Director of Development (0462U), Goldman School of Public Policy - #84382

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Departmental Overview

Founded in 1969, the Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP) embodies the intellectual rigor, entrepreneurial spirit, public mission, and social commitment characteristic of UC Berkeley. As a professional school of public policy grounded in scholarly practice, GSPP mobilizes the rich academic resources of the campus to provide a transformational academic and cultural experience that instills standards of excellence and a deep sense of pride in one's work, community, and academic home. GSPP consistently ranks among the top policy schools in the country, currently ranked #1 in policy analysis and #2 in social policy according to U.S. News and World Report. GSPP helped define the art and science of modern public policy and pioneered the data-driven, evidence-based approach that remains our hallmark.

GSPP offers three graduate degree programs (with approximately 330 students), a doctoral program, an undergraduate minor, and several concurrent degrees. GSPP's 40+ faculty represent the top researchers in their respective fields-including economics, political science, law, social psychology, and engineering-and their expertise ranges from education policy to racial profiling to clean energy. Fundamental to GSPP's success is our culture, shaped by individuals from across the globe whose diverse perspectives and life experiences enrich our community. GSPP students, faculty, and staff are distinguished by exceptional talent, broad experience, and a shared commitment to GSPP's public mission. Come join GSPP, and discover How a Better Future is Made.

Position Summary

The Director of Development at Goldman School of Public Policy is a senior fundraising leader responsible for advancing the school's strategic vision through transformative philanthropic support. This role drives engagement with individuals, alumni, parents, and corporate and foundation partners to secure major gifts that fuel key initiatives, school-wide priorities, and affiliated centers and institutes. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director manages a portfolio of 100-150 top-tier prospects with giving capacity of $100,000 or more, leading efforts to achieve an ambitious annual fundraising goal of $1 million or greater.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 03/03/2026.

Responsibilities

The Director of Development is a senior fundraising leader driving transformative philanthropic support for the Goldman School of Public Policy. This role secures major gifts from high-net-worth individuals, alumni, parents, and corporate and foundation partners, aligning donor interests with institutional priorities to advance student support, faculty and research excellence, and the school's strategic goals. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director partners with school leadership, faculty, and volunteers to design and execute integrated fundraising strategies, strengthen donor engagement, and expand the prospect pipeline.

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Lead major gift strategy, directly securing gifts of $100,000+ with an annual goal of $1M+, and personally make 8-10 substantive donor contacts per month to advance relationships.
• Partner with the Dean and senior leadership to facilitate high-level donor engagement, including preparing briefings, coordinating leadership involvement, and ensuring strategic follow-up.
• Develop and execute strategic events, including donor receptions and milestone celebrations, to deepen engagement with alumni, parents, and partners.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and centers to identify funding priorities, present opportunities, and produce compelling, high-quality proposals.
• Oversee stewardship and reporting activities for GSPP, providing regular updates to funders to ensure transparency, strengthen relationships, and demonstrate impact.

Portfolio Management and Strategic Development

• Manage a portfolio of 100-150 major gift and corporate/foundation prospects with giving capacity of $100,000+.
• Implement data-driven fundraising strategies to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, enhancing pipeline and long-term support for GSPP initiatives.

• Organize and manage donor visits for senior leadership, ensuring high-impact interactions that advance major gift conversations.

• Maintain accurate donor and prospect records in UC Berkeley's CADS database, supporting GSPP units in compliance and best practices for data management.

Major Gift Strategy and Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of GSPP's major gift strategy, using data-driven insights to refine approaches, evaluate progress, and enhance donor engagement.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with the Dean, faculty, and key stakeholders to advance fundraising strategies, project development, proposal submissions, and stewardship practices aligned with donor priorities.
• Collaborate across GSPP units-including communications, student affairs, strategic initiatives, events, and faculty-to maximize development opportunities and ensure cohesive fundraising efforts.
• Organize and manage high-level donor visits for senior leadership, preparing briefings, coordinating engagement, and ensuring follow-up that strengthens relationships and advances major gift conversations.
• Represent GSPP and UC Berkeley at internal, community, and industry events, including Board of Advisor Meetings, staff meetings, conferences, commencement, and UDAR events, to increase the school's visibility and philanthropic network.
• Partner with UDAR and campus development teams-including Principal Gifts, Strategic Initiatives, Major Gifts, Corporate/Foundation Relations, Prospect Development and Gift Planning-to align strategies and maximize fundraising impact.
• Collaborate closely with the Chief Development Officer and other leadership team members to design and implement specialized programs that drive strategic priorities.
• Work alongside the Associate Director of Development to amplify the impact of annual giving campaigns, digital initiatives, and community engagement efforts such as Big Give, Reunion, and crowdfunding campaigns.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge in fundraising, donor relations, public policy or finance with the ability to apply principles, procedures, and best practices to achieve strategic goals.
• Proven track record of identifying, cultivating, and securing major gifts of $100,000 or more.
• Strong understanding of applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies governing fundraising and solicitation.
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, coupled with political acumen and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Expert-level skills in delivering persuasive presentations that compellingly articulate goals and priorities to secure philanthropic support.
• Superior analytical and critical thinking abilities, supporting effective decision-making and proactive problem-solving.
• Maintains the highest level of confidentiality and discretion in all professional interactions.
• Committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes collaboration and mutual respect among all members of the UC Berkeley community and its stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in fundraising within academia or higher education, with a proven ability to secure major gifts and cultivate long-term donor relationships.
• Knowledge of and/or can quickly learn UC Berkeley's fundraising policies, procedures, and guidelines, ensuring compliance and best practices in solicitation and stewardship.
• Demonstrated understanding of and/or can quickly learn UC Berkeley and the Goldman School of Public Policy, including its vision, mission, strategic goals, accomplishments, and institutional infrastructure.
• Awareness of and/or can quickly learn higher education trends and issues affecting UC Berkeley and GSPP, and the ability to align fundraising strategies with these institutional and sector-specific priorities.
• Master's degree in related areas and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & 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 annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $112,400.00 - $163,200.00.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Driving Required

• Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is eligible for up to 60% hybrid work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Conviction History Background

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.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.