Director of Development, Major Gifts

CSU Careers•Fullerton, CA

23h

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, Major Gifts (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. Under the direction of the Assistant Vice President of College and Program Development and in partnership with the Vice President of Student Affairs/Strategic Enrollment Management (SA/SEM) and the Vice President of Human Resources and Inclusive Excellence (HRIE), the Director of Development, Major Gifts will support fundraising activities consistent with the priorities of the Vice President for University Advancement and the University. The Director of Development will be an integral part of the major gift development team. We seek a motivated individual who will lead major gift and development efforts on behalf of the divisions of SA/SEM and HRIE. Direct strategy and execution of a multimillion-dollar fundraising plan in coordination with cabinet-level Vice Presidents, responsibilities include strategic individual, foundation, and corporate fundraising, donor and alumni engagement, development events, communications, stewardship, and prospect management responsibilities. As a frontline major gift officer, the Director will manage all aspects of the donor lifecycle – qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship while also providing counsel and expertise to programs and administrators. With a portfolio of approximately 125 prospects, this leader will champion a culture of philanthropy while collaborating with university programs across disciplines to align private support for long-term impact. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field is required, along with a minimum of 4–5 years of demonstrated success in direct major gift fundraising.
The candidate must have the ability to solicit and secure gifts of at least $25,000 and 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 to build and maintain effective relationships across the organization and with external constituencies.
Experience in planning and executing meaningful donor events is required, as is an understanding of university culture and the ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and volunteers.
The role also requires local travel to meet with prospective donors, proficiency with general office equipment and Windows-based computer systems, and knowledge of annual campaigns, corporate and foundation philanthropy, and digital fundraising.
Additionally, the candidate must be able 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.
CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.
Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience working as a fundraising officer in higher education is preferred, along with experience in principal and planned giving.
The ideal candidate will also have experience collaborating with volunteer groups and supporting fundraising campaigns.

Responsibilities

Support fundraising activities consistent with the priorities of the Vice President for University Advancement and the University.
Lead major gift and development efforts on behalf of the divisions of SA/SEM and HRIE.
Direct strategy and execution of a multimillion-dollar fundraising plan in coordination with cabinet-level Vice Presidents, responsibilities include strategic individual, foundation, and corporate fundraising, donor and alumni engagement, development events, communications, stewardship, and prospect management responsibilities.
Manage all aspects of the donor lifecycle – qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship while also providing counsel and expertise to programs 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.