Director of Development
Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States, 91768
Overview
As you take your first step onto a Western University of Health Sciences campus, each path, each person, each structure comes with a transformative story. WesternU is more than the practice of medicine. We are defined by character and culture. At WesternU, you will discover humanism at the heart of every interaction: a warm welcome, a sincere smile, a positive word, a kind deed, a thoughtful gesture. You will see students work together on case studies; a parade of pets in campus parks; student clubs offering opportunities for career growth and community involvement; and faculty, staff and students designing their future and the future of WesternU. We display a collaborative mindset in how we operate, educate, and serve others. Although, geographically, we are two campuses — as humanists, we are one: to enhance and extend the quality of life in our communities and achieve excellence in everything we do. We attract diverse, professional faculty, staff and students that thrive in an environment of humanistic health care education. Join our team of faculty and staff and make a difference. Position Title : Director of Development Position Control Number : A03792 Type of Position : Administration Position Status : Full-time Department : 5501-External Relations Campus : Western University Campus-Pomona, CA Position Location : California Job Summary
Under the direction of the AVP of Development, the Director of Development (DoD) is dedicated to fundraising for the College of Optometry. The DoD will report to the Assistant Vice President of Development (AVP) and collaborate with the AVP to ensure strategies are effectively implemented. The DoD creates and implements programs of engagement between the University/college(s) and external constituencies to encourage major gifts and principal gifts totaling $250,000+ per year. The DoD will ensure the success of multiple fundraising projects, develop annual goals, work with college deans to secure and sustain support from prospective donors, including alumni, friends, employees, corporations, business, and foundations. Maintains a portfolio of top prospective donors; develops a solicitation and stewardship plan for those in assigned portfolio. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Individuals must possess the knowledge, as well as the following skills and ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. Major Gift Mastery & Moves Management: Proven ability to close major/principal gifts; maintain a rigorous, data‑driven moves management process and high‑activity cadence. Strategic Fundraising & Alignment: Expertise in building and executing fundraising plans aligned with institutional priorities, academic program needs, and campaign goals. Comprehensive Advancement Knowledge: Broad understanding of individual, corporate, and foundation fundraising; donor relations, stewardship, alumni engagement, and pipeline development. Leadership & Collaboration: Ability to lead through influence, mentor volunteers/staff, and partner effectively with deans, faculty, and senior administrators to advance fundraising outcomes. Advanced Communication: Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills; persuasive proposal writing; skilled in donor meetings and executive‑level briefings. Project & Portfolio Management: Ability to work independently, prioritize across multiple initiatives, manage complex projects, and deliver results against ambitious goals. Data & Systems Proficiency: Skilled with advancement CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, RENXT, Banner) and productivity tools; comfortable analyzing metrics and translating insights into action. Ethics, Confidentiality, and Compliance: Commitment to CASE‑aligned ethical standards, Donor Bill of Rights, and confidentiality requirements, including FERPA and HIPAA. Analytical & Critical Thinking: Strong organizational, analytical, and decision‑making skills; adept at identifying risks, solving problems, and optimizing processes. Digital Fundraising & Integrated Campaigns: Familiarity with online giving, email, social media, and content strategies that enhance donor acquisition, retention, and stewardship. Informed Donor Engagement: Ability to engage diverse donor communities with cultural competence and inclusive practices that reflect WesternU’s values. Bring Your Best Self to Work: Consistently demonstrate respect, compassion, and integrity in interactions with colleagues, donors, and partners; foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture. Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism. Sustain a pioneering culture of bold innovation, courage, and passion. Display a collaborative mindset in how we operate, educate, and serve others. Achieve excellence in all we do. Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field required. Experience: 4 years of fundraising experience including closing major gifts from individuals. Has a proven track record in setting and achieving ambitious goals. Excellent written, oral and presentation skills required. Preferred Qualifications
Key Responsibilities Develops and manages a portfolio to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects for gifts in the agreed upon range: writes proposals for solicitation of individual, corporate, and foundation prospects with a focus on developing an individual giving pipeline, sustaining and enhancing corporate philanthropy, and developing initiatives to support the colleges and continued student success. Develops detailed gift opportunities tailored to the interest of potential major donors, consistent with established needs and priorities of the University and the college(s). As part of engagement efforts, initiate proactive contact and develop meaningful and effective development prospects for donors and prospective donors to showcase unique opportunities for support; Track progress and results utilizing Raiser’s Edge and follow WesternU’s prospect management and stewardship guidelines. Strategic Reporting, Cross‑Functional Collaboration, and Compliance: Track and analyze portfolio performance, pipeline movement, and campaign results for the college; prepare regular reports and insights for the AVP, Dean(s), and