"Chief Development Officer, Foundation"

Full Job Description

Description

Two weeks prior to the deadline to submit applications, the diversity of current applicants will be assessed. Upon review, if the pool does not include sufficient diversity at that time, the application window may be extended.

The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time Chief Development Officer, Foundation in the Foundation.

Salary Placement:

This 12-month Classified Administrator position will be placed on Range 14 of the Administrator Salary Schedule ($11,421.00 – $11,766.00 per month). Step placement is based on experience. Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3 ($11,421.00, $11,594.00, or $11,766.00 per month) of this 20-step salary range.

All administrators are on an employment contract and exempt from overtime and compensatory time accumulation.

District Classified Administrator Benefits:

Full-time employees are provided with a diversified employee benefits program that includes sick time, vacation time, discretionary time, medical, dental and vision insurance including dependent coverage, disability and life insurance as well as Section 125 options. These benefits commence on the first of the month following date of hire. Professional development and educational incentive opportunities are provided to all classified administrative employees.

Classified employees contribute to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan through the State of California.

Who We Are:

The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, "Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses." These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences — fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success.

Who We Want:

We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.

Foundation Description:

The College of the Canyons Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation focused on the critically important role of raising and stewarding funds to support students and educational programs at the Santa Clarita Community College District.

The Foundation's total net assets as of June 30, 2023, were over $6 Million, an increase of 743% over the last 23 years. Public Support and Revenues exceed $2.8 Million. Focused and motivated, the staff and Foundation Board are a positive team of “can-do” professionals. The Foundation strengthens the work of the College through fundraising, investment management, stewardship of funds, and advocacy. The Foundation helps the District's students access high-quality college education and provides financial assistance for academic programs and faculty development.

Position Description:

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Foundation and working in collaboration with the College of the Canyons Foundation Board of Directors, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides leadership to all fundraising efforts of the Foundation and its advancement programs. The CDO serves as the senior fundraiser for the Santa Clarita Community College District, and oversees multiple programs to engage donors, alumni, and the community. The CDO works collaboratively with both internal and external individuals and organizations and is expected to develop a comprehensive fundraising program that encompasses all of the District's campuses and centers.

This position directs and supervises all Foundation fundraising efforts including: campaigns, annual giving, planned and deferred giving, corporate and foundation giving, the Foundation's scholarship program, alumni and corporate relations, and special fundraising campaigns and events. In the execution of these responsibilities, the CDO also works closely to help support special Trusts and committees of the Foundation.

The CDO is an employee of the Santa Clarita Community College District. The CDO provides leadership and management of a comprehensive fundraising and advancement program for the District and adheres to an annual budget for all assigned activities.

Example of Duties

Essential Duties:

• Develop and implement a robust strategic plan for fundraising in alignment with the College's goals.
• Create and manage a comprehensive development program that includes major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation support, annual campaigns, and other fundraising activities.
• Collaborate with the Foundation Board to establish revenue goals and devise strategies to achieve them.
• Cultivate and manage a portfolio of prospects and donors, including identifying, qualifying, and engaging major and planned gift prospects.
• Design and execute personalized strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to maximize contributions and donor satisfaction.
• Drive efforts to increase both the number and value of major gifts to the Foundation, setting and pursuing ambitious targets.
• Lead and coordinate with College administrators and faculty to identify fundraising priorities and opportunities.
• Foster partnerships and engage various campus community members in innovative fundraising strategies.
• Represent the College and Foundation at civic, business, and community events to build and enhance support.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community leaders, alumni, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and oversee programs to engage alumni, including regular communication through newsletters and other outreach efforts to strengthen their connection with the College.
• Oversee the development and execution of strategic and operational plans for the Foundation's fundraising activities.
• Manage an annual budget for all assigned fundraising activities and ensure financial targets are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Foundation's goals and objectives.

Demonstrated Knowledge and Abilities:

Position requires knowledge of:

• Expertise in planning, developing, marketing, and executing major fundraising and resource development programs specifically tailored for higher education institutions.
• Understanding of financial investment management techniques, regulations, and practices, including budget development, expenditure tracking, and financial record-keeping procedures.
• Proficiency in leadership techniques, strategic planning, resource allocation, staffing, and supervision to effectively guide teams and initiatives.
• Skills in analyzing complex data and using various methods to present statistical and technical information clearly and effectively.
• Expertise in operating computers and related software, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email applications.
• Knowledge of best practices for financial record-keeping and the ability to gather, organize, and present general and technical data.

Position requires ability to:

• Strengthen and execute the goals of a comprehensive community college foundation program, including managing revenue-generating campaigns and engaging with business and philanthropic communities.
• Provide effective leadership, prioritize projects, and drive strategic initiatives to achieve organizational objectives.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, to various audiences, including Foundation, College, and corporate boards, administrators, and community groups.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with the media to enhance the Foundation's visibility.
• Prepare and deliver compelling presentations to diverse audiences, including Foundation boards, College administrators, and business community groups.
• Forge and sustain effective partnerships between the College Foundation and community and industry leaders to advance the Foundation's mission.
• Develop and nurture relationships of trust with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff.

Qualities of a Successful Community College Leader:

Every administrator with the College is expected to be:

• Committed to Student Access, Engagement, and Success.
• Willing to take strategic risks related to student-oriented change.
• Capable of building strong teams.
• Motivated to establish urgency for improvement.
• Able to plan lasting internal change.
• Results-oriented, ensuring effective implementation, routine assessment of programs and continuous data-informed improvement.
• Effective at communicating and listening to foster strong relationships, shared priorities, and inspire trust and action.
• Considerate of fiscal responsibilities and sound operations.
• Dedicated to entrepreneurial fundraising that aligns to student access, engagement, and success goals.
• Effective in developing effective external partnerships to achieve broader aims for student success.
• A creative, innovative, energetic instructional leader; a technologically sophisticated professional who is skilled in various technology applications.
• A supporter of consistent and on-going professional development initiatives, in pursuit of the college's strategic goals.
• A fair-minded, ethical, and honest leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the courage and integrity to lead and accept responsibility.

Qualifications and Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

Experience: Four (4) full time equivalent years in a progressively responsible role with proven experience in fundraising and development, with a track record of successful major gift solicitation.

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent job-related work experience which may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities effectively.
• Experience with budget management and strategic planning in a nonprofit or educational setting is preferred.

Physical Characteristics: Position requires sitting and viewing a computer monitor for extended periods of time; reaching, bending, and stooping; frequently exert 10 to 20 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects; hearing to understand speech at normal levels, speaking to communicate and provide information to others; vision to read printed material and computer monitor. Travel from site-to-site to include other college districts as needed. In the event of an emergency, employees will be relied upon to serve as emergency service workers.

Further Details

Conditions of Employment: Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109. Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member. Board of Trustees approval. Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment. Ability to maintain a flexible workweek with hours that may vary, including evening and weekend assignments as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Santa Clarita Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified employees who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not unlawfully discriminate in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427.