Description

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. 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. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which 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 SUMMARY:

Scripps Research, a world-renowned nonprofit biomedical research institute, is seeking a proactive and relationship-oriented Associate Director of Leadership Giving and Alumni Engagement to join our Philanthropy team. Reporting to the Director of Alumni Development and Engagement, this position plays a critical role in cultivating philanthropic support from leadership-level donors ($25,000 - $100,000) through meaningful engagement and targeted giving strategies.

The Associate Director will manage a portfolio of approximately 125 prospects, primarily focused on alumni and other strategic priorities as assigned. The role focuses on securing first-time gifts, upgrading existing donors, and inspiring multi-year commitments to Scripps Research. This position also supports the execution of alumni programming and events, working closely with internal partners to deepen alumni connections to the institution.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Leadership Giving & Prospect Management

• Manage a portfolio of 125 leadership-level prospects, primarily alumni, guiding them through the donor lifecycle from identification and cultivation to solicitation and stewardship.
• Develop and implement individualized engagement strategies that align donor interests with institutional priorities, with a focus on first-time giving and multi-year pledge opportunities.
• Identify and elevate prospects with potential to advance into the major gifts pipeline.

Alumni Engagement & Programming

• Partner with the Director of Alumni Development and Engagement and the Events team to execute a wide range of alumni programs, including Homecoming, Alumni Induction at Commencement, Alumni Board Meetings, and Regional programming.
• Ensure continuity of alumni engagement through coordinated communications, recognition opportunities, and meaningful touchpoints.

Collaboration & Communication

• Support the overall vision and strategy of the Director of Alumni Development and Engagement.
• Work closely with Philanthropy colleagues, faculty, and administrative partners to coordinate outreach and maximize engagement opportunities.
• Prepare written donor materials including emails, proposals, and briefing documents.

Database Management & Reporting

• Document all interactions and strategy updates in the institution’s donor database in a timely and accurate manner
• Track portfolio activity, manage follow-up tasks, and report on progress toward individual and departmental goals.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.    

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years of experience in fundraising and/or alumni engagement.
• Proven track record of successfully cultivating and soliciting major gifts of six and seven figures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting to donors and prospects.
• Ability to work effectively with executive leadership, faculty, and donors.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Knowledge of donor databases and CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge).
• Ability to travel as needed for donor meetings, events, and regional programming.
• While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.