Senior Director of Development, University Initiatives (Administrator II)

Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Senior Director of Development, University Initiatives, to lead efforts in securing transformational philanthropic support for university-wide priorities. Part of the new University Initiatives team, this position will report to the Executive Director of Development for University Initiatives. This role focuses on building meaningful partnerships with alumni, community members, current donors, campus leaders, and external stakeholders to advance SDSU's mission through principal-level gifts and high-impact initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Principal Gift Fundraising & Donor Engagement
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal-level donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
  • Build and manage a high-level portfolio focused on gifts of $1M+ in support of university initiatives.
  • Evaluate giving opportunities and recommend strategies aligned with donor interests and institutional priorities.
• Strategy & Collaboration
  • Partner with campus leadership, faculty, and development colleagues to advance fundraising priorities and initiatives.
  • Contribute to principal gift strategy discussions, leadership meetings, and cross-campus initiatives.
• Representation & Relationship Management
  • Represent SDSU at donor meetings, events, and key internal and external engagements.
  • Strengthen relationships with alumni, community leaders, and partners to expand philanthropic support.
  • Ensure all fundraising activities align with CSU, SDSU, and foundation policies and best practices.

Why Join Us?

• Make a transformational impact - Play a leading role in securing major philanthropic investments that shape the future of SDSU and its students.
• Work at a top-tier institution - Join a nationally recognized development program committed to innovation, equity, and student success.
• Collaborative leadership environment - Partner with visionary campus leaders, faculty, and a dynamic development team to drive meaningful change.
• Engage a powerful network - Build relationships with a global community of more than 500,000 alumni, donors, 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 and attend off-campus appointments and events; occasional evening and weekend work, including duties outside of normal work hours, will be required.)
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 2 days per week with onsite work in San Diego.

Department Summary

University Relations and Development (URAD) shares the university's vision and mission underscored in the 2020 five-year strategic plan. The plan identifies five strategic priorities including: Becoming a Premier Public Research University: A New Kind of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI); Resilience. Designed to Thrive; We Are SDSU; Equity and Inclusion in Everything We Do; and Students at Our Core.

Units of URAD work together to create enduring relationships with alumni, parents, donors, students and the community to generate private support for SDSU students, faculty and a diverse number of programs. URAD handles a range of services encompassing stewardship, events, gift administration, communications and more. The departments of Development, SDSU Alumni, Planned and Annual Giving, Special Events and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Financial Management, Data Management, Prospect Research and Management and Operations are making a tangible difference in the lives of more than 40,000 students.

Our fundraising success can be credited to the university's goal of building a world-class university campus, research center, and multi-use stadium in Mission Valley to serve higher education, the public good, and the community's goals and aspirations.

SDSU has been recognized several times for its exceptional development program by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). With the support of loyal donors and in collaboration with SDSU's visionary faculty and staff, the university cultivates lifelong relationships with more than 500,000 alumni, friends, and community members- advancing SDSU's mission for generations to come.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a minimum of ten (10) years of major gifts fundraising or closely related experience managing high-value, relationship-based revenue portfolios. Success in major gift fundraising (1,000,000+) that demonstrates an ability to align strategy development/implementation with pre-approved goals/priorities. Fundraising experience within a large, complex university or nonprofit organization.

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.
• A high degree of commitment to higher education and philanthropy and the ability to articulate a compelling case for annual support of a public institution of higher education.
• Demonstrated transferable skills from related advancement or relationship-based development roles.
• Demonstrated success participating in or contributing to comprehensive or capital campaigns is preferred.
• Experience with Planned Giving Programs is preferred.
• An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.