Job Description:

The Senior Director, Regional Development for Brown University, is responsible for the strategic leadership of a comprehensive, regionally focused development program for the West Coast region, which encompasses one of the most essential markets domestically - the Bay Area, as well as regions spanning across the western part of the United States. This region is considered both an established major and principal gift market as well as an emerging market, meaning early identification, cultivation, and solicitation of prospects is key to Brown’s long-term fundraising success. Operating at its highest capacity, this regional program is capable of annual revenues of $30M - $75M.   

The incumbent will manage a personal portfolio of approximately 100-125 prospects weighted toward capacity to make gifts of $1-5M plus to the University, for which prospect qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship are required. The incumbent will also develop and implement the fundraising strategies and oversee progress for the West Coast team of fundraisers. The incumbent will work toward achieving both personal and regional fundraising goals on an annual and long-term basis.

This role strategizes, coordinates, and facilitates all presidential, provost, and senior administrator advancement-related visits to the region, as well as engagement of key volunteers and members of the Corporation. This position also develops engagement programming focused on faculty and senior administrator development-related events, and other cultivation efforts in the West Coast region. This position must also collaborate with the Senior VP, Vice President of Development, and fundraisers from across the Division to ensure coordination and strategic engagement necessary for achieving goals across the Division. 

The Senior Director supervises a team of seven or more fundraising professionals, including a director, regional and major giving officers, and engagement and support roles. The team composition of the development staff and geographic focus may change from time to time. 

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising or development.

• Minimum 5 years of staff management experience.

Required Qualifications

• Proven ability to solicit and close gifts on the $1M to 5M plus level, or equivalent experience in related fields (such as sales).

• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to initiate, collaborate, implement, monitor, evaluate, and advance strategic plans that support the activities of the program and contribute to the overall goals and objectives of Advancement and the fundraising enterprise.

• Ability to inspire, mentor, motivate team performance, and promote accountability. Provide appropriate training, support, and feedback to all fundraising professionals, including early, mid-career, and senior-level gift officers. Proven effectiveness at recruiting, hiring, and retaining high-performance fundraising staff. 

• Computer proficiency and knowledge of CRM systems required.

• Working knowledge of email and calendars, the Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other software such as Adobe Acrobat, donor databases, etc. 

• Must be able and willing to travel frequently throughout the United States to attend relevant programs and events and to meet with current and prospective donors and leadership volunteers to further cultivation and solicitation strategies. Must be able and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Higher education development fundraising experience preferred.

Job Competencies

• Superior interpersonal skills with proven ability to successfully interact and collaborate with varied constituencies in a professional manner, exhibiting excellent written and oral communication skills, team-building skills, and demonstrating tact, poise, and diplomacy while working with a wide variety of personalities. Ability and comfort in meeting and interacting with individuals of considerable social status and affluence are required.

• Ability to apply good judgment and proven responsible decision-making skills; tact and discretion are required to deal with highly confidential alumni, parent, student, family, donor, and prospect information.

• Must be detail-oriented, a self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects, priorities, and staff to meet goals and timelines.

• Decisiveness, trustworthiness, discretion, and creativity are daily requirements of this position

 

Background Check: All offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown.

Additional Information: Please submit a resume and cover letter when applying for this position. To learn about Brown University’s benefits, please visit here for further information.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date:

2025-10-22

Job Posting Title:

Senior Director, Regional Development, West Coast

Department:

Advancement

Grade:

Grade 13

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Remote

 

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.