Development Specialist (Advancement Professional II)

CSU Careers • San Diego, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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

The position is full-time, permanent/probationary, and benefits eligible. It is exempt from FLSA overtime compensation. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary with operational needs. The employee must be available to travel and attend events or perform duties on and off campus outside regular hours, including weekends as needed. Telecommuting is available up to three days per week after a training period that requires on-site presence.

The position requires education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional relevant experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, and an advanced degree in a related field may substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis. A valid California driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, is required.

The CSU salary range is $5,274–$7,684 per month (Step 1–Step 20). Initial placement is not expected to exceed Step 1 ($5,274 per month), subject to qualifications, experience, budget, and equity guidelines. Benefits include paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, CalPERS retirement, medical, dental and vision coverage, a CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents, and optional insurance and other plans.

Requirements

• Education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience; additional relevant experience may substitute for required education year for year.
• An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for required experience year for year.
• 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.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, administrative skills, 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, 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 higher education or a 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, nonprofit development, advisory board coordination, membership management, stakeholder engagement, donor communications, stewardship, event coordination, prospect research, fundraising reporting, data analysis, administrative operations, budget tracking, process improvement, or supporting senior leadership and managing multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operations and engagement activities for 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 acknowledgment, recognition, and stewardship activities 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 opportunities for engagement and stewardship.
• 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 coverage 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