This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the mission of Saddleback Medical Center (SMC) and Saddleback Medical Center Foundation (SMCF). It is expected that the employee demonstrate behavior consistent with our core values: Integrity, Accountability, Best Practices, Compassion and Synergy. The employee shall support Saddleback Medical Center's strategic plan and participate in and advocate performance improvement/patient safety activities.
The Executive Director, Major Gifts (ED) is a new position designed to work closely with the President of the Saddleback Medical Center Foundation to elevate individual giving to support Saddleback Medical Center. The ED, a member of the senior leadership team, is responsible for setting major gifts program strategic goals, supervising staff and working closely with the Director of Gift Planning and other colleagues for a collaborative and donor-centered approach to fundraising.
This energetic fundraiser will actively manage a portfolio of 40 - 75 prospects, donors and volunteers, as well as direct the work of the major gifts staff to develop the team and build the major gifts pipeline. This proven leader will serve as a coach, advisor and strategist with staff on the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift donors. The ED will work closely with the Director of Communication & Donor Engagement to implement best practices related to moving donors through the pipeline.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities of the Job
Oversee and expand a comprehensive major gifts program in support of Saddleback Medical Center. Develop strategies designed to identify, qualify, cultivate and solicit individuals capable of making a gift commitment of $10,000 or more. Build goals in conjunction with the President and in alignment with the strategic priorities of SMCF and SMC. Prepare annual long-range plans and forecasts for review.
Partner with Prospect Management & Research to develop processes, procedures and analytics to ensure that a strong pipeline of potential support is identified and maintained. Serve as a champion of giving through the annual giving program while developing donors and future major gift prospects.
Plan and direct the design of strategic donor engagement events, finding unique and meaningful ways for individuals to become more deeply engaged with SMCF. Participate in a range of donor activities and events that have strategic impact on the success of individual giving programs.
Provide supervision, guidance and support to staff in adhering to best practices in healthcare philanthropy, and in developing strategies for prospect and donor engagement that result in authentic, meaningful and long-term relationships with SMCF.
Develop and review monthly, quarterly and annual reports with measurable targets for the major gifts team that demonstrate productivity related to qualifications, meeting and contacts, stewardship activity, as well as solicitations and new commitments.
Work in conjunction with staff to conduct annual strategy and goalsetting, including setting measurable, meaningful and appropriate targets for individual team members.
Ensure timely completion of individual prospect strategies, qualification and cultivation activities, proposals, solicitations, gift agreements and stewardship plans.
Model best practices for the team by building and cultivating successful relationships with prospects, their trusted advisors, senior administrative and clinical staff of SMC and SMCF to solicit, close and steward major gifts.
Work closely with SMC clinical partners as assigned, to identify funding opportunities and develop a deep understanding of each. Work with communications team to develop collateral representing funding opportunities to prospective donors.
In conjunction with colleagues, help create and execute plans for appropriate recognition of major and planned gift donors.
As appropriate, work directly with the senior leadership team to develop or update major gifts policies, procedures and priorities, and complete other duties as assigned.
Ability to be at work and be on time.
Ability to follow company policies, procedures and directives.
Ability to interact in a positive and constructive manner.
Ability to prioritize and multitask.
Essential Job Outcomes
Oversee a comprehensive Major Gifts Program to support MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center.
Work to develop processes and systems to track and trend analytics to support strategic priorities.
Collaborate to plan Major Gift donor cultivation and stewardship events.
Provide leadership support to Foundation staff and model best practices, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors.
Work in collaboration with SMC clinical partners as assigned to identify fundraising opportunities and deepen meaningful understanding of the hospital's needs.
Other duties as assigned
Experience
Five or more years of fundraising experience, preferably in healthcare or higher education
Strong fundraising experience with demonstrated ability to manage and sustain relationships with donors and successfully solicit major gifts
Demonstrated skill in successfully coaching, training and leading staff and volunteers with a kind, engaging and clear leadership style
Intrinsically motivated, results-oriented, and able to set priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, verbal and written communication skills
Energy, enthusiasm and the ability to work both independently and productively in a team-oriented department
Strong computer skills and familiarity with Raiser's Edge
Education
Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study required
