Associate Director of Development, University Advancement

CSU Careers • San Marcos, CA

7d

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. The position oversees the full donor-engagement lifecycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, and prioritizes prospects to keep them moving through each stage.

The role focuses on frontline fundraising, with an emphasis on gifts in the $5,000–$25,000+ range and demonstrated success in both annual and major giving. The Associate Director assesses donor readiness, aligns giving opportunities with institutional priorities, and guides prospects from initial engagement toward major-gift consideration. The position uses donor trends, engagement metrics, and giving patterns to inform decision-making and portfolio management, while collaborating with internal partners, donors, and community members to advance the University’s fundraising goals and mission.

This is a full-time, exempt Administrator I position in the Management Personnel Plan (MPP); MPP positions serve at the pleasure of the President. The anticipated hiring salary is $7,167–$7,334 per month, with salary commensurate with the selected candidate’s background and experience. The position is based at California State University San Marcos. Following a conditional offer, satisfactory completion of a background check is required before employment begins. The position is also subject to mandated-reporter requirements and the CSU Conflict of Interest Code.

Requirements

• Strong communication abilities to articulate the University’s mission and impact and build trust and meaningful relationships with a broad range of constituents.
• Exceptional time-management and organizational skills to prioritize work and manage a diverse portfolio.
• A strong work ethic and disciplined approach to planning and execution.
• Sound judgment and adaptability.
• Ability to analyze donor trends, engagement metrics, and giving patterns to guide strategies and portfolio management.
• Ability to effectively engage, influence, and coordinate with colleagues, donors, and community members.
• The position requires compliance with mandated-reporter requirements and the CSU Conflict of Interest Code, including filing Conflict of Interest forms.

Responsibilities

• Manage a comprehensive donor pipeline through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Prioritize and move prospects through each stage of donor engagement while maintaining momentum across a diverse portfolio.
• Conduct frontline fundraising, emphasizing annual and major gifts in the $5,000–$25,000+ range.
• Assess donor readiness and align giving opportunities with institutional priorities.
• Move prospects thoughtfully from initial engagement to major-gift consideration.
• Use donor trends, engagement metrics, and giving patterns to inform decision-making and portfolio management.
• Collaborate with internal partners, donors, community members, and other stakeholders to maximize philanthropic opportunities.
• Contribute to divisional and university-wide fundraising goals and support the University’s mission and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Retirement through CalPERS
• Tuition waiver
• Vacation and sick leave
• 15 paid holidays per year, including 14 scheduled holidays and one Personal Holiday

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed