Job Abstract

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world’s leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR)

University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) helps build Berkeley’s excellence through communications, public outreach, and fundraising, all to raise public awareness about Berkeley and increase private philanthropy. UDAR provides overall direction for the campus’s philanthropic advancement strategies and strengthens campus unit development in partnership with campus fundraisers. It handles a range of central activities and services encompassing prospect development, communications, donor stewardship, gift management, data management, and more.

Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives

Within UDAR, the Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives (PGSI) team works with members of the campus community to build and advance life-long relationships between principal gift donors and Berkeley. We assist Berkeley’s chancellor and other campus leaders in engaging these individuals as partners, according to their interests and expertise, with the university’s mission and priorities. By doing so, we help the world’s leading philanthropists achieve their dreams through partnerships with the university, and we help advance Berkeley’s highest goals and aspirations. In December 2023, Berkeley marked the successful conclusion of the Light the Way Campaign, exceeding our $6 billion goal to raise $7.37 billion, the largest campaign total in history for any public university and for any university without a medical school. As we look to the future, it is now more important than ever to build relationships with alumni and friends who have the dedication and capacity to make a transformational difference at Berkeley. This position will be part of a high-performing team of fundraisers and development professionals who play a vital role in transformational philanthropic partnership with the campus.

Position Overview

Involves designing, developing, delivering, and administering fundraising programs that support the university’s and the Chancellor’s highest priorities. Prepares background information on donors and prospective donors. Drafts briefing materials for senior campus leadership to engage in conversations with leading philanthropists. Partners with PGSI development officers, as well as chief development officers and program staff across the campus, to create transformational giving opportunities, including writing/editing specialized proposals. Assists in crafting strategy and cultivating, soliciting and stewarding high net-worth individuals. Crafts highly tailored/bespoke donor engagements and touch points. Provides support for Chancellor’s international donor engagements.

Experienced professional with understanding of the field of development; independently and collaboratively analyzes problems and issues of a diverse scope and proposes/determines solutions. Partners with frontline development officers on crafting strategy and cultivating, soliciting and stewarding high net-worth individuals for transformational gifts. Supports senior campus leadership to engage leading philanthropists.

The First Review Date for this job is: June 29, 2024

PGSI Fundraising

• Partner on prospect advancement with PGSI Assistant Vice Chancellor, Executive Director, and development officers, as well as campus leaders and development officers.
• Write and edit a range of high-quality, custom materials to advance relationships with high-level prospects/donors, attending closely to donors’ interests and perspectives.
• Partner with colleagues across UDAR and the campus to draft and/or project-manage the creation of stewardship reports to build donor relationships.
• Collaboratively develop and draft highly bespoke proposals for philanthropy from high net-worth individuals.
• Draft and edit specialized correspondence and briefing materials for campus leadership.

Collaboration and Project Management for Prospect Moves

• Collaborate with colleagues throughout UDAR and on the campus, including UDAR’s External Relations & Marketing and Communications team, Donor Relations team, and Fund Stewardship & Compliance team on deliverables to advance prospect relationships. When appropriate, act as project manager.

Prospect and Donor Visits

• Partner on planning and executing prospect/donor visits that advance PGSI strategies for prospects and initiatives and involve senior development staff, faculty and academic leaders. Conduct this work in consultation/collaboration with the PGSI Assistant Vice Chancellor, Executive Director, and development officers, as well as campus partners and senior leadership.
• As needed, interact with prospects/donors in person and/or through written communication.

Special Projects

• Serve as point person/partner for special projects to advance PGSI development goals, prospect strategies and the Chancellor’s priorities.

• Minimum of two years applying strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to think strategically about donor engagement at the highest level.
• Minimum of two years applying strong writing and research skills, including ability to make complex information clear and accessible for multiple audiences and shape it for specific purposes; logical and readable organization; proficiency with grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
• Excellent organizational skills; attention to detail and follow-through.
• Excellent, demonstrated growth mindset and flexibility to work as a member of a high-performing, highly collaborative team of development professionals.
• Excellent oral and interpersonal communications skills, including political acumen and active listening, to build and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels within UDAR and across the campus.
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to contribute to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and team culture.
• Excellent professional integrity, tact, discretion, and sound judgment, including in handling confidential information.
• Ability to independently solve problems, set priorities among multiple tasks, work efficiently, meet deadlines, and achieve goals.
• Knowledge of fundraising and donor relations concepts, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of/experience with conducting research and analysis through databases/online information systems.
• Proficiency with Google suite and MS Office suite.

Education

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

• Knowledge of and/or ability to learn the UC Berkeley campus and/or experience in a complex, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Proficiency/interest in event planning and execution (for donor visits, Chancellor travel and small gatherings).

• This is an exempt, monthly paid position, eligible for UC benefits. For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. 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, analysis of internal equity, 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 budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $95,000 to $105,000, commensurate with experience.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

• Two (2) positions/FTE's available with this posting.
• This is a hybrid position with 60% remote work eligibility.
• This is a Bay Area/Northern CA-based position.
• This is not a Visa opportunity.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

The University of California 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, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.