Position Specification
Senior Director
of Development
for the Division
of Physics, Math
and Astronomy
CONFIDENTIAL
This Position Specification is intended to provide information about the California Institute of Technology and
the position of Senior Director of Development for the Division of Physics, Math and Astronomy. It is
designed to assist qualified individuals in assessing their interest in this position.
The Opportunity
The California Institute of Technology is one of the world’s preeminent centers of instruction
and research in engineering and science. It is a place where bold discoveries are possible and
where visionary scholars have advanced the boundaries of knowledge for over 100 years.
Caltech scientists and engineers have been recognized with the highest honors in their fields,
including 32 Nobel Prizes, seven Crafoord Prizes, 10 National Medals of Technology, and 56
National Medals of Science. The Institute’s relatively small size and collegial environment
makes interdisciplinary work the norm, and has enabled Caltech faculty to accelerate life
changing discoveries and transform the fields of energy, medicine, planetary science,
geoscience, astrophysics, and more.
Led by its eighth president, Dr. Jean-Lou Chameau, Caltech has set an ambitious agenda for its
department of Development and Institute Relations (DIR). DIR's mission is to build strong
lifelong relationships with Caltech’s constituents, match donors' interests with the Institute’s
needs and priorities, and secure the financial resources that will enable Caltech to continue to
achieve excellence in research, teaching, and scholarship.
For the past four years, Caltech has been purposefully investing in its Development and
Institute Relations enterprise. This group is a comprehensive development, alumni relations
and communications enterprise with a staff of approximately 125 FTE. Functional units within
DIR include development/fundraising, alumni relations, marketing and communications, and
campus and community relations. The team is committed to serving the academic agenda of
the Institute, creating a culture of philanthropy in the extended Caltech community, and
pursuing excellence and best practices in its work. Integrity, collegiality, diversity,
accountability, mutual trust, and respect for the individual as well as the intentions of our
donors are the values that guide our work. The relatively young organization has gathered
some momentum but the functional areas need more effective integration in order to elevate
the levels of effectiveness.
Witt/Kieffer is proud to partner with Caltech to enhance the development team to fulfill the
goals and mission of providing academic excellence and creating a culture of philanthropy
across the Caltech Community. The Senior Director of Development for the Division of Physics,
Math and Astronomy position is a critical role within Caltech’s efforts to deepen relationships
with alumni and donors in the Division of Physics, Math and Astronomy. Reporting to the
Assistant Vice President for Development, the Senior Director of Development for the Division of
Physics, Math and Astronomy is responsible for providing effective management of, and
inspiration to, the Division of Physics, Math and Astronomy. This Senior Director, with the help
of the Divisional Chair, will be responsible for capital commitments, both in campaign and noncampaign environments from a diverse constituency.
Caltech is committed to building an Advancement organization that compares favorably to the
very best in American higher education; the new Senior Director will be a part of this team to
play central role in making this happen.
2
For information regarding candidacies, nominations, or other suggestions, please see the
section entitled “Procedure for Candidacy” near the conclusion of this document.
California Institute of Technology: An Overview
The mission of the California Institute of
Technology is to expand human knowledge and
benefit society through research integrated with
education. Caltech investigates the most
challenging, fundamental problems in science
and technology in a singularly collegial,
interdisciplinary atmosphere, while educating
outstanding students to become creative
members of society.
Caltech is organized into six academic divisions,
each led by a division chair. The divisions are:
biology, chemistry and chemical engineering, engineering and applied science, geological and
planetary sciences, humanities and social sciences, and physics, mathematics and astronomy.
Caltech offers 25 majors for undergraduates as well as a wide range of interdisciplinary
programs. Graduate programs include Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, and BS/MS,
with the majority of students in the PhD program. Enrollment in 2012 included 978
undergraduate and 1,253 graduate students.
In addition to its prestigious on‐campus research programs, Caltech operates such renowned
off‐campus facilities as the W.M. Keck Observatory, the Palomar Observatory, and the Jet
Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Established by Caltech professor Theodore Von Kármán in the
1930s, JPL is now a NASA center staffed and managed by Caltech. With over 30 active
missions, JPL is the leading center for robotic exploration of the universe.
In 2011 and 2012, Caltech was named #1 on the Times Higher Education ranking of the world’s
top universities; the publication noted that Caltech’s faculty has the highest citation rate in the
world. U.S. News and World Report ranked Caltech as the 5th best university in the United
States, and its 2011 rankings of graduate schools gave Caltech top billing in chemistry, earth
sciences, and physics.
Caltech has a faculty driven culture. The Institute’s faculty members are among the best assets
that can be utilized in marketing the Institute and developing philanthropic support; faculty are
willing to be of service to the Institute but historically have been underutilized in development.
