Development Specialist (2 Positions)

CSU Careers•San José, CA

About The Position

The Development Specialists provide comprehensive operational support to the Development and Corporate and Foundation fundraising teams. The position conducts research and analysis related to donor engagement, donations, advancement and philanthropy trends, and best practices, and develops and implements fundraising support steps. It may monitor project timelines, calendars, and deliverables for multiple advancement projects and create reports. The role uses donor management systems for fact-checking and accurate data entry, and interacts with donors and university partners alongside development officers. Additional work may include meeting and event logistics and stewardship. Overall, the position supports donor relationship building by handling office and operational requirements so fundraisers can focus on their work. The role also supports prospect management, proposal and grant processes, fundraising performance tracking, team coordination, donor inquiries, records management, and meetings across Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) and Development. It collaborates with colleagues across Advancement, academic and administrative departments, and campus offices.

Requirements

Education equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field.
Two years of relevant experience. Additional experience demonstrating the required 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 the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Ability to communicate with constituents professionally and respectfully.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Initiative, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects on tight deadlines and under pressure in a dynamic environment.
Ability to define problems, gather data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite, ability to use fundraising database programs, and ability to learn new technology platforms for project management.
Working knowledge and understanding of advancement principles and current best practices.
Ability to apply judgment independently to resolve non-standard problems and issues, including interpreting applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines.
Analytical and organizational skills to plan, organize, and prioritize fundraising campaigns or events within time and budget constraints.
Communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate multiple stakeholder relationships and guide the development of appropriate fundraising and promotional materials.
Knowledge of event planning and fundraising principles and processes.
Customer service and public relations skills.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information responsibly and discreetly.
General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices.
Skill in networking and ability to be flexible.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
SJSU alumni status.
Two years of experience working in higher education or nonprofit organizations.
Experience demonstrating attention to detail, including calendar management and data entry.

Responsibilities

Prepare contact reports, briefing materials, gift summaries, prospect research materials, and other documents to support fundraising activity.
Coordinate department calendars, team meetings, and schedules for fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and events.
Manage and update development operational handbooks.
Provide onboarding support for new staff.
Update the development opportunities calendar.
Work with development officers to track deadlines, follow-up items, proposals, solicitations, and stewardship commitments.
Assist with prospect management, portfolio reports, and development performance tracking.
Prepare and enter standardized institutional content into online funding request and proposal submission platforms.
Steward grant proposals through required signatures and completion requirements.
Collaborate with colleagues across Advancement, academic and administrative departments, and campus offices.
Respond professionally to questions from donors, alumni, parents, campus partners, and members of the public.
Answer ad hoc questions about the status of gifts, invoices, or other inquiries.
Maintain accurate records, assist with data entry and reporting, and ensure compliance with data management policies and procedures.
Manage CFR invoice processes with donors, fundraisers, and gift records from start to completion in a timely manner.
Support the planning and execution of CFR and Development meetings, including team, group, and individual meetings, by coordinating logistics and preparing materials.
Conduct research and analysis related to donor engagement, donations, advancement and philanthropy best practices, and emerging trends.
Monitor project timelines, calendars, and deliverables for advancement projects and create reports as needed.
Assist with meeting and event logistics and stewardship efforts as needed.