Director of Development - Keck Graduate Institute

Another Source's client, Keck Graduate Institute (KGI), is recruiting a Director of Development to join their team in Claremont, California. This role is primarily onsite during the first 90 days to support onboarding and relationship-building across campus, followed by eligibility for a hybrid schedule with one remote day per week.

Here's a little about Keck Graduate Institute:

Keck Graduate Institute is a recognized leader in biotechnology and healthcare education and the only graduate institution within the prestigious Claremont Colleges consortium. Founded to bridge the gap between life sciences, engineering, and business, KGI prepares students to become industry-ready leaders driving innovation across biotech, healthcare, and applied sciences.

With three specialized schools - the Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, the School of Health Sciences, and the School of Pharmacy - KGI offers a uniquely interdisciplinary environment rooted in collaboration, innovation, and impact. The institution maintains an impressive 9:1 student-to-professor ratio, operates 13 specialized research labs, and reports that 90% of graduates are employed within six months of graduation.

KGI is entering an exciting period of institutional growth and strategic momentum, supported by its Strategic Plan 2035 and preparations for its first comprehensive fundraising campaign. Learn more about KGI here: https://www.kgi.edu/support-kgi/index.html

About this role:

This is an exciting opportunity for a relationship-driven development professional to help expand philanthropy at a growing graduate institution advancing healthcare and biotechnology education.

Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, the Director of Development will help grow KGI's philanthropic footprint and build long-term donor relationships in support of a targeted $30M-$50M comprehensive campaign tied to the institution's 2035 strategic plan.

This role is especially well-suited for someone energized by building, helping shape donor engagement strategy, expand philanthropic participation, and contribute to the evolution of a growing advancement operation ahead of KGI's first major comprehensive campaign. Unlike larger, more layered institutions, KGI offers an entrepreneurial environment where initiative, creativity, and relationship-building can have immediate and visible impact.

How you will spend your time:

Strategic Relationship Management & Fundraising

Manage a portfolio of approximately 100-120 prospects and donors using a disciplined, relationship-centered fundraising approach

• Conduct strategic discovery, cultivation, and solicitation meetings to build and deepen donor relationships

• Identify and qualify new prospects aligned with KGI's healthcare, biotech, and research priorities

• Partner closely with faculty and leadership to align donor interests with institutional initiatives and funding priorities

• Translate complex academic and scientific initiatives into compelling donor-facing impact opportunities

• Support cultivation and stewardship strategies that strengthen long-term philanthropic engagement

Campaign & Annual Giving Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight for annual giving initiatives, including KGI Giving Days and seasonal fundraising campaigns

• Partner cross-functionally with Marketing and Advancement Operations to support campaign execution and donor communications

• Help advance momentum toward KGI's first comprehensive fundraising campaign tied to Strategic Plan 2035

• Ensure donor outreach and campaign activities are coordinated, timely, and aligned with advancement goals

Institutional Engagement & Collaboration

• Build strong internal partnerships across faculty, leadership, and administrative teams

• Participate actively in campus life and advancement events to strengthen institutional relationships

• Collaborate closely with the Vice President for Advancement on campaign priorities, donor strategy, and institutional messaging

• Represent KGI externally with professionalism, enthusiasm, and mission alignment

Experience You Will Bring:

• Bachelor's degree required

• Five (5) or more years of experience in relationship-based fundraising, business development, strategic sales, account management, or related fields

• Demonstrated success meeting revenue goals, securing major gifts, or closing high-value agreements

• Experience managing prospect pipelines, donor cultivation strategies, and long-term relationship stewardship

• Strong interpersonal and consultative communication skills with the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholder groups

• Ability to navigate complex organizations and collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and senior leaders

• Experience overseeing projects, campaigns, or cross-functional initiatives with multiple stakeholders

• Strong organizational skills and comfort managing activity through CRM systems such as Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

• Self-starter with a proactive, relationship-oriented mindset and strong follow-through

• Valid driver's license required

What's in it for you:

The anticipated salary range for this position is $95,000-$105,000 annually.

KGI offers a comprehensive benefits package through The Claremont Colleges consortium. Benefits include medical, dental, retirement, and work-life programs designed to support employee well-being and long-term financial health.

One standout benefit is KGI's generous retirement contribution program, which includes an automatic 10% employer contribution to an employee's 403(b) retirement plan after 12 months of service, regardless of employee contribution level.

Learn more about benefits here: https://services.claremont.edu/benefits-administration/benefit-plan-information/

Learn more about KGI's Strategic Plan 2035 here: https://www.kgi.edu/strategic-plan-2035/index.html

Follow KGI on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/keck-graduate-institute

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws.

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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