Director, Principal Gifts
Company: Scripps Research
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
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 : Director, Principal Gifts
POSITION SUMMARY: Scripps Research, one of the world’s leading
biomedical research institutes, is seeking a highly strategic and
relationship-driven Director of Principal Gifts to join our
Philanthropy team. Reporting to the Sr. Executive Director of
Principal Gifts this position is responsible for identifying,
cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding principal gift prospects
and donors with the capacity to make gifts of $5 million and above,
with a primary geographic focus on the West Coast. The Director
will manage a portfolio of approximately 50 high-capacity prospects
and donors and will play a critical role in advancing
transformational philanthropy in support of institutional
priorities and special initiatives. In addition to portfolio
management, the Director will partner with senior leadership and
colleagues on special funding opportunities that may engage
prospects outside of their assigned portfolio. RESPONSIBILITIES AND
DUTIES: Manage a portfolio of approximately 50 principal gift
prospects and donors with giving capacity of $5M, securing
philanthropic gifts that advance Scripps Research’s strategic
initiatives, research priorities, and institutional objectives.
Develop and execute highly personalized, long-term engagement and
solicitation strategies aligned with donor interests and
institutional priorities, in collaboration with institutional
leadership, including multi-year commitments, naming opportunities,
and blended or structured gifts. Advance prospects through all
stages of the fundraising cycle, from discovery and qualification
through solicitation and stewardship. Facilitate high-level
meetings, site visits, and donor experiences. Support leadership
engagement efforts by preparing briefing materials, talking points,
and strategic guidance for donor meetings. Work closely with
Advancement colleagues (prospect research, stewardship, gift
planning, etc.) to advance the assigned portfolio and department
objectives. Ensure timely and accurate documentation of prospect
strategies, interactions, and outcomes in the institution’s
database. Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals and performance
metrics related to principal gift activity, prospect movement, and
donor engagement. Maintain a proactive and strategic approach to
pipeline development and portfolio management. Details of
established essential functions for this position will be
addressed/discussed during the interview process. REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. 8 years of
experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in a complex
research, healthcare, or academic environment. Demonstrated success
in cultivating, soliciting, and closing principal gifts (7-figure)
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills,
with the ability to engage and influence high net-worth
individuals. Proven ability to work effectively with senior
institutional leadership, faculty, and donors in a collaborative
and strategic manner. Strong strategic thinking and project
management skills, with the ability to manage complex, long-term
donor relationships. Experience using donor databases and CRM
systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge). Willingness and ability to travel,
particularly throughout the West Coast, for donor meetings and
events. 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 $155,000 to $200,000/annually, commensurate
with experience. 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.
Keywords: Scripps Research, Mission Viejo , Director, Principal Gifts, Science, Research & Development , San Diego, California
