Director of Development and Community Engagement

Saint Mary's College of California•Moraga, CA

About The Position

Saint Mary’s College of California is seeking a Director of Development and Community Engagement. This role reports to the Vice President for Advancement and is responsible for developing and implementing fundraising, partnership, and community engagement strategies on behalf of the President and the College. The Director will represent the College in strategic external relationships and serve as a key liaison between the institution and community, civic, governmental, and philanthropic stakeholders. The College is a residential institution rooted in the Catholic, Lasallian, and Liberal Arts traditions, known for academic excellence, innovation, and responsiveness, fostering shared inquiry, meaningful student engagement, and a strong commitment to diversity, leadership, and service. Employees at Saint Mary's work collaboratively, and their contributions directly shape the student experience and the future direction of the institution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, external relations, sales, community engagement, governmental relations, or related field.
Demonstrated success in building strategic partnerships that result in tangible outcomes.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated success cultivating and securing major gifts and managing high-level external relationships.
Relationship builder with strong emotional intelligence.
Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.
Skilled communicator and storyteller.
Deep appreciation for mission-driven work and community impact.
Initiative, adaptability, and sound judgment.
Ability to influence and build trust with senior institutional leaders, donors, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to operate independently while advancing complex strategic initiatives.
Valid driver’s license required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, nonprofit advancement, governmental relations, or mission-driven organizations preferred.
Familiarity with Catholic/Lasallian educational values preferred.
Experience managing donor portfolios and using CRM systems preferred.
Experience supporting comprehensive fundraising campaigns and leadership giving initiatives preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with responsibility for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Secure leadership-level gifts in support of institutional priorities, including scholarships, academic programs, and strategic initiatives.
Partner with Advancement leadership to develop and execute fundraising strategies, including campaign and annual giving efforts.
Prepare compelling proposals, impact reports, and communications.
Maintain a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors with responsibility for achieving annual fundraising goals of approximately $1 million.
Independently cultivate, solicit, and close gifts ranging from $25,000 to $1 million or more in support of institutional priorities.
Play a significant role in campaign fundraising efforts and leadership gift strategies.
Develop and implement fundraising strategies aligned with institutional priorities and presidential initiatives.
Build and sustain relationships with local and regional community leaders, organizations, and partners that advance the College's mission.
Design and implement engagement strategies that deepen connections with alumni, parents, and community stakeholders.
Identify opportunities for collaboration that enhance visibility, reputation, and financial support.
Serve as a connector across campus and community, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
Represent the College on external boards and committees that advance the mission.
Serve as the College's representative with the Town of Moraga, City of Walnut Creek, East Bay Leadership Council, Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce, state and federal elected officials, and other strategic community partners.
Develop and implement community engagement strategies that support fundraising outcomes, institutional visibility, mission advancement, and presidential priorities.
Represent the College in civic, governmental, and community partnerships that enhance institutional reputation and strategic influence.
Collaborate on and support key engagement events, including donor gatherings, community forums, and mission-driven programs.
Represent the College at community and regional events, strengthening its presence and reputation.
Leverage internal and external events as strategic tools for relationship-building and donor cultivation.
Develop strategic engagement opportunities that strengthen relationships with donors, community leaders, elected officials, and key stakeholders.
Work closely with colleagues across campus including those from Advancement, Alumni Engagement, Admissions, Career Services, and Academic Affairs.
Partner with faculty and campus leaders to align institutional needs with donor and community resources.
Contribute to a culture of collaboration, accountability, and mission-centered work within the Advancement team.
Provide strategic leadership and recommendations regarding institutional partnerships, fundraising opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.
Exercise independent judgment and decision-making authority in managing external relationships and advancing institutional priorities.
Manage assigned budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of College resources supporting development and engagement activities.