UC NRS FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - REMOTE

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DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The UC Natural Reserve System (UCNRS) is most extensive University system of protected natural areas in the world; the UCNRS three-part mission of research, university level teaching, and public service is comprised of 42 sites that broadly represent California's ecological diversity that are used as study sites, outdoor laboratories, and classrooms without walls.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the NRS Executive Director, this position serves as the lead fundraising professional based within the UC Natural Reserve System Systemwide Office, which is administratively positioned within the UC Office of the President (UCOP). The incumbent will be responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the long-term financial sustainability of the UCNRS. Working closely with UCNRS Systemwide leadership, campus-based fundraisers, UCNRS reserve staff, and external consultants, this role focuses on developing and sustaining donor relations, securing major gifts, and strategic campaign development to achieve a $100M fundraising goal over the next 3-5 years. The position will require frequent short-term travel, including multi-day trips to meet fundraising goals. This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement within the state of California. The selected candidate must reside within the state of California or be willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

• 50% Donor Engagement and Stewardship: Cultivate relationships with high-net worth individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies, with a focus on securing significant financial commitments to support UCNRS programs and initiatives. Steward relationships with current and prospective donors through personalized outreach, tailored proposals, and ongoing communication to sustain long-term philanthropic partnerships.
• 25% Partnership and Collaboration: Coordinate with campus-based fundraising teams from the nine UCNRS campuses, ensuring alignment between individual campus goals with systemwide priorities. Establish and work with a UCNRS systemwide Board of Advisors composed of key individuals with business, philanthropic, and academic expertise to enhance campaign success.
• 15% Strategic Fundraising Campaign Development: Collaborate with campus-based development teams to design and activate a systemwide UCNRS fundraising campaign with a $100M fundraising goal for the next 3-5 years. Partner with campus-based fundraising teams to define fundraising goals and strategies for the 42 UCNRS reserves and explore multi-campus and/or systemwide fundraising opportunities for broadly supporting UCNRS mission-critical programs. Develop fundraising materials, proposals, and case statements to effectively communicate UCNRS's mission and value proposition.
• 10% Communications and Marketing Strategy: Oversee the development and implementation of a strategic communications and outreach plan to support the UCNRS fundraising campaign. Partner with the Neimand Collaborative (external consultant already under contract) to refine UCNRS's messaging and value proposition to resonate with diverse stakeholders, ensuring the campaign reaches its full potential.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant fundraising experience, with working knowledge of all aspects of philanthropy, donor relations, and public relations concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques.
• Proven track record of success with nature-based fundraising, with strong experience working with scholars, scientists, students, and administrators within an academic setting, as well with governmental and non-governmental scientific, educational and conservation stakeholders.
• Strong grasp and understanding of the mission of the UC system and, specifically, Natural Reserve System.
• Outstanding written and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen, to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies. Expert skills in making persuasive and compelling presentations related to gift solicitation.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills. Expert project/program management skills, including skills in setting and meeting program/project goals and objectives within budget and time constraints.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Travel Requirements
40% Travel to campuses and reserves within California.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title
Fundraiser 5

Job Code
000463

Salary Grade
Grade 26

Payscale:
$160,000 - $180,000, commensurate with experience.

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement within the state of California. The selected candidate must reside within the state of California or be willing to relocate.

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is March 12, 2025. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
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  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, 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. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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