EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT

Executive Director, Development

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Position Title : Executive Director, Development

Position Summary :

The Executive Director of Development is a senior leader within Scripps Research's Office of Philanthropy, responsible for driving strategies that build and sustain philanthropic relationships across alumni, major gift, and gift planning constituencies. This role provides visionary leadership, operational oversight, and strategic alignment for three director-level positions while serving as the senior point of contact for the institute's alumni engagement strategy. The Executive Director will set performance goals, foster cross-team collaboration, and ensure integration of alumni relations, major gift fundraising, and gift planning into a cohesive and effective development program. This individual also serves as a key partner to institutional leadership, including faculty, senior administrators, and board members, to cultivate and solicit transformational philanthropic support.

Responsibilities and Duties :

Strategic Leadership

• Provide overarching management, coaching, and accountability for the Director of Alumni Development & Engagement, Director of Major Gifts, and Director of Gift Planning & Estate Administration.
• Establish annual strategic plans and measurable goals for each team, ensuring alignment with institutional fundraising priorities.
• Champion a culture of collaboration and data-driven decision making across the major gifts, alumni development, and gift planning teams.
• Serve as a member of the Philanthropy leadership team, contributing to departmental strategy, budget planning, and policy development.

Alumni Engagement Oversight

Major and Planned Gift Leadership

Collaboration and Partnership

Requirements :

Compensation :

Comprehensive Benefits Include :

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and / or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement : The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.