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Executive Director of Development, School of Medicine and Special Projects

University of Pittsburgh
locationPittsburgh, PA, USA
PublishedPublished: 5/16/2026
Full Time

Executive Director of Development, School of Medicine and Special Projects

Medical and Health Sciences Foundation - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26002968)


The University of Pittsburgh’s Division of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement (PAE) builds relationships with donors, alumni, and partners to advance Pitt and UPMC in teaching, research, and care. More information is available at pae.pitt.edu.

The Executive Director of Development (EDOD) serves within Health Sciences & Clinical Programs Advancement, reporting to the Vice Chancellor. The EDOD leads fundraising and alumni engagement for the School of Medicine, driving shortterm results and longterm growth.

Key Responsibilities
  • Direct and oversee School of Medicine fundraising and alumni relations. Partner with school leadership to build and execute annual fundraising plans.
  • Lead School of Medicine fundraising for Pitt’s upcoming comprehensive campaign.
  • Develop and manage fundraising strategies for the Vanscoy Winter Academy, White Coat Ceremony, and Discovery Science initiatives, collaborating with department chairs on targeted plans.
  • Spend at least 50% of time engaging a portfolio of major gift prospects, primarily alumni and friends, with additional prospects for Winter Academy and Discovery Science.
  • Build strategic relationships with Deans, faculty, volunteers, and staff to support qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gifts.
  • Help develop and manage the School of Medicine Board of Visitors, including member pipeline development, engagement plans, and periodic presentations.
Required Qualifications
  • Proven success securing major gifts of $100K+.
  • Strong oral/written communication, persuasive ability, initiative, and team leadership.
  • Excellent planning, project management, and ability to manage complex priorities.
  • Experience in higher education, ideally within an Academic Medical Center, and ability to articulate its mission to donors.
  • Sound judgment, ethical conduct, and discretion in donor and volunteer interactions.
  • Regular travel and occasional evening/weekend work required.

Why Join Us?

  • Impactful Work: Play a crucial role in supporting the University's mission.

  • Collaborative Environment: Work within a supportive, innovative, and dynamic team.

  • Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement.

  • Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Ready to make a difference? Learn more about PAE and apply today.

Join us in shaping the future of education, research, and healthcare at the University of Pittsburgh!


Job Summary

Oversees development of a program, plans, and activities to create and execute a comprehensive development plan achieving new and recurring contributions to a school, foundation, program, and/or group. Manages a portfolio of major gift donors and strategically builds fundraising prospects. Assists leadership in facilitating a comprehensive communications plan and with development strategies.


Essential Functions
  • Must be a strong communicator, both verbally and written and be a collaborative person.
  • Must be a very organized person and able to multi-task.
  • Must be able to travel and have access to regular transportation in order to be able to easily get to meetings.

Physical Effort

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.



Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Development Director

Job Family: Philanthropy & Engagement

Job Sub Family: Major & Principal Gifts

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 7

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification: Travel 5–8 times yearly for 2–4 days. Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years fundraising required, including 3+ years in major gifts, annual giving, or alumni relations. Minimum 5 years team leadership. Strong analytical, communication, and Microsoft Office skills; experience in nonprofit fundraising and partnership building preferred.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.

Hiring Range: $140,000 - $155,000 Annually

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter

Optional Documents: Not Applicable



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