DIR seeks to more effectively partner with faculty and engage them as colleagues in promoting
the Institute. Strategically leveraging this highly accomplished and engaging body will be one
of the keys to future fundraising success.
The Institute’s Board-approved fiscal year 2012 operating budget was $557 million and the
endowment is currently valued at $1.8 billion. In FY 2011, support for the Institute was over
$100 million dollars in total private cash, gifts and grants. Caltech has 22,865 living alumni.
The Institute is governed by a privately appointed 46‐member Board of Trustees who serve
five‐year terms.
3
Caltech’s Physics, Math and Astronomy researchers explore the universe—from today back to
the Big Bang, and from the scale of the cosmos to the scales of atoms, electrons, strings, and
quantum foam. Beginning with Richard Feynman 50 years ago, PMA scientists have been at
the forefront of fundamental discoveries at the interface of physics, quantum information and
cosmology and are recognized world leaders in their fields. Caltech has the interdisciplinary
approach, vision, and scholarship to lead this research area for the decades to come. The
division pursues a vision of this magnitude by attracting outstanding people, creating
conditions that facilitate discovery, and encouraging high-risk, high-reward work focused on
fundamental challenges. PMA faculty and alumni are well known for their top discoveries and
important distinctions. Faculty and alumni have won 14 Nobel Prizes, 16 National Medals of
Science, 3 Crafoord Prizes and a Fields Medal.
For more information about Caltech please visit www.Caltech.edu
The Role of the Senior Director for Development
The Senior Director of Development for the Division of Physics, Math and Astronomy is
responsible for raising current-use and capital commitments in campaign and non-campaign
environments from a diverse constituency. The Senior Director also will personally manage a
select portfolio of donors and volunteers.
The Senior Director will need to understand how to work in an environment of high intensity
but staying calm under pressure. This person will need to work from a place of authenticity and
no ego. It is imperative that person have a strong interest in science and engineering. They
need to have had a track record of creatively accessing opportunities across campus and
working collaboratively.
This person will need to build a close bond with the Division Chair and the faculty. Creating
best practices in development and setting the example. It will be important that the new Senior
Director have intelligence and a commitment to learn more about Caltech initiatives and goals.
They will need to be bright and engaged and understand truly what makes Caltech special. The
Senior Director will help the Division Chair significantly increase the resources it commits to the
fundraising efforts.
Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership
The Senior Director will:
Manage a select portfolio of prospects capable of making comprehensive gifts of seven
figures or more in support of Caltech and the Physics, Math and Astronomy institutional
priorities, developing prospect strategy, soliciting gifts, and stewarding donors.
Be in charge of prospect strategy; offer new approaches and techniques; and seek to
provide creative solutions to complex solicitations. Keep current with evolving trends in
philanthropy.
4
Coordinate leadership giving prospect management sessions, and assist directly with
cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
Earn reputation as good citizen of Caltech and the department of Development and
Institute Relations (DIR). Helping enhance on DIR's mission to build strong lifelong
relationships with Caltech’s constituents, match donors' interests with the Institute’s
needs and priorities, and secure the financial resources that will enable Caltech to
continue to achieve excellence in research, teaching, and scholarship.
In addition, the Senior Director will partner with the Assistant Vice President for
Development to advance several programmatic objectives. Ensuring consistent highquality relationship building activities that identify donor passions and connect to
Caltech's vision and emerging priorities. Also, supporting and enhancing a robust datadriven fundraising environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Personal Qualifications and Personal Qualities
Among the many opportunities the new Senior Director will have to succeed, the following
represent some of those by which her or his performance will be judged during the first few
years of her or his tenure. They are presented here in no particular order of importance.
Ability to motivate and inspire strong individual contributors while simultaneously
creating an esprit de corps among all staff;
Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills with demonstrated
fundraising experience;
Knowledge of gift-planning vehicles and techniques;
Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work across a complex organization, and
to tolerate and address ambiguity appropriately;
Ability to work both independently and as part of multiple teams, and to encourage and
support both individuals and groups of people;
Keen judgment to know when to act decisively and when to seek consensus, and then
to have the ability to respond accordingly;
Demonstrated commitment to working with and motivating a diverse range of people;
Strong team builder with sense of humor that includes ability to laugh at self;
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, and to deal with
internal conflict in ways that lead to enhanced teamwork;
5
Bachelor’s degree with preference for advanced degree or experience that enhances
management skills;
10+ years of progressively responsible experience in a complex college or university
development operation with a proven record of successful fundraising and effective
supervisory responsibilities;
Deep understanding of and appreciation for the philanthropic process and individual
giving behaviors combined with direct solicitation experience;
Demonstrated experience soliciting and closing seven-figure gifts;
Demonstrated experience working with senior administrators, trustees and top
volunteers;
Stellar team-building skills evidenced through professional references from peers,
subordinates and supervisors;
Comprehensive campaign experience; and
Demonstrated integrity.
