Director, Development

Director, Development Position Summary: Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) seeks a talented and experienced fundraising professional to serve as Director of Development. This public-facing role is a key relationship builder who works closely with institutional funders, with an emphasis on foundations and leaders on behalf of MSM. The Director will lead the cultivation and stewardship of foundation-focused philanthropy efforts, coordinate activity, develop strategies, build relationships, write grants and raise funds including capital investments, seed funding for new programs, and multi-year special initiatives across the MSM education, research, and medical enterprise.

The role supports the recent $500 M comprehensive campaign and is essential to advancing health equity and justice. Core Responsibilities Drive foundation-focused fundraising efforts to advance health equity, biomedical research, interdisciplinary education, and community engagement. Collaborate with the VP of Philanthropy and AVP Philanthropy to design and execute a comprehensive engagement program for foundation prospects.

Manage a portfolio of 80‑120 foundation prospects, executing strategies for programmatic, capital and endowment building campaigns. Translate complex program ideas into compelling proposals and collateral materials for investment. Represent the Advancement Office at cultivation and fundraising events.

Ensure adherence to MSM Advancement protocols for gift processing, acknowledgment, prospecting, soliciting, and stewarding. Create written reports for individuals and foundations, faculty updates, acknowledgment letters, and respond to requests from faculty, donors, and colleagues. Partner with faculty and advancement colleagues to build the prospect base through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of new donors.

Initiate development events for donors and prospective donors to showcase unique opportunities for support. Track progress and results in the CRM system. Fundraising Expertise: Strong understanding of fundraising principles and techniques, with experience in managing foundation relations and philanthropic portfolios.

Relationship Management: Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundation leaders, faculty, and community influencers. Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate MSM programs and initiatives for fundraising purposes. Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Leadership: Demonstrated leadership and consensus-building skills. Strategic Thinking: Entrepreneurial thinker with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to execute strategic moves and manage complexity. Integrity and Discretion: High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential information.

Creative Problem Solving: Agile thinking to build out a viable corporate engagement plan for short-term and long-term support. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. 5–7 years of experience in major campaigns, fundraising, and foundation relations with a progressively growing philanthropic portfolio. Experience in program design, evaluation, and community engagement efforts.

Excellent proposal writing skills with the ability to articulate program designs and evaluation plans for foundation-based funding proposals. Strong time management, organizational skills, and detail orientation. Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.

Experience in a dynamic environment with a commitment to meeting deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and fundraising-related software (e.g., Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce). Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree or CFRE certification.

Experience in higher education fundraising, particularly in academic medicine. Extensive network of foundation contacts and a successful track record in foundation philanthropy. Experience in a high-growth organization, scaling teams and departments.

Commitment to MSM’s mission, vision, and core values. Additional Information Posting Number: NONAC3599 Position Type: Non-Faculty Number of Vacancies: 1 Department: Institutional Advancement Open Until Filled: Yes Pre-Employment Requirements All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings and, as required, proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and, when applicable, influenza. EEO Statement Morehouse School of Medicine is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Georgia State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.

Morehouse School of Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. #J-18808-Ljbffr