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University of Utah

Development Director

🇺🇸 Hybrid - Salt Lake City, UT 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $100K - $150K 💻 Development & Advancement 🗓️ March 12th, 2026
CRM Raiser’s Edge

Edtech.com's Summary

University of Utah is hiring a Development Director for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. The role requires identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects, developing proposals, and managing long-term donor relationships for significant gifts ranging from five to seven figures.

Highlights
  • Develop and implement major gift strategies targeting donations from $25,000 to over $1,000,000.
  • Manage a portfolio of 50 to 75 major gift prospects and donors.
  • Create individualized solicitation plans and collaborate with leadership to align fundraising goals.
  • Prepare proposals, budgets, and maintain accurate donor and prospect records using CRM systems; experience with Raiser's Edge NXT preferred.
  • Solicit and steward corporate, foundation, estate, and individual major gifts.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience; minimum six years of related experience.
  • Compensation ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 annually.
  • Participate in domestic travel and work on a hybrid schedule with some evenings and weekends.
  • Work under Senior Director of Development and develop plans to pursue CFRE certification within three years.
  • Responsibilities include budget management, adherence to policies, and promoting organizational mission.

Development Director Full Description

Development Director
Announcement
 Details 
Open Date  | 03/11/2026
Requisition Number  | PRN44449B
Job Title  | Development Director
Working Title  | Director of Development
Career Progression Track  | G
Track Level  |
FLSA Code  | Management
Patient Sensitive Job Code?  | No
Standard Hours per Week  | 40
Full Time or Part Time?  | Full Time
Shift  | Day
Work Schedule Summary  | Monday thru Friday – 8:30 am to 5 pm., with some nights and weekends. This is currently a hybrid position (subject to change at any time). Working offsite M/F (work from home) and onsite T/W/TH.
VP Area  | President
Department  | 01146 - Huntsman Cancer Foundation
Location  | Other
City  | Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment  | External Posting
Pay Rate Range  | 100000 to 150000
Close Date  | 03/27/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)  | 03/27/2026

Job Summary  | Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards major gift prospects for Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF). Develops plans and prepares proposals by conducting research, coordinating with HCF colleagues, and/or meeting with potential donors. Writes proposals and budgets for submission. Develops long-term donor relationships and solicits/stewards gifts in the 5 to 7-figure range. This may include soliciting and securing corporate, foundation, and estate gifts.

Responsibilities  | Essential Functions Develop and implement comprehensive strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making gifts ranging from $25,000 to over $1,000,000. Manage a dynamic portfolio of 50–75 major gift prospects and donors. Create tailored solicitation plans for each donor based on their interests, giving history, and financial capacity. Collaborate with the President and COO and foundation staff to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities. Report directly to the Senior Director of Development. Participate in collaborative prospect decision-making with the Senior Director of Development and contribute to a structured reporting framework that supports strategic planning and accountability. Design and execute strategies to enhance fundraising effectiveness with individual prospects and donors. Maintain clear performance metrics and a structured work plan to achieve annual financial goals. Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress, donor engagement, and revenue projections. ·Analyze market research and performance data to support fundraising strategy and decision-making. Cultivate long-term relationships with potential donors and solicit 5- to 7-figure gifts, including major, estate, corporate, and foundation contributions. Draft and manage gift agreements for major and complex gifts, pledges, and endowments. Ensure donors receive timely recognition and thoughtful stewardship. Maintain an up-to-date prospect management system, including active donor plans. Manage approved budget with transparency and fiscal responsibility. Monitor and control fundraising expenses, ensuring adherence to cost-effective best practices. Ensuring accurate deposits and reconciliation with the accounting system. Adhere to all organizational policies, procedures, and compliance requirements. Domestic travel is required. Actively promote and represent the mission and values of Huntsman Family Foundation, Huntsman Cancer Foundation, and Huntsman Cancer Institute. Will work with supervisor to pursue the CFRE certification within one to three years. Costs to be covered by HCF.

Minimum Qualifications  | Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience (One year of education is equivalent to two years of experience). Six years of related experience.

Preferences  | Additional Skills and Attributes 12+ years of fundraising experience, including 7+ years securing major gifts. Deep understanding of donor motivations, philanthropic psychology, and long-term relationship building. Skilled in managing a disciplined moves-management process to advance donor relationships from identification through solicitation and stewardship. Confident and experienced in soliciting and securing six and seven-figure gifts through face-to-face engagement. Proven ability to grow philanthropic presence in emerging or underdeveloped regions. Demonstrated professionalism to build and sustain trusted, collaborative relationships with donors and partners. Direct experience supporting or leading large, multi-year capital campaigns. Skilled in designing meaningful donor engagement experiences and events. Strategic mindset with strong execution and attention to detail. Proficient in CRM systems; experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver compelling messages that align institutional priorities with donor values. High emotional intelligence, with a leadership style rooted in humility, authenticity, and ethical integrity. Comfortable working across teams and supporting collaborative development goals.
Type  | Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary   
Additional Information  | The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients. All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * Do you have a Bachelor's degree or equivalency? (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education) 
    • Yes
    • No
  2. * How many years of related work experience do you have? 
    • Less than 1 year
    • 1 year
    • 2 years
    • 3 years
    • 4 years
    • 5 years
    • 6 years
    • 7 years
    • 8 years
    • 9 years
    • 10 years
    • 11 years
    • 12 years 
    • more than 12 years
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Writing Sample 1
  4. Writing Sample 2
Optional Documents
  1. Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only
  2. Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) – Veteran Only
 University Human Resource Management 
 250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
 Contact us: (801) 581-2169 By Email: employment@utah.edu