Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is dedicated to recruiting the best scientists across various disciplines, including cancer biology, neurobiology, immunobiology, and biology of development, regeneration, and aging. Leveraging the Prebys Center, the Institute’s unique state-of-the-art drug discovery and chemical biology center with a wealth of in-house data, we emphasize translating our basic research findings towards improving interventions against human diseases.

Summary:

Reporting to the CEO/President, the Vice President of Philanthropy (VPP) provides the leadership, strategic vision, and insight necessary to design and execute an effective and comprehensive advancement program that ensures the long-term sustainability of the Institute and its research programs. The VPP is responsible for increasing the number of donors, aligning with the Institute’s strategic plan, and engaging in a major capital campaign. The VPP leads a dedicated multidisciplinary team to achieve the best results for the Institute’s fundraising initiatives and to increase the Institute’s visibility and philanthropic outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• The VPP will manage the day-to-day operations of the Philanthropy Department. This includes ensuring the Philanthropy team has a clear understanding of the essential activities of their job descriptions and will understand the expectations of performance that will be a benchmark of their individual success.

• Responsible for transforming capable professionals into a highly effective team and successfully exhibiting the ability to attract multi-million dollar gifts.

• Manage a portfolio of the Institute’s highest-level current and prospective donors including Board of Trustee members, engaging in identification, cultivation, and solicitation.

• Collaborate with all Institute leadership to achieve the goals of the strategic plan and to instill a culture of philanthropy in the Institute through trusted collaboration and shared goals.

• Develop and manage the annual budget that is strategic in the deployment of resources and is sufficient to achieve the stated goals.

• Partner with Communications to ensure all messaging about the Institute is consistent and in alignment with the goals of the strategic plan.

• Devise compelling proposals for scientific support from community members by working with the Communications team and Institute faculty to interpret complex science for a non-scientific audience.

• Partner with the President/CEO and the Governance/Nominating committee to identify potential new trustees who bring leadership experience to the Board and who have capacity to contribute substantial financial resources to advance the Institute’s mission.

• Develop strong external partnerships with leaders in the San Diego community and nationally to facilitate grants and philanthropic opportunities.

• Develop and implement an annual plan to meet revenue goals and engage in effective team building and mentorship to ensure success for both individual and team goals.

• Evaluate all fundraising activities to ensure that there is a best-practice continuum of giving from donor acquisition to annual fund, to engagement, to major and, ultimately, principal gifts.

• Evaluate all fundraising activities and programs to determine their impact in creating engagement with the Institute and the actual return on investment as demonstrated by increased giving.

• Ensure the highest standard of best practice in donor relations and stewardship, this includes the comprehensive research on prospective donors, maintenance of the data management system, clear fundraising data that is coordinated with the finance office to ensure clarity and transparency, and the preparation of metrics and dashboards that accurately reflect fundraising achievement.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required.

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in senior positions, preferably in health sciences, involving team supervision, creation and implementation of strategic plans, management of operations systems, and experience in capital campaigns.

• Strong and demonstrable track record in securing major and principal gifts.

• Experience with social media technologies to reach target audiences, increase philanthropy and response rates, and drive engagement in the Institute’s mission.

• Experience in successfully planning, launching, and managing a significant campaign and delivering results consistent with goals.

• A record of solid leadership and accountability, with accompanying analytical skills to assess the effectiveness of various fund-raising initiatives and philanthropic programs and the staff responsible for their success.

• Demonstrated experience training and working with executives, faculty/research staff, and Board members in development-related activities, providing them with quality support and intelligence and increasing their comfort with and success in fundraising.

Other Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

• Dynamic leadership style and history of creating and managing high-functioning teams.

• The ability to mentor and motivate key players across the organization, set clear goals, communicate expectations, and hold the team accountable for results.

• Proven ability to understand and translate academic, technical, and other information for various audiences, crisply and concisely.

• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with a broad range of constituents, including philanthropists, Board of Trustees, executive leaders, and media relations professionals.

• Excellent judgment, creative problem-solving skills, and a commitment to integrity and professionalism in all actions.

• Proficiency with fundraising software.

• Demonstrate professional communication and interpersonal skills.

• Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position oversees other individuals.

Compensation:

The Expected Hiring Range for this position is $229,000 - $300,000 commensurate with skills and experience.

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an Equal Opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability – committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as designated by federal, state or local law. For additional information about your rights as an applicant, click HERE.

As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our HR Partners at 858 646 3100 Ext 5127 or via e-mail at accomodations@sbpdiscovery.org.