Associate Director of Development, University Advancement

California State University San Marcos•San Marcos, CA

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director of Development plays a critical role in advancing the University’s fundraising priorities by strategically managing a comprehensive donor pipeline. This position is responsible for the full lifecycle of donor engagement including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities. It requires exceptional time management and organizational skills to effectively prioritize and move prospects through each stage while maintaining momentum across a diverse portfolio. Success in this role depends on strong communication abilities to clearly articulate the University’s mission and impact while building trust and meaningful relationships with a broad range of constituents. A key focus of the position is frontline fundraising with a special focus on gifts requiring demonstrated success across both annual giving and major giving, in the $5k-$25k+ range. The Associate Director applies strategic thinking to assess donor readiness, align opportunities with institutional priorities, and move prospects thoughtfully from initial engagement to major gift consideration. This work is grounded in a disciplined approach to planning and execution, supported by a strong work ethic and a commitment to achieving measurable results that contribute to divisional and university wide fundraising goals. The role also emphasizes the use of data informed strategies to guide decision making and portfolio management. By analyzing donor trends, engagement metrics, and giving patterns, the Associate Director develops targeted approaches that enhance effectiveness and maximize philanthropic outcomes. This analytical mindset, combined with sound judgment and adaptability, ensures that efforts remain focused, efficient, and aligned with evolving institutional needs. Collaboration is central to the success of this position, as the Associate Director works closely with internal partners and external stakeholders to maximize philanthropic opportunities. The ability to effectively engage, influence, and coordinate with colleagues, donors, and community members is essential to building a strong culture of philanthropy. Through these efforts, the Associate Director advances the University’s mission and upholds its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, fostering an environment where philanthropy supports broad and meaningful institutional impact.

Requirements

Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
Strong communication abilities.
Demonstrated success in annual giving and major giving.
Strategic thinking.
Disciplined approach to planning and execution.
Strong work ethic.
Commitment to achieving measurable results.
Analytical mindset.
Sound judgment and adaptability.
Ability to effectively engage, influence, and coordinate with others.

Responsibilities

Manage a comprehensive donor pipeline, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Prioritize and move prospects through each stage of engagement.
Articulate the University’s mission and impact to build relationships with constituents.
Focus on frontline fundraising, particularly for gifts in the $5k-$25k+ range.
Assess donor readiness and align opportunities with institutional priorities.
Develop targeted approaches based on donor trends, engagement metrics, and giving patterns.
Collaborate with internal partners and external stakeholders to maximize philanthropic opportunities.
Engage, influence, and coordinate with colleagues, donors, and community members.