Executive Director of Development, RNI

Job Summary

The Executive Director of Development (EDOD) is the Chief Development Officer for the West Virginia University (WVU) Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI) and a key fundraiser for the WVU Foundation in the WVU Medicine and Health Sciences Office on the Health Sciences Campus.

This position will lead all fundraising efforts and represent the RNI in a range of venues and activities. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Development for WVU Medicine & Health Sciences, the EDOD will build and refine a comprehensive, integrated development program, which is ready to perform at an unparalleled level of accomplishment in support of the RNI’s mission of developing innovative solutions for West Virginians and those across the world with neurological and psychiatric conditions. The EDOD must have a strong working partnership with the Executive Chair of the RNI and other unit leaders, as well as members of WVU Medicine leadership.

The EDOD will execute strategic leadership related to the engagement of high-potential prospects (individuals, foundations, and corporations) in support of the RNI’s funding priorities in areas such as Focused Ultrasound research, Memory and Movement Disorders Programs, Traumatic Brain Injury & Recovery. This position requires major and principal giving level experience first and foremost and will be working with grateful patient prospects and those who are interested in supporting advanced neurological science/treatment. The successful candidate must possess demonstrated and successful leadership, management, operational, and communication skills combined with a track record of accomplishment in fundraising and relationship building. RNI offers an energetic, innovative working environment within a matrixed academic medical center setting with many opportunities for the right candidate.

The RNI is led by Ali Rezai, MD, an internationally recognized neurosciences pioneer. Dr. Rezai is a board-certified neurosurgeon and leader whose clinical areas of expertise include the neurosurgical and neuromodulation management of patients with Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, chronic pain, brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as severe mood and anxiety disorders. A renowned innovator, surgeon, and creator, Dr. Rezai serves as Executive Chair and Vice President of Neurosciences for WVU Medicine. He also serves as Associate Dean and the John D. Rockefeller IV Tenured Professor in Neuroscience at the WVU School of Medicine. Appointed in September 2017, Dr. Rezai brings a new vision and strategic thrust to neuroscience research at WVU, one that includes deployment of an array of initiatives and technologies to improve brain health. Examples include neuromodulation, robotics, brain-computer interface, and virtual reality. WVURNI is headquartered on WVU’s main campus located in Morgantown, West Virginia. 

The addition of Dr. Rezai to the WVU Medicine team exemplifies the commitment of WVU leadership to build West Virginia University’s medical enterprise – academic, research, and clinical – to world-class status. WVU President Michael Benson, President and CEO of West Virginia University Health System Albert Wright, and Clay Marsh, MD, Chancellor and Executive Dean for Health Sciences, continue to

target rapid growth for WVU Medicine which now has 36 affiliate hospitals spanning four states.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead prospect relationship-building efforts and solicitation of private philanthropic support for the RNI, with a focus on major ($50K+) and principal gift ($1M+) donors
• Create and manage a portfolio of prospects and donors (including individuals, foundations, and corporations) for solicitation on behalf of the faculty and leadership of the RNI
• Work closely with central partners in the WVU Foundation to capitalize on resources in annual giving, planned giving, foundation/corporation relations, donor relations, communications and marketing to support the priorities of the RNI
• Responsible for meeting annual metrics/key performance indicators for fundraising based on qualification, solicitation, and total philanthropic support received
• Expand the base of support by implementing a grateful patient program, including training cohorts of faculty and clinical partners, in collaboration with colleagues at the RNI and WVU Medicine & Health Sciences Office
• Manage and direct RNI’s participation in a University-wide comprehensive campaign, with a focus on education, discovery, health, service, and experiences
• Build strong working relationships with leadership and faculty at the RNI, to develop trust and promote fundraising as a priority
• Identify, enlist, motivate, guide, and support volunteers, including faculty physicians, to achieve philanthropic goals
• Utilize the WVU Foundation data system to record prospect and donor contact actions, planned cultivation and solicitation strategies, and as the basis for reporting on metrics and key performance metrics
• Provide comprehensive, timely, and innovative stewardship of gifts from donors to strengthen the interest, experience, and commitment to the RNI

Qualifications

Education, Experience and Competencies:

Candidates must have:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. (A master’s degree is preferred)
• A minimum of five years of progressive experience in development
• A history of successful principal and major gift solicitations

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Seasoned experience in development and with grateful patients
• Experience with neuroscience or medical programs in higher education/academic medical center fundraising
• Experience at a comprehensive university

A demonstrated track record in major/planned giving and fundraising experience in an academic healthcare setting is highly desirable. 

Travel

Travel, including overnight, is required as needed.

Physical requirements

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use his/her hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, and possibly at times, climb or balance, stoop or kneel. Vision abilities required to perform this job include close vision. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

NA

Other Duties

Work Environment: The position is expected to be in office; over time there may be opportunity for a hybrid option in alignment with the WVUF work/telecommuting policy.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.