Director, Individual Giving

Sanford Burnham Prebys

. Manage a portfolio of approximately 150–200 individual donor prospects, including mid-level and major gift prospects .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesLead💰 $120,000 - $145,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive experience in major gift fundraising, managing donor portfolios, and developing strategic donor relationships. Proficient in translating complex scientific information into compelling donor communications while achieving significant fundraising goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Major Gift FundraisingDonor Relationship ManagementPortfolio ManagementConstituent Relationship Management (CRM)Strategic Thinking

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Fundraising ExperienceProposal DevelopmentMoves-Management StrategiesDonor QualificationGift SolicitationStewardship PlansPerformance Metrics AchievementBiomedical Research UnderstandingAnalytical SkillsProject Management

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationPresentation SkillsOrganizational Skills

Tools & Technologies

CRM SystemsDonor Management Software

Certifications & Qualifications

CFRE

Industry Keywords

PhilanthropyNonprofitHigher EducationHealthcareMedical Research

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage a portfolio of approximately 150–200 individual donor prospects, including mid-level and major gift prospects
Develop donor relationships, advance qualified prospects through the pipeline, secure major and mid-level gifts, and grow long-term philanthropic support
Achieve an annual fundraising expectation of at least $1.5 million
Create and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans
Identify, qualify, and requalify prospective donors through discovery and relationship-building
Develop and execute moves-management strategies using donor interactions, visits, events, communications, and other engagement opportunities
Maintain portfolio health by evaluating prospect activity and recommending portfolio additions, removals, reassignments, or disqualification
Lead strategic donor solicitations and complex gift discussions
Partner with the Vice President of Philanthropy and Institute leadership on donor strategy and senior leader and faculty engagement
Develop knowledge of scientific priorities, Centers, faculty expertise, and philanthropic funding opportunities
Translate complex scientific work into compelling donor-centered investment opportunities
Develop proposals, gift agreements, and donor communications
Meet or exceed performance metrics for donor visits, qualification goals, solicitations, gift closures, and stewardship
Document donor interactions and portfolio activity in the CRM system and comply with prospect management practices
Stay informed on organizational priorities, scientific advancements, and funding opportunities
Manage relationships with donors, prospects, volunteers, and Institute leadership while maintaining donor confidentiality and professionalism
Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Eight or more years of progressive professional fundraising experience
Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, preferably in higher education, healthcare, medical research, or another complex nonprofit environment
Demonstrated success managing an individual donor portfolio and securing significant philanthropic commitments
Proven ability to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through the full fundraising cycle
Ability to independently lead donor conversations and complex or high-value gift discussions
Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills
Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills
Ability to understand biomedical research, scientific discovery, and clinical research and translate complex scientific information into donor-centered communications
Exceptional organizational, project management, and time management skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment
Proficiency with analytical and technological skills, including constituent relationship management (CRM) systems
Commitment to ethics, confidentiality, professionalism, and donor stewardship
California driver's license and automobile insurance required
Professional fundraising credential such as CFRE preferred, not required
Willingness to work onsite in San Diego; out-of-state applicants must disclose willingness to relocate

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal employment opportunity employer
Reasonable accommodations for the hiring process for persons with disabilities
Occasional local driving and travel to attend or support events, meetings, donor visits, and other external engagement activities