Job DescriptionTulane University seeks an accomplished philanthropic strategist for the Tulane University Heart and Vascular Institute (TUHVI). This position will architect and execute a transformative fundraising vision that positions TUHVI as a premier destination for cardiovascular philanthropy in the Gulf South region.
The position will serve as the principal fundraising strategist and relationship architect for TUHVI, working in close partnership with the Institute's leadership, the Dean of the School of Medicine, and Tulane's senior advancement team.
Philanthropic Strategy & Leadership
Design and implement a comprehensive, multi-year philanthropic strategy for TUHVI that aligns with the Institute's clinical, research, and educational priorities
Establish TUHVI's grateful patient program as a best-in-class model, leveraging proven methodologies from leading academic medical centers
Serve as a strategic advisor to TUHVI leadership on philanthropic opportunities, donor engagement, and advancement priorities
Partner with institutional leadership to identify and pursue transformational gift opportunities ($1M+) that advance TUHVI's strategic vision
Portfolio Management & Major Gift Fundraising
Manage a portfolio of 75-100 high-capacity prospects and donors with the capacity to make gifts of $100,000 to $10M+
Personally identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal and major gift donors
Develop sophisticated cultivation strategies that engage donors in TUHVI's mission through clinical innovation, research breakthroughs, and patient care excellence
Achieve fundraising goals of $3-5M+ in new commitments and pledges annually
Physician & Clinical Partnerships
Build and sustain strategic partnerships with cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, and clinical leadership to create a culture of philanthropy within TUHVI
Train and support physicians in donor identification, engagement, and stewardship activities
Develop systems and protocols that seamlessly integrate grateful patient identification into clinical workflows
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
Collaborate with Tulane's central development team, including prospect research, gift planning, donor relations, and communications
Partner with the School of Medicine's development team to ensure coordinated and strategic donor engagement
Engage with TUHVI's advisory boards, grateful patients, and community stakeholders to expand philanthropic opportunities
Responsibilities
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES TYPICALLY NEEDED TO PERFORM THIS JOB SUCCESSFULLY: (Note: The following criteria will not be used in screening qualified applicants but may be considered in the final decision-selection process of candidates interviewed.)
- Strategic Vision: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies that align with institutional priorities
- Relationship Excellence: Exceptional ability to build authentic, trust-based relationships with high-net-worth individuals, physicians, institutional leaders, and volunteers
- Sophisticated Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling cases for support and engage diverse audiences
- Physician Engagement: Proven success partnering with physicians and clinical leaders to integrate philanthropy into healthcare environments
- Metrics-Driven Approach: Track record of meeting or exceeding ambitious fundraising goals with strong portfolio management discipline
- Executive Presence: Professional gravitas and interpersonal sophistication to engage effectively with C-suite executives, trustees, major donors, and medical leadership
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Self-directed, innovative problem-solver who thrives in building programs and creating new opportunities
Additional Requirements- Ability to travel up to 50%, including occasional national travel
- Flexibility to attend donor events, cultivation activities, and stewardship functions during evenings and weekends
- Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality with sensitive donors and patient information
- Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, or preferred similar platforms)
QualificationsREQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (Note: Only the following two criteria-one education and one experience-will be used for screening qualified applicants.)
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required; advanced degree preferred
- Minimum 10 years of progressive major gifts fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in healthcare philanthropy, academic medicine, or research university environments
- Proven track record of personally securing gifts of $500,000+, with experience soliciting seven-figure commitments
- Significant experience developing and implementing grateful patient programs or similar donor identification strategies in clinical settings
- Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: (Note: The following criteria will not be used in screening qualified applicants and may not be used in lieu of minimum qualifications stated above.)- Healthcare system fundraising experience, particularly in major academic medical centers or health systems in competitive markets (New York, Boston, San Francisco, etc.)
- Experience with comprehensive campaigns and campaign planning
- CFRE certification or commitment to obtaining certification
- Demonstrated success in planned giving or blended gift strategies
- Experience with naming opportunities and endowment development
- Established network within cardiovascular medicine, cardiology research, or related fields
- Familiarity with Gulf South philanthropic landscape or demonstrated ability to quickly establish presence in new markets
About Us Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to providing an education and employment environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Legally protected demographic classifications (such as a person's race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, shared ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws) are not relied upon as an eligibility, selection or participation criteria for Tulane's employment or educational programs or activities.
Tulane University is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing an application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources by phone at 504-865-4748 or by email at hr@tulane.edu.
Job Info
- Job Identification 316
- Job Category Communications & Engagement
- Posting Date 04/07/2026, 12:04 PM
- Job Schedule Full time
- Locations New Orleans, LA, United States
- Legal Employer Tulane University
- Business Unit Tulane University
- Department Advancement - Campaigns and Administration
- Grade 29PREM
