Chief Philanthropy Officer
Buck Institute

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished advancement executive with the credibility, judgment, and leadership presence to operate effectively with major donors, trustees, senior scientists, and executive leadership. This person will combine strategic sophistication with a hands-on, high-accountability operating style and will bring a strong record of building philanthropic momentum in complex, mission-driven environments.

Candidates should bring:

• A bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred.
• 10-15+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in philanthropy, advancement, or development.
• Significant experience leading a comprehensive fundraising function and managing high-performing development teams.
• Demonstrated success securing and closing major and principal gifts, including seven-figure commitments and above.
• Experience partnering closely with a CEO, governing board, and senior institutional leaders on fundraising strategy.
• Strongly preferred experience in academic medicine, biomedical research, higher education, healthcare, or other mission-driven scientific or complex nonprofit environment.

The strongest candidates will also demonstrate:

• A deep commitment to the Buck Institute’s mission and the ability to articulate the importance of aging research and its relevance to human health.
• Success in building and executing fundraising strategies across major gifts, annual giving, foundation relations, planned giving, and stewardship.
• The ability to inspire confidence and generosity among high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, and institutional funders.
• Comfort engaging sophisticated, high-capacity, and ultra-high-net-worth donors with confidence, judgment, discretion, and credibility.
• Strong executive presence, sound judgment, political acuity, and the ability to influence at the highest levels of an organization.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills.
• The ability to translate scientific and technical concepts into compelling language for donors and lay audiences.
• Strong strategic, managerial, and operational skills, including goal setting, budget oversight, and performance management
• An entrepreneurial approach, high initiative, and comfort balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
• Comfort working in an evolving environment that may feel more like a growth-stage enterprise than a mature, highly structured institution.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings or weekends as needed for donor cultivation and events.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $310,000 to $375,000, with final placement dependent on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated success leading high-level philanthropic strategy and principal gift fundraising. The Institute may provide relocation assistance of up to $20,000 for reasonable and documented moving-related expenses, subject to applicable tax withholding.

Buck offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending and health savings account options; life and disability insurance; employee assistance and wellness resources; and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions. Employees also receive paid time off, holidays, and flexible time off for eligible leadership roles.