Executive Director of Development, School of Nursing Greater Harrisonburg, VA Area

Lead philanthropy that advances the future of nursing education, research, and practice.

The University of Virginia seeks an accomplished and strategic fundraising leader to serve as Executive Director of Development for the School of Nursing, leading a team with a two-fold mission of fundraising and alumni engagement as part of UVA Health Development.

As the School’s chief development officer, the Executive Director works closely with the Dean to define philanthropic priorities, manages a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, and partners with a highly engaged Advisory Board dedicated to the School’s success. With a seat on the Dean’s Council and a central role in shaping the School’s goals and messaging for the next University campaign, this is a unique opportunity to align philanthropy with the School’s vision while joining UVA and UVA Health’s strong and reputable advancement community.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Health Development, with a dotted-line relationship to the Dean of the School of Nursing, the Executive Director of Development will set and achieve ambitious annual and campaign fundraising goals, strengthen volunteer leadership, and build a high-performing alumni and development team.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is a proven fundraiser and team leader who builds relationships of trust and respect with alumni, faculty, volunteers, donors, and staff, and who can translate a dean’s vision into compelling philanthropic opportunities.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

A personal track record of reaching and exceeding fundraising goals

Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate and collaborate with volunteers

Strong oral and written communication skills, including drafting persuasive and succinct major gift proposals

The ability to be self-directed while organizing and motivating a development team

Excellent administrative skills and great attention to detail

Sound judgment and the ability to analyze and synthesize information from a range of sources

A strong teamwork orientation and the ability to travel extensively

A passion for advancing the mission of the School of Nursing and UVA Health

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will:

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal ($1M+) and major ($100K+) gift prospects, including individuals, foundations, and corporations

Partner with the Dean to define fundraising priorities and lead the development of the School’s goals and messaging for the next University campaign

Manage the Dean’s prospect portfolio and staff the Dean’s development visits and travel

Work with the Dean and Advisory Board Chair on board strategy and recruitment, and engage current and emeritus members in fundraising

Collaborate with UVA Health Development, Principal Gifts, Planned Giving, Corporate and Foundation Relations, and partners across Grounds to grow support for the School

Serve on the Dean’s Council and represent the School of Nursing across UVA Health and External Relations

Lead, develop, and motivate the two-person School of Nursing Alumni & Development team

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Experience: 8 years of fundraising experience

Proven record of successful fundraising in a higher education or healthcare setting.

Driver’s license

Personal track record of success in reaching and exceeding fundraising goals.

Previous experience drafting persuasive and succinct major gift proposals.

Excellent administrative skills, including project management, organization, delegation and prioritization.

Ability to establish objectives, set performance standards, and organize and motivate a development team to achieve fundraising goals.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree

Superior understanding of principles of philanthropy, higher education, relationship management, and staff management.

Ability to identify and promote efficiencies within an organization.

Proven record of partnering with faculty and volunteers to achieve development goals.

Previous experience in soliciting principal gifts.

Experience staffing university leadership at the dean’s level and/or above.

Strong track record of mentoring direct reports and junior colleagues.

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 $150,000 - $160,000, 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 External Relations offers a flexible workplace. All team members must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and be able to work collaboratively with others using a variety of technologies and tools.

Frequent in-person work in our office building, on UVA Grounds, or at event venues is required. The ideal candidate will live or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of our office building in Charlottesville, Virginia.

About UVA and the Community

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

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after November 9, 2026.

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 R0088982. 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 April Sibiski, Director of Staff Success for External Relations, at April.Sibiski@virginia.edu.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, 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. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.