ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, PRINCIPAL GIVING (Calibr-Skaggs)

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Associate Vice President, Principal Giving (Calibr-Skaggs)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Associate Vice President, Principal Gifts (Calibr-Skaggs) is a senior fundraising leader responsible for securing principal and transformational gifts to advance the mission of the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, a division of Scripps Research. Serving as a key partner to faculty and executive leadership, the AVP will cultivate high-level relationships with individual philanthropists, strategic foundations, and corporate partners to support groundbreaking drug discovery and development. The role requires an entrepreneurial, persuasive, and strategic leader with a proven record of securing significant philanthropic support in biomedical research, academic medicine, or related fields.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Principal Gift Fundraising & Leadership Engagement

• Proactively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal gift prospects ($5M+), focusing on donors who align with Calibr-Skaggs' mission and vision.
• Serve as a strategic partner to Calibr-Skaggs leadership, researchers, and faculty to articulate philanthropic priorities and shape compelling cases for support. This may include regularly attending Calibr-Skaggs's meetings.
• Design and execute complex solicitation strategies that align donor interests with Scripps Research and Calibr-Skaggs' institutional goals.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of top-tier prospects, using data and research tools to track progress and maximize engagement.
• Prepare sophisticated briefing materials for leadership, including the President, to support donor interactions.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Calibr-Skaggs and the President for fundraising initiatives and institutional positioning.
• Facilitate faculty involvement in philanthropic activities, ensuring individuals are prepared and supported in donor-facing roles.

Strategic Planning

• Represent the Office of Philanthropy in board meetings (as required); manage content development including agendas, presentation decks, and strategic program updates.
• Collaborate on organizational assessment and long-term strategic planning for philanthropy, ensuring Calibr's fundraising efforts are fully realized.
• Serve on the executive leadership team of the Office of Philanthropy, providing strategic direction to help meet ambitious fundraising goals, and serving in an advisory capacity to other fundraisers within the Office of Philanthropy on Calibr-specific initiatives.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in frontline fundraising with a strong track record of securing gifts of $5M and above.
• Demonstrated experience working with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and institutional/corporate partners in a scientific research environment (i.e., biomedical research, disease foundations, academic medical centers).
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, inspire, and build trust with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience partnering with faculty or scientific leadership on philanthropic initiatives.
• Knowledge of biomedical research, drug discovery, or translational science is preferred.
• Familiarity with development operations-including prospect research, gift agreements, and campaign planning-is preferred.
• Experience collaborating with institutional boards and executive leadership is preferred.
• While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $200,000 to $250,000, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.