"Director of Development (Administrator I)"

Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Director of Development to support fundraising efforts that advance key university priorities. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, this role focuses on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts of $100,000 or more from individuals, corporations, and foundations in support of the Fowler College of Business and other university initiatives.

The Director of Development will build strong partnerships with faculty, administrators, alumni, and community leaders to identify philanthropic opportunities and develop meaningful donor relationships. Through strategic engagement and thoughtful stewardship, this role helps secure private support that enhances student success, faculty research, and innovative programs across the university.

Key Responsibilities:

Major Gift Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals, corporations, and foundations in support of SDSU priorities.
• Conduct donor meetings and cultivation visits to strengthen relationships and advance philanthropic opportunities.
• Prepare compelling proposals, grant requests, and case materials that communicate the impact of philanthropic support.
• Represent SDSU and University Development in a professional and engaging manner with internal and external partners.

Development Strategy and Collaboration

• Partner with faculty, academic leaders, and volunteers to identify philanthropic priorities and align fundraising strategies.
• Work closely with central development teams including prospect research, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and annual giving.
• Develop short- and long-term development strategies and fundraising plans in collaboration with leadership.
• Assist with advisory board engagement and development activities for assigned units.

Donor Stewardship and Relationship Management

• Steward donors across all levels within the assigned portfolio to strengthen long-term engagement and giving.
• Maintain accurate donor records and prospect activity within the university's development CRM system.
• Coordinate donor communications, acknowledgements, and stewardship initiatives.
• Attend university and donor engagement events, including occasional evenings or weekends.

Why Join Us?

At SDSU, philanthropy plays a critical role in shaping the future of a vibrant public research university and a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution. As part of University Relations and Development, you will help build lasting relationships with alumni, friends, and partners who believe in expanding access to education and driving innovation.

By joining our team, you will contribute to a collaborative development program recognized for its impact and excellence while helping advance opportunities for more than 40,000 students and a global network of over 500,000 alumni and supporters.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs (Ability to travel for off-campus appointments and events, including occasional evening and weekend commitments).
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 3 days per week, with onsite work in San Diego.

Education and Experience

A bachelor's degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. In addition, a minimum of five (5) years of major gifts fundraising or closely related experience managing high-value, relationship-based revenue portfolios is required, along with demonstrated success closing high-value, relationship-based commitments of $100,000 or more, either as a one-time gift or cumulatively over a five-year period, preferably in a philanthropic setting.

Key Qualifications

• Proven experience in all facets of development including gift administration, gift acceptance, prospect management, research, annual giving, volunteer management, and communications.
• Demonstrated success as a development professional in a donor-centered fundraising environment.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving organizational setting.
• Demonstrated success in providing volunteer leadership.
• Ability to interpret biographical, corporate, and foundation information.
• Ability to represent the university and development division professionally to internal and external constituencies.
• Preferred: Experience in fundraising within a large, complex university or nonprofit organization, including participation in comprehensive or capital campaigns.
• Preferred: Experience with planned giving programs or related advancement and relationship-based development work.
• Preferred: Demonstrated commitment to higher education and philanthropy, with the ability to articulate a compelling case for philanthropic support of a public institution of higher education.
• Preferred: Advanced degree in a related field.

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid California Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $100,000 to $110,000 annually.