Director, Annual Giving and Stewardship

California State University•Fullerton, CA

About The Position

California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a community dedicated to advancing student achievement, career success, and economic mobility. The office of Central Development within the Division of University Advancement is dedicated to increasing community, tradition, and contributions to the University by working together with the campus community. A strong foundation of supporters is essential to enhancing academic innovation, empowering students, transforming campus structures, and enriching the community. Through gifts large and small, Cal State Fullerton elevates the potential of our remarkable students. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Director, Annual Giving and Stewardship (Administrator II). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude, an active, energetic mind, and a leadership style that is characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university is required, along with four or more years of experience in development with a focus on annual giving.
The ideal candidate will have experience managing and motivating teams, as well as exemplary interpersonal and written communication skills.
A proven track record of successfully soliciting donors, managing relationships, and engaging volunteers is essential.
The role also requires proficiency in digital technology, design tools, and advancement platforms, along with thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Additionally, the candidate must have experience working with sensitive and confidential information.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment.
A valid California driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Comprehensive knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards in a higher education setting.
The ideal candidate will have experience developing complex, segmented fundraising and stewardship campaigns that effectively engage multiple constituent groups through strategic messaging, creativity, and diverse communication channels.
Strong collaboration skills are essential, with the ability to contribute as a team member while also working independently across varied constituencies.
The role calls for a flexible work style that can adapt to evolving needs and trends, along with a strong work ethic, self-motivation, discipline, and personal integrity.
The candidate must also demonstrate the ability to assess needs, develop solutions, and inspire others to take action, as well as a clear commitment to the mission of Cal State Fullerton and its culture of philanthropy.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Central Development, the Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship is responsible for growing and cultivating a broad pipeline of alumni, parents, friends, and other constituencies to meet and exceed unit goals to sustain giving and engagement.
The Director will manage a team of professionals to create and execute an array of annual giving activities, stewardship strategies using traditional and innovative methods.
With the Central Development leadership team, creates and implements strategies to measure and increase engagement, lead generation, acquisition of donors and grow leadership giving pipeline through effective cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Manages the team’s plans, goals, and priorities; research, develop, and executes a comprehensive strategic plan, annual campaigns, and a schedule of year-round solicitation activities.
Manage the President’s office high-level donor stewardship plan, including communication to first-time major gift donors, annual holiday cards, and the President’s Winter holiday celebration event.
Oversee the Vice President of University Advancement’s office stewardship activities based on major gift strategy.
Manages allocation of and oversight of state and foundation budgets to effectively execute unit strategies and tactics.
In addition, the Director partners effectively with key colleagues within University Advancement and across campus.
Other duties as assigned.