External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the role of Director of Development, Neurosciences. The University of Virginia has a strong and reputable advancement community, boasting effective, results-oriented, and resourceful professionals. Our community comprises a robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 University-related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development.

Position Summary

University of Virginia Health Development within University Advancement at UVA seeks an experienced and accomplished Director of Development for the Neurosciences to join our collaborative, high-achieving, and enthusiastic team. Reporting to the Executive Director, Healthcare Philanthropy, the Director of Development will maximize fundraising support for neuroscience research, clinical care programs, and education through strong partnerships with faculty and healthcare providers, patient families, community members, UVA alumni, and private foundations.

UVA Health is ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Virginia and among the top 50 hospitals nationally by Newsweek. UVA’s neurological and neurosurgical programs are also frequently recognized as top specialties nationally.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead fundraiser for the neurosciences, managing a portfolio of principal and major gift donors and prospects. Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward these individuals in support of the mission and priorities of program leadership.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the neurosciences in the areas of patient care, research, education and community support missions from multiple prospect populations including patient families, community members, UVA friends and alumni, and beyond.

• Manage a team of neurosciences colleagues (with potential for expansion to meet organizational needs in the future), including one frontline fundraising role, as well as a development administrative support role.

• Evaluate HIPAA-compliant patient data for physicians in assigned programs and identify potential major gift prospects for further research and cultivation. Ensure discipline around patient philanthropy processes for self and team.

• Create and implement a transparent and intentional donor strategy to move prospective donors along the development continuum. Cultivate new and existing donors to higher levels of support for the Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences programs, research and care of patients.

• Collaborate with UVA Health Development Office (UVAHD) colleagues to assure alignment and synergy in fundraising efforts. Work in tandem and in a donor-centric manner to advance UVA Health broadly, alongside the neurosciences. Serve as a key member of the UVAHD Cabinet.

• Establish a consistent leadership presence within assigned departments and programs, to build faculty and staff partnerships and promote a culture of philanthropy.

• Provide effective and ongoing training for faculty and staff about philanthropic principles and tactics. Coach faculty and staff so that they are well prepared to positively impact development activities and prospect/donor relationships.

• Develop and maintain an informed layperson's understanding of the science behind research and care in assigned programs. Act as a translator and synthesizer of ideas when needed to enhance communication between faculty and prospects/donors.

• Build and strengthen relationships with UVA neurosciences leadership and key stakeholders, including, but not limited to: Department Chairs and Division Chiefs in Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Neuroscience; UVA neuroscience program leaders; neurosciences administrative leadership.

• Other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate possesses excellent interpersonal skills, emphasizing collaboration, teamwork, and a solution-oriented mindset, with exceptional oral and written communication abilities to convey information clearly across varying audiences. They demonstrate a strong customer service orientation, ensuring client satisfaction, and have a solid understanding of fundraising. With exceptional organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and efficiency, they engage professionally with donors, volunteers, and stakeholders, maintaining confidentiality and discretion with sensitive information. Their strong critical thinking skills enable effective problem-solving, and they adeptly prioritize tasks while adapting to shifting responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree

• At least eight years of experience frontline, major gift fundraising in a healthcare setting or academic medical setting

• Demonstrated success in health fundraising and managing relationships with high-net worth individuals

• Excellent leadership and management skills, including the ability to successfully navigate and deliver results in a complex environment

• A high degree of personal integrity and ability to keep the big picture in focus while attending to the small details

• Experience using data to evaluate and plan

• Superb oral and written communication skills

• Ability to travel domestically with occasional evening and weekend work

• Valid Driver's License

• Must have a command of cultural and political sensitivity and value and embrace cultural and social differences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree

• More than eight years of frontline fundraising experience as a senior gift officer in academic medicine

• Prior experience staffing senior leaders and volunteers in a complex, matrixed organization

• Track record of demonstrating a high degree of initiative, flexibility and will have the skills to shape and be shaped by an evolving fundraising initiative

• Experience in developing strategic fundraising plans with ambitious targets and delivering results

• Preference will be given to applicants with previous management experience in a leadership role in academic medicine fundraising.

• Proficiency using CRM databases.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary Range

• The anticipated hiring range is $130K - $145K / year, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

• UVA Advancement offers a flexible and hybrid workplace. All team members must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and work collaboratively with others using a variety of technologies and tools. This position will be required to work intermittently in our office building located in Charlottesville, Virginia.

• Although this position is eligible to work hybrid, the incumbent should live within a reasonable driving distance of Charlottesville to facilitate frequent visits to UVA Grounds.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after November 13, 2025.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0078005. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching “Find Jobs.”

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

• For additional information about the position, please contact Sandi Hall, Senior Associate Director for Staff Success at eym5wh@virginia.edu.

• For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, HR Recruitment Specialist at jf2sw@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.