Director of Development, Humanities and Social Sciences

CSU Careers•Fullerton, CA

23h•Onsite

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 department of College and Program Development within the Division of University Advancement generates financial support for Cal State Fullerton, benefiting each of the eight colleges, Student Affairs, Titan Athletics, the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton, and the Pollak Library. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Director of Development, Humanities and Social Sciences (Administrator II). This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, purpose-driven team and help fuel the next chapter of impact in one of Southern California’s most dynamic communities. 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 in a related field.
A minimum of 4–5 years of demonstrated success in direct major gift fundraising.
Ability to solicit and secure gifts of at least $25,000.
Demonstrate a strong capacity to develop and implement persuasive cultivation strategies that strengthen the giving pipeline.
Advanced written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills are essential for building and maintaining effective relationships across the organization and with external constituencies.
Experience in planning and executing meaningful donor events is required.
Understanding of university culture and the ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and volunteers.
Local travel to meet with prospective donors.
Proficiency with general office equipment and Microsoft-based computer systems.
Knowledge of annual campaigns, corporate and foundation philanthropy, and digital fundraising.
Ability to design and implement effective donor stewardship strategies.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment.
Must be available to support and work at the university’s annual commencement ceremonies.

Nice To Haves

Experience working as a fundraising officer in higher education.
Experience in principal and planned giving.
Experience collaborating with faculty and academic leadership, supporting fundraising campaigns.

Responsibilities

Support fundraising activities consistent with the priorities of the Vice President for University Advancement and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS).
Be an integral part of the major gift development team, leading major gift development efforts and direct strategy and execution of a multimillion-dollar fundraising plan in coordination with the College Dean.
Strategic individual, foundation, and corporate fundraising.
Donor and alumni engagement.
Development events.
Communications.
Stewardship.
Prospect management.
Manage all aspects of the donor lifecycle – qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Provide counsel and expertise to faculty and administrators.
Champion a culture of philanthropy while collaborating with university programs across disciplines to align private support for long-term impact.
Other duties as assigned.