Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship, University Advancement

California State University San Marcos • San Marcos, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Associate Vice President of Development, the Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship program designed to strengthen donor relationships, demonstrate the impact of philanthropy, and inspire continued investment in California State University San Marcos. The Director develops and implements innovative stewardship strategies that enhance the donor experience through meaningful engagement, personalized outreach, timely acknowledgment, impact reporting, recognition programs, and donor-centered communications. Working collaboratively across University Advancement and the university, the Director ensures donors experience exceptional stewardship at every stage of their philanthropic journey. Serving as a strategic partner to frontline development officers and leadership and annual giving program, the Director advances fundraising success by developing individualized stewardship plans for annual, major and principal gift donors, identifying meaningful engagement opportunities, and implementing scalable stewardship processes that deepen donor relationships and increase retention. The Director leads efforts to strengthen stewardship infrastructure through process improvement, stewardship standards, donor recognition programs, and data-informed practices while partnering with University Communications, Advancement Services, Fund Administration, and campus leadership to deliver coordinated, high-quality donor experiences that reflect the university's mission and philanthropic priorities. The Director supervises the stewardship team and cultivates a culture of gratitude across the university by equipping colleagues with stewardship tools, best practices, and innovative approaches to donor engagement. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and continuous assessment, the Director ensures stewardship activities not only acknowledge generosity but also foster long-term donor loyalty, increased philanthropic investment, and lasting partnerships that advance the university's mission.

Requirements

• Administrator II position in the Management Personnel Plan (MPP).
• MPP positions serve at the pleasure of the President.
• Requires a cover letter or letter of interest to be attached to the application.
• Satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment.
• Must comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment (mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act).
• Required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission (designated position in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code).

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship program.
• Develops and implements innovative stewardship strategies.
• Enhances the donor experience through meaningful engagement, personalized outreach, timely acknowledgment, impact reporting, recognition programs, and donor-centered communications.
• Develops individualized stewardship plans for annