Associate Director of Development, UConn Health
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $80,000.00 - $90,000.00
Work Schedule
Flexible
Benefits
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid holidays
Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement
Job Description
The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a prestigious and top-ranked national university and health system headquartered in Storrs, Connecticut. Recognized as a Carnegie Research 1 institution, UConn serves as the state's flagship land- and sea-grant university, dedicating itself to excellence in education, groundbreaking research, and impactful public service that extends beyond the state borders. The university enrolls over 33,000 students across its seven vibrant campuses, including a substantial number of first-generation college students, and boasts an exceptional record of national athletic championships. UConn Health complements the university's academic excellence by offering top-tier medical education, clinical services, and advanced hospital-based research, providing care to over one million patients each year. The university fosters an innovative environment supported by nearly 300 leading scientists ranked among the top 2 percent globally in their fields, working on critical areas such as cancer research and artificial intelligence.
UConn has experienced a significant rise as a public research institution, attracting record-breaking application numbers, expanding student success initiatives, and investing heavily in faculty innovation, health, wellness, and athletic excellence. Their men's and women's basketball programs have won three consecutive NCAA national titles, contributing to the university's impressive total of 26 national championships across all sports. Currently, UConn is executing its largest campaign in history, "Because of UConn: The Campaign for UConn Nation," a $1.5 billion comprehensive initiative supporting all aspects of the university and UConn Health. This campaign focuses on enhancing financial aid, student health, career development, research innovation, and athletic programs while advancing the university's national standing.
The Associate Director of Development role at UConn Health is a critical front-line fundraising position dedicated to securing major philanthropic gifts for John Dempsey Hospital (JDH) and other key UConn Health initiatives. This position requires managing a personalized portfolio of high-capacity donors, primarily grateful patients and family members linked to JDH. The incumbent will be responsible for raising $1 million to $3 million annually through cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, conducting numerous qualification and solicitation meetings, and delivering tailored proposals aligned with hospital priorities such as clinical program enhancement, patient experience upgrades, capital funding, and research advancements.
This role demands creative strategies for identifying and engaging prospective donors, close collaboration with internal development teams, and compliance with strict privacy and data use standards. The Associate Director will also partner with hospital leadership, clinicians, and key stakeholders to devise coordinated fundraising plans, support enterprise-wide development goals, and contribute to a culture of excellence within the UConn Health Foundation.
In addition to managing a complex donor portfolio, the position involves active participation in the broader fundraising ecosystem by contributing to principal and leadership gift efforts, expanding the major gift pipeline, and supporting donor stewardship and engagement events. The successful candidate will exemplify strong leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to inclusive priorities, demonstrating high motivation, outstanding communication abilities, and proficiency in CRM tools such as Blackbaud. Flexibility to travel extensively and adhere to confidentiality and ethical standards is essential.
The University of Connecticut Foundation provides a supportive work environment that values diversity, professional growth, and work-life balance. Employees benefit from comprehensive health plans starting on day one, a generous retirement contribution plan, paid holidays and time off, and opportunities for tuition reimbursement and professional development. This is an in-person role located at UConn Health, offering a competitive salary commensurate with experience, starting at $80,000 per year. Join the dynamic UConn community and contribute to advancing healthcare, education, and research through impactful fundraising and donor relations.
UConn has experienced a significant rise as a public research institution, attracting record-breaking application numbers, expanding student success initiatives, and investing heavily in faculty innovation, health, wellness, and athletic excellence. Their men's and women's basketball programs have won three consecutive NCAA national titles, contributing to the university's impressive total of 26 national championships across all sports. Currently, UConn is executing its largest campaign in history, "Because of UConn: The Campaign for UConn Nation," a $1.5 billion comprehensive initiative supporting all aspects of the university and UConn Health. This campaign focuses on enhancing financial aid, student health, career development, research innovation, and athletic programs while advancing the university's national standing.
The Associate Director of Development role at UConn Health is a critical front-line fundraising position dedicated to securing major philanthropic gifts for John Dempsey Hospital (JDH) and other key UConn Health initiatives. This position requires managing a personalized portfolio of high-capacity donors, primarily grateful patients and family members linked to JDH. The incumbent will be responsible for raising $1 million to $3 million annually through cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, conducting numerous qualification and solicitation meetings, and delivering tailored proposals aligned with hospital priorities such as clinical program enhancement, patient experience upgrades, capital funding, and research advancements.
This role demands creative strategies for identifying and engaging prospective donors, close collaboration with internal development teams, and compliance with strict privacy and data use standards. The Associate Director will also partner with hospital leadership, clinicians, and key stakeholders to devise coordinated fundraising plans, support enterprise-wide development goals, and contribute to a culture of excellence within the UConn Health Foundation.
In addition to managing a complex donor portfolio, the position involves active participation in the broader fundraising ecosystem by contributing to principal and leadership gift efforts, expanding the major gift pipeline, and supporting donor stewardship and engagement events. The successful candidate will exemplify strong leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to inclusive priorities, demonstrating high motivation, outstanding communication abilities, and proficiency in CRM tools such as Blackbaud. Flexibility to travel extensively and adhere to confidentiality and ethical standards is essential.
The University of Connecticut Foundation provides a supportive work environment that values diversity, professional growth, and work-life balance. Employees benefit from comprehensive health plans starting on day one, a generous retirement contribution plan, paid holidays and time off, and opportunities for tuition reimbursement and professional development. This is an in-person role located at UConn Health, offering a competitive salary commensurate with experience, starting at $80,000 per year. Join the dynamic UConn community and contribute to advancing healthcare, education, and research through impactful fundraising and donor relations.
Job Requirements
- bachelors degree required
- 3+ years of experience as a major gift fundraiser or relevant transferrable skills
- healthcare fundraising experience preferred
- willingness to consent to a background check approved by UConn Health
- willingness to travel extensively
- possess a valid state driver’s license
- maintain automobile liability insurance coverage of at least $500,000
- reliable personal transportation
- ability to work more than 40 hours per week when necessary
- adherence to foundation and UConn Health policies regarding patient privacy and data use
Job Qualifications
- bachelors degree required
- advanced degree preferred
- 3+ years of experience as a major gift fundraiser or relevant transferable skills
- healthcare fundraising experience preferred
- proven ability to personally solicit gifts of $100,000 and above
- strong interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacy
- excellent written and verbal communication skills
- proficiency with CRM tools such as Blackbaud
- ability to build productive relationships with diverse constituencies
- ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
- ability to maintain confidentiality and represent the university and foundation positively
- high level of motivation and independent judgment
- attention to and concern for others
- willingness to travel extensively
- valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation
Job Duties
- manage a prospect portfolio of 125-150 major gift prospects rated at the $100K+ level, focusing on grateful patient and family prospects connected to John Dempsey Hospital
- raise $1M-$3M annually to support clinical programs, patient experience initiatives, capital priorities, and hospital-based research
- conduct 50 qualification meetings at the $100K+ level, 10+ solicitations at the $100K level, and 150+ face-to-face donor meetings per year
- develop and execute creative strategies to identify, qualify, engage, and solicit high-capacity prospects including patients, families, community partners, and regional healthcare supporters
- prepare compelling funding proposals and customized donor materials aligned with hospital priorities
- collaborate closely with the UConn Health Development team and foundation colleagues to align donor strategy with leadership and enterprise priorities
- conduct all work in compliance with foundation standards, HIPAA, and patient privacy policies
- create meaningful engagement opportunities involving hospital leadership, clinicians, volunteers, and patient ambassadors
- partner with hospital executives, department chairs, physicians, nurses, and program administrators to develop coordinated moves management plans
- contribute to the development division's productivity and efficiency by meeting or exceeding goals in a metrics-driven environment
- work with senior leadership to identify strategic fundraising priorities and develop compelling cases for support within the campaign framework
- track, analyze, and report on fundraising progress
- assist in identifying new prospects through clinical team connections
- perform administrative and data management duties including CRM documentation and engagement plan updates
- model and uphold foundation core values at all times
- perform other duties as assigned
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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