senior leadership; use data to refine strategy and improve outcomes. Collaborate with marketing/communications, alumni relations, and events to design integrated donor engagement and stewardship campaigns (digital and in‑person) that elevate the donor experience and the college(s)’ brand. Ensure adherence to WesternU policies, prospect management protocols, ethical standards, and relevant regulations (e.g., FERPA / HIPAA); continuously improve processes and documentation within Raiser’s Edge/ RENXT /Banner. Maintain professional development in contemporary fundraising practices (principal gifts strategy, digital engagement, corporate/foundation trends, humanistic philanthropy) and share best practices with colleagues. Recruits, trains, and supports key volunteers to assist in advancement efforts: Organizes and directs donor solicitation involving key volunteers and academic leaders and participates in major donor solicitations. Enlists the involvement of the College faculty, the Dean and other senior administrators in their contact with volunteers and prospective donors. Supports other fundraising activities: Attends events as needed to support fundraising needs. Other duties as assigned. Posting Details
Work Schedule The working hours will be 8am-5pm with some nights and weekend hours. We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and/or family needs. We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work-life harmony is positive and achievable. We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally, Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success. Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment. Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community. As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences. WesternU’s core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people! Pay Scale
Expected Pay Scale Minimum $115,000.00 Annually Maximum $125,000.00 Annually Physical Demands
Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes If yes, list maximum weight and duration The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands, and reach with hands and arms in order to operate a PC in the performance of job duties, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus. Individual must be able to travel to meet with individual prospects/donors in their homes, offices and other locations. Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in the homes or offices of other people or in a typical office setting. The noise level in these settings is usually fairly quiet. Posting Information
Posting Number : A00968 Posting Date : 02/05/2026 Close Date : 02/05/2027 Open Until Filled : Yes Required Documents
Resume Optional Documents
Cover Letter Letter of Recommendation #1 Letter of Recommendation #2 Letter of Recommendation #3 Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*) How did you hear about this employment opportunity? Please provide the name of the website, individual, or organization. Contacts 309 E. Second St. Pomona, CA 91766-1854 (909) 623-6116 (909) 706-3000 Additional office addresses listed in the original description are not required to be included here.
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As you take your first step onto a Western University of Health Sciences campus, each path, each person, each structure comes with a transformative story. WesternU is more than the practice of medicine. We are defined by character and culture. At WesternU, you will discover humanism at the heart of every interaction: a warm welcome, a sincere smile, a positive word, a kind deed, a thoughtful gesture. You will see students work together on case studies; a parade of pets in campus parks; student clubs offering opportunities for career growth and community involvement; and faculty, staff and students designing their future and the future of WesternU. We display a collaborative mindset in how we operate, educate, and serve others. Although, geographically, we are two campuses — as humanists, we are one: to enhance and extend the quality of life in our communities and achieve excellence in everything we do. We attract diverse, professional faculty, staff and students that thrive in an environment of humanistic health care education. Join our team of faculty and staff and make a difference. Position Title : Director of Development Position Control Number : A03792 Type of Position : Administration Position Status : Full-time Department : 5501-External Relations Campus : Western University Campus-Pomona, CA Position Location : California Job Summary
Under the direction of the AVP of Development, the Director of Development (DoD) is dedicated to fundraising for the College of Optometry. The DoD will report to the Assistant Vice President of Development (AVP) and collaborate with the AVP to ensure strategies are effectively implemented. The DoD creates and implements programs of engagement between the University/college(s) and external constituencies to encourage major gifts and principal gifts totaling $250,000+ per year. The DoD will ensure the success of multiple fundraising projects, develop annual goals, work with college deans to secure and sustain support from prospective donors, including alumni, friends, employees, corporations, business, and foundations. Maintains a portfolio of top prospective donors; develops a solicitation and stewardship plan for those in assigned portfolio. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Individuals must possess the knowledge, as well as the following skills and ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. Major Gift Mastery & Moves Management: Proven ability to close major/principal gifts; maintain a rigorous, data‑driven moves management process and high‑activity cadence. Strategic Fundraising & Alignment: Expertise in building and executing fundraising plans aligned with institutional priorities, academic program needs, and campaign goals. Comprehensive Advancement Knowledge: Broad understanding of individual, corporate, and foundation fundraising; donor relations, stewardship, alumni engagement, and pipeline development. Leadership & Collaboration: Ability to lead through influence, mentor volunteers/staff, and partner effectively with deans, faculty, and senior administrators to advance fundraising outcomes. Advanced Communication: Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills; persuasive proposal writing; skilled in donor meetings and executive‑level briefings. Project & Portfolio Management: Ability to work independently, prioritize across multiple initiatives, manage complex projects, and deliver results against ambitious goals. Data & Systems Proficiency: Skilled with advancement CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, RENXT, Banner) and productivity tools; comfortable analyzing metrics and translating insights into action. Ethics, Confidentiality, and Compliance: Commitment to CASE‑aligned ethical standards, Donor Bill of Rights, and confidentiality requirements, including FERPA and HIPAA. Analytical & Critical Thinking: Strong organizational, analytical, and decision‑making skills; adept at identifying risks, solving problems, and optimizing processes. Digital Fundraising & Integrated Campaigns: Familiarity with online giving, email, social media, and content strategies that enhance donor acquisition, retention, and stewardship. Informed Donor Engagement: Ability to engage diverse donor communities with cultural competence and inclusive practices that reflect WesternU’s values. Bring Your Best Self to Work: Consistently demonstrate respect, compassion, and integrity in interactions with colleagues, donors, and partners; foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture. Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism. Sustain a pioneering culture of bold innovation, courage, and passion. Display a collaborative mindset in how we operate, educate, and serve others. Achieve excellence in all we do. Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field required. Experience: 4 years of fundraising experience including closing major gifts from individuals. Has a proven track record in setting and achieving ambitious goals. Excellent written, oral and presentation skills required. Preferred Qualifications
Key Responsibilities Develops and manages a portfolio to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects for gifts in the agreed upon range: writes proposals for solicitation of individual, corporate, and foundation prospects with a focus on developing an individual giving pipeline, sustaining and enhancing corporate philanthropy, and developing initiatives to support the colleges and continued student success. Develops detailed gift opportunities tailored to the interest of potential major donors, consistent with established needs and priorities of the University and the college(s). As part of engagement efforts, initiate proactive contact and develop meaningful and effective development prospects for donors and prospective donors to showcase unique opportunities for support; Track progress and results utilizing Raiser’s Edge and follow WesternU’s prospect management and stewardship guidelines. Strategic Reporting, Cross‑Functional Collaboration, and Compliance: Track and analyze portfolio performance, pipeline movement, and campaign results for the college; prepare regular reports and insights for the AVP, Dean(s), and senior leadership; use data to refine strategy and improve outcomes. Collaborate with marketing/communications, alumni relations, and events to design integrated donor engagement and stewardship campaigns (digital and in‑person) that elevate the donor experience and the college(s)’ brand. Ensure adherence to WesternU policies, prospect management protocols, ethical standards, and relevant regulations (e.g., FERPA / HIPAA); continuously improve processes and documentation within Raiser’s Edge/ RENXT /Banner. Maintain professional development in contemporary fundraising practices (principal gifts strategy, digital engagement, corporate/foundation trends, humanistic philanthropy) and share best practices with colleagues. Recruits, trains, and supports key volunteers to assist in advancement efforts: Organizes and directs donor solicitation involving key volunteers and academic leaders and participates in major donor solicitations. Enlists the involvement of the College faculty, the Dean and other senior administrators in their contact with volunteers and prospective donors. Supports other fundraising activities: Attends events as needed to support fundraising needs. Other duties as assigned. Posting Details
Work Schedule The working hours will be 8am-5pm with some nights and weekend hours. We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and/or family needs. We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work-life harmony is positive and achievable. We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally, Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success. Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment. Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community. As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences. WesternU’s core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people! Pay Scale
Expected Pay Scale Minimum $115,000.00 Annually Maximum $125,000.00 Annually Physical Demands
Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes If yes, list maximum weight and duration The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands, and reach with hands and arms in order to operate a PC in the performance of job duties, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus. Individual must be able to travel to meet with individual prospects/donors in their homes, offices and other locations. Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in the homes or offices of other people or in a typical office setting. The noise level in these settings is usually fairly quiet. Posting Information
Posting Number : A00968 Posting Date : 02/05/2026 Close Date : 02/05/2027 Open Until Filled : Yes Required Documents
Resume Optional Documents
Cover Letter Letter of Recommendation #1 Letter of Recommendation #2 Letter of Recommendation #3 Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*) How did you hear about this employment opportunity? Please provide the name of the website, individual, or organization. Contacts 309 E. Second St. Pomona, CA 91766-1854 (909) 623-6116 (909) 706-3000 Additional office addresses listed in the original description are not required to be included here.
#J-18808-Ljbffr