focus on growing individual giving at the principal and transformational gift levels; forging new philanthropic relationships; and enhancing donor stewardship and engagement. In close partnership with Dean Egerstedt and the Samueli executive team, the EDoD will help advance key priorities for the school, including an office of experiential learning, professorships, research and educational lab infrastructure, and programs enhancing the student experience. 

With at least seven years of successful experience in development and fundraising programs, preferably within higher education, the EDoD must possess knowledge of principles and best practices of fundraising for a comprehensive research university, including the ability to direct and enhance a comprehensive fundraising program for a school or unit. The ideal candidate will possess the credibility, maturity, and sophistication to effectively engage with senior leaders and diverse groups of internal and external constituents, including advisory councils and volunteers. The EDoD must have a proven track record of success in personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gifts from individual and institutional donors, as well as a high level of comfort and effectiveness in working with high-net-worth individuals and organizational leaders. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, political savvy, flexibility, and cultural agility to navigate a complex academic community will be essential to success. Furthermore, the EDoD must be driven, aspirational, and collaborative with the desire to grow and develop a best practiced advancement program. In addition, the successful candidate must demonstrate a deep appreciation for and an ability to articulate the educational mission and aspirations of UC Irvine and the Samueli School of Engineering. A bachelor’s degree is required and/or equivalent experience and training.

The pay range for this position is $116,000 - $224,200 (Grade 26). The expected pay range for this recruitment is $185,000- $210,000 (Annual). In addition to the salary range listed herein, UCI offers a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about compensation practices and benefits. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and in support of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the university.

The search is being led by Rachel Ellenport with Bryce Ervin and Megan Gorman.

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.