Development Specialist (Advancement Professional II)

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA

3d • $5,274 - $7,684 • Hybrid

About The Position

San Diego State University is hiring a Development Specialist to support the philanthropic programs and donor relationships of the Fowler College of Business. Working with the college’s Development team, the position coordinates donor engagement, advisory board activities, stewardship initiatives, fundraising operations, communications, and data analysis. It supports eight philanthropic advisory boards and helps connect alumni, business leaders, and other supporters with the college’s programs and priorities.

The role manages advisory board membership and engagement, donor communications and recognition, prospect research and fundraising analysis, and development operations. It also supports gift and financial documentation, budgets, records, scheduling, and executive support, while collaborating with college leadership, faculty, development colleagues, and university partners.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, permanent/probationary position. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may vary with operational needs. The role may require travel and attendance at events or duties outside normal hours, including evenings and weekends, on and off campus. Telecommuting is available up to three days per week after an on-site training period.

Requirements

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience demonstrating acquired and successfully applied relevant knowledge and abilities may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis; an advanced degree in a related field may substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Ability to independently coordinate and administer advisory board engagement and activities.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements while managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to respond to internal and external constituents in a timely, efficient, and professional manner, with excellent follow-through.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong administrative and project coordination skills.
• Ability to represent SDSU, University Relations and Development, and The Campanile Foundation positively, demonstrating integrity and commitment to their missions.
• Experience providing administrative support to senior leaders and multiple individuals.
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office, including strong proficiency with Excel and Word.
• Ability and availability to travel and attend events or perform duties outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, both on and off campus.
• Valid California Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing or engaging with philanthropic advisory boards.
• Experience serving as a point of contact for donors, industry leaders, or prospective philanthropists, preferably in a higher education or nonprofit setting.
• Experience providing general office or administrative support in a higher education or nonprofit environment.
• Experience using CRM, donor, gift, or financial databases, managing expenditures against a budget, or preparing and interpreting financial reports.
• Experience in advancement, fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development.
• Experience with advisory board coordination, membership management, or stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with donor communications, stewardship, and event coordination.
• Experience with prospect research, fundraising reporting, or data analysis.
• Experience with CRM systems, donor databases, or financial reporting tools.
• Experience with administrative operations, budget tracking, and process improvement.
• Experience supporting senior leadership and managing multiple priorities.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or philanthropic environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the operations and engagement activities of the Fowler College of Business’s philanthropic advisory boards, including the Entrepreneurship Initiatives Advisory Board.
• Manage advisory board membership, onboarding, communications, dues tracking, and related administrative processes.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for advisory board members and work with board chairs, faculty, and development staff.
• Support board engagement strategies that strengthen relationships and philanthropic participation.
• Develop donor communications, outreach campaigns, newsletters, and engagement materials.
• Coordinate donor acknowledgments, recognition, and stewardship for annual and major gifts.
• Plan and support donor recognition events and engagement opportunities.
• Maintain donor relationships and coordinate follow-up with development staff and campus partners.
• Research prospective donors and analyze giving trends to support fundraising strategies and major gift pipeline development.
• Maintain donor and prospect information using CRM systems and research tools.
• Develop reports, track pledges and donor activity, and identify engagement and stewardship opportunities.
• Prepare gift agreements, fund documentation, and financial reports supporting development activities.
• Coordinate day-to-day development operations, including records management, scheduling, and executive support.
• Track budgets, expenses, purchasing, and financial documentation in accordance with university and foundation procedures.
• Support administrative processes and identify opportunities to improve development workflows and systems.
• Collaborate with college leadership, faculty, development colleagues, and university partners on fundraising initiatives.

Benefits

• 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal plans, and pet plans.
• Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level