Director of Development, Hematology-Oncology
- Hiring from
- United States
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Posted
- Oct 2, 2026
Job Function Summary:
Involves designing, developing, delivering, and administering fundraising programs. Identifies new donor prospects through researching background information on potential donors and developing materials, marketing plans, and organizing related programs / events; cultivates, stewards, and may solicit donor prospects.
Generic Scope
Recognized organization-wide expert. Has significant impact and influence on organizational policy and program development. Regularly leads projects of critical importance to the organization; these projects carry substantial consequences of success or failure. Directs programs with organization-wide impact (or may have impact beyond the University) that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources. Significant barriers to entry exist at this level.
Custom Scope
Director of Development, Hematology -Oncology (Cancer Plus Team)
Position Overview
Are you inspired by the opportunity to connect high-capacity philanthropy with world-class cancer research and compassionate patient care?
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) - a premier leader in global health and medical innovation - is seeking an extraordinary, collaborative, and strategic Director of Development, Hematology - Oncology. Operating within the Office of University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) as a key frontline fundraiser on the Cancer Plus team, you will drive major and principal gift strategy ($250K - $1M+) for the Division of Hematology -Oncology within the prestigious UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.
In this role, you will build deep, trusted partnerships with world-renowned clinical faculty, pioneering scientists, and executive leadership to translate cutting-edge scientific discovery and grateful patient experiences into transformative philanthropic support. Serving as an expert development professional, you will independently navigate complex donor relationships, elevate strategic funding priorities - including seed funding, endowed chairs, capital initiatives, and novel research funds - and accelerate breakthroughs that directly impact patient outcomes.
Why This Role Is Unique
- High-Impact Ecosystem: Drive major gift fundraising for one of the nation's premier cancer centers, advancing game-changing oncology - hematology research and life-saving patient care.
- Grateful Patient Focus: Partner closely with elite clinicians and researchers to cultivate high-capacity grateful patient pipelines, turning clinical excellence into visionary donor partnerships.
- Direct Access to Academic Leaders: Work side-by-side with department heads, institute directors, and leading faculty as a trusted advisor, converting technical scientific visions into compelling cases for support.
- High Autonomy & Strategic Influence: Function as a lead expert within the Cancer Plus team, driving bespoke proposal strategies, complex moves management, and high-touch stewardship for high-net-worth individuals and family offices.
- Hybrid Work Flexibility & Premier Culture: Benefit from a flexible hybrid arrangement based out of UCSF's 2001 The Embarcadero location, embedded within a collaborative, growth-oriented development organization
Desired Mindset & Competencies
- Intellectual Curiosity & Scientific Acumen: An innate passion for cancer research, clinical care, and medical innovation, with the proven ability to translate complex scientific concepts into inspiring donor cases.
- Navigating Complex Environments: Expertise navigating complex settings, developing referral pipelines, and engaging high-net-worth grateful prospects with utmost empathy and discretion. [LL1]
- Authentic Relationship Builder: Outstanding emotional intelligence, political acumen, and sophistication required to build lasting trust with world-class faculty, deans, and visionary donors.
[LL1]This reads as if we are requiring previous medical fundraising experience. Strategically, we may want to soften that aspect to make the relevant experience broader.
| % of time | Essential Function (Yes/No) | Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor) |
|---|---|---|
40% | YES | Serves as an expert or lead development professional in a specialized area such as major / principal gifts, gift planning or corporate / foundation relations, or a specific academic discipline that includes, or potentially includes, donors capable of making very significant contributions to the campus and / or medical center.
Portfolio Management Core Objective: Directly manage and steward a dynamic portfolio of major and principal gift prospects (with capacity of $250K - $1M+), cultivating strategic donor relationships to advance transformative institutional priorities, academic programs, research, and clinical initiatives across assigned units.
|
25% | YES | Develops, creates, writes, implements, and / or evaluates individualized marketing plans and / or strategies for cultivation and solicitation of major gifts, gift planning or corporate / foundation prospects (strategies typically require a high degree of innovation).
Pipeline Development Core Objective: Systematically identify, research, and qualify prospective major and principal gift donors by building strong, collaborative partnerships with deans, department chairs, institute directors, faculty partners, and professional advisors.
|
15% | YES | Analyzes needs and creates strategic and long-range plans for fundraising and other advancement programs and may have the authority to make commitments and precedent-setting decisions regarding program design, development, and procedures.
Prospect Strategy & Proposal Writing Core Objective: Develop bespoke cultivation strategies and author sophisticated, highly tailored major gift proposals that translate complex academic, clinical, and research initiatives into inspiring philanthropic opportunities.
|
15% | YES | Ensures that predetermined fundraising goals are met and designs and implements highly specialized program activities to achieve these goals.
Leadership & Stakeholder Alignment Core Objective: Engage executive leadership, department heads, and faculty partners to elevate high-stakes major gift opportunities, manage faculty advancement capacity, and foster a collaborative advancement culture.
|
5% | YES | Other Duties as Assigned Core Objective: Maintain flexibility to support broader institutional advancement priorities, special projects, and team-wide campaigns.
|
| Knowledge, Skills and Abilities | Req / Pref |
|---|---|
A proven track record in major gift fundraising ($100K+), donor relationship management, and successful cultivation and solicitation strategies.
| Required
|
Expert working knowledge of all aspects of major gift fundraising, donor cultivation, moves management principles, solicitation, and stewardship concepts.
| Required
|
Demonstrated ability to independently develop, execute, and adapt strategic fundraising plans that align institutional priorities with donor interests.
| Required
|
Expert written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including high political acumen and the ability to build authentic relationships with donors, high-net-worth individuals, clinical faculty, and leadership.
| Required
|
Proven ability to analyze, synthesize, and translate complex medical, clinical, and scientific research concepts into clear, compelling philanthropic cases for support.
| Required
|
Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills with demonstrated initiative and intellectual curiosity.
| Required
|
Expert level skills in exercising discretion, maintaining absolute confidentiality, and handling sensitive medical/patient and financial information.
| Required
|
Grateful Patient Fundraising Experience: Proven track record of developing referral pipelines and navigating complex medical enterprise environments within academic healthcare or higher education.
| Preferred
|
Familiarity with oncology, hematology, or related areas of medical research, along with an understanding of current trends in healthcare fundraising.
| Preferred
|
| Bachelor's degree in related area and 10 years of related experience / or equivalent experience / training. | Req |
| Advanced degree in a related field (e.g., Master's, JD). | Pref |