6
Procedure for Candidacy
Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Review of applications will continue until
the position is filled. Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae or resume, a letter of
application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Position
Specification, and the names and contact information of five references. References will not be
contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. These materials should be sent
electronically via e-mail to California Institute of Technology’s consultants Jon Derek Croteau,
Ed.D. and Mercedes C. Vance at: CaltechDevPhysics@wittkieffer.com. Documents that must be
mailed may be sent to Witt/Kieffer, 2015 Spring Road, Suite 510, Oak Brook, IL 60523. The
consultants can be reached by telephone at 630/575-6154.
Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an Affirmative Action Program. It
is the policy of the institute that all qualified faculty, student employees, staff and applicants for
employment shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring,
placement, transfer and promotion decisions will be made on the basis of an individual's
qualifications for the position being filled regardless of race, color, religion, national origin,
ancestry, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disability
(including AIDS/HIV) or whether the individual is a protected veteran. All other terms and
conditions of employment, such as assignments, compensation, evaluations, benefits, layoffs,
terminations, and training (including apprenticeship and tuition assistance) are governed by this
policy. Personnel actions will be reviewed to ensure adherence to this policy.
The material presented in this position specification should be relied on for informational
purposes only. This material has been copied, compiled, or quoted in part from California
Institute of Technology documents and personal interviews and is believed to be reliable. While
every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the original source
documents and factual situations govern.
7
Appendix I
Pasadena, California
Pasadena is alive and growing. Our downtown is
exciting, energetic, and inviting. Our
neighborhoods are welcoming and thriving. You
can enjoy the elegance of the 1940s era while
shopping at Macy’s. Tiffany and Co. can dazzle you
with exquisite jewelry. Vroman’s Bookstore is an
icon among independent booksellers. Pacific Sales
can amaze you with the latest in kitchen
technology. A walk through any of our historic
residential neighborhoods makes you feel like you
are strolling through a bygone era.
Though compact, comfortable and safe, Pasadena has everything a big city can provide. Our
business community is vibrant. Our cultural life is varied and engaging. Our downtown is
exciting and alive. Our neighborhoods are safe, comfortable and scenic. And then there’s the
Rose Parade® and Rose Bowl® Game.
The Crown City has something for everyone. Visitors can find world class museums, galleries,
and performances. Pasadena offers top notch professional performances including the
Pasadena Playhouse, Theatre at Boston Court, and A Noise Within. Those seeking musical
entertainment can find the Pasadena Symphony at the Civic Auditorium and the Pasadena POPS
on the lawn in front of the Rose Bowl, as well as nightclubs specializing in jazz, rock, and hip
hop. A range of fine arts is available at museums as diverse as the Pacific Asia Museum, the
Williamson Gallery at Art Center College of Design and the Huntington Library, Art Museums,
and Botanical Gardens.
Our architecture represents the best of the 19th, 20th,
and 21st centuries, from the recently restored City
Hall, the Rose Bowl, and the Central Library to the
famed Greene and Greene designed ultimate
bungalows and homes designed by Frank Lloyd
Wright, Conrad Buff, Paul Williams, and Myron Hunt.
Craftsman-era neighborhoods are scattered
throughout Pasadena, along with newer buildings by
internationally known designers and architects, all
comprising the unique environment that is Pasadena.
Shoppers can choose from trendy boutiques,
internationally renowned retailers, traditional stores, national chains, uniquely Pasadena stores,
and two of the best swap meets in the country. Dining opportunities are available to satisfy
every palate and meet every budget. Pasadena also offers a comprehensive range of
recreational facilities for those seeking outdoor and indoor opportunities.
8
A short drive or cab ride will take you to world class museums, gardens, and theaters where
you can see masterworks, hear great music, or see world premiere performances – all in
Pasadena. In a single day, a visitor to Pasadena can see Thomas Gainsborough’s Blue Boy at
the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, visit the Wrigley Mansion, home
of Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Association, hear our world renowned Pasadena Symphony
perform Beethoven’s Eroica, and finish the evening off with a late dinner and dancing at Villa
Sorriso. Regardless of your budget, you can find terrific entertainment, cultural, and dining
experiences in Pasadena.
The Gold Line light rail makes it easy for anyone to travel within Pasadena quickly and
conveniently for less than it costs to park a car for two hours. It is also only a twenty-five
minute trip on the light rail to downtown Los Angeles.
9
Witt/Kieffer is the preeminent executive search firm that identifies outstanding
leadership solutions for organizations committed to improving the quality of life.
The firm’s values are infused with a passion for excellence, personalized service
and integrity.