Senior Director of Development & Philanthropic Strategy

This position provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive development program driving transformational philanthropic support aligned with long-term priorities. Leads multi-year fundraising strategy and personally advances major and principal gifts. Serves as a key advisor to leadership, drives cross-institutional alignment, and cultivates high-level donor relationships while elevating visibility and building a high-performing development function positioned for sustained growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and closing of transformational gifts in support of the center's research, innovation, and community impact priorities
• Build, manage, and advance a strategic portfolio of high-capacity donors, executing complex gift strategies aligned with institutional goals
• Engage ultra-high-net-worth individuals and institutional funders to secure significant philanthropic investment in brain health initiatives
• Design and lead integrated fundraising strategies across major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and donor engagement initiatives
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on philanthropic priorities, opportunities, and growth strategies
• Drive collaboration across academic, research, and advancement stakeholders to ensure a unified and effective development approach.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with key donors, board members, and community leaders to expand engagement and giving
• Represent the center as a senior ambassador to elevate visibility, strengthen reputation, and advance philanthropic partnerships
• Leverage strategic networks and partnerships to expand funding opportunities and advance mission impact
• Define and advance a comprehensive philanthropic vision, translating strategy into measurable goals and outcomes supporting long-term growth
• Provide enterprise-level leadership to elevate the role of philanthropy in advancing the center’s mission
• Leverage data, reporting, and CRM insights to inform decision-making and optimize fundraising performance
• Ensure strong stewardship, financial accountability, and compliance for all philanthropic revenue
• Lead and develop a high-performing development team, fostering accountability, innovation, and results-driven performance