"Director of Development for the College of Education"

Job Details

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Executive Director of Development, the Director of Development for the Connie L. Lurie College of Education develops and executes strategies to secure philanthropic support for San José State University fundraising priorities identified by the University’s leadership in collaboration with the Office of Development in the Division of University Advancement. Responsibilities include but are not limited to identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals capable of giving major gifts to the University. In support of these efforts, the Director of Development initiates, maintains and strengthens close working relationships with key academic leaders, campus administrators, various stakeholders, and University Advancement colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned prospect portfolio of key individuals supporting university fundraising priorities.
• Coordinate with Prospect Research team to expand and enhance a prospect pipeline that aligns with university and campaign priorities.
• Actively manage a portfolio of donors and prospects with annual goals for personal visits and fundraising outcomes based on established metrics.
• Develop and execute sound strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift prospects and donors – initiate contact, develop appropriate cultivation plans, and move individuals in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure.
• Present and regularly review top prospect strategies and immediate supervisor and other key team members as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with the leadership of colleges and units, key university administrators and other stakeholders, offering them counsel on donor-centric cultivation and solicitation strategy, as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with peers in Major Gifts as well as colleagues in Annual Giving, Planned Giving, Principal Gifts and Corporate and Foundation Relations.
• Work with volunteer leadership, providing direction and support in maximizing the College of Education's major gift fundraising potential.
• Focus on securing funding for designated priorities, including academic programs, endowed chairs and professorships, scholarships, unrestricted support, facility renovations, new facilities, and other specified priorities.
• Collaborate with stewardship colleagues with donor stewardship efforts, particularly pertaining to assigned college/unit/project and help promote a culture of philanthropy among internal and external constituents.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to identify donors and close gifts of six and seven figures
• Ability to navigate the institution/college and make the appropriate match for donor interests
• Ability to engage and support volunteer leadership with their efforts in fundraising, consultation, and advocacy
• Skill in networking and opening doors as well as developing donor-centric cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Deep appreciation and understanding of the academic enterprise and the ability to articulate academic values internally and externally
• Strong verbal communication and strong writing skills and the ability to work as part of a collaborative team
• Unquestionable integrity and commitment to professional ethics
• High level of initiative, attention to detail and organizational skills
• Skillful in successfully managing multiple projects on tight deadlines and under pressure in a dynamic and open environment
• Ability to define problems, gather data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite and ability to utilize fundraising database programs, and learn new tech platforms for project management
• Demonstrate spirit of flexibility and strong customer service ethic
• Knowledge of clear, audience-appropriate communication practices for students, faculty, staff and external partners
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising
• Experience developing donor-centric solicitation strategies leading to closing major gifts
• Evidence of strong written communication skills; demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing donor- (or client) centric solicitation strategies leading to closing major gifts (or accounts)
• Fundraising experience in a capital or comprehensive campaign setting, preferably at an institution of higher education
• Experience engaging and supporting volunteer leadership in their fundraising efforts
• Experience in a K-12 education and/or related field(s)

Compensation

Classification: Administrator II
Anticipated Hiring Salary: $10,167/month
CSU Salary Range: $4,812/month - $15,449/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: September 23, 2025 through October 6, 2025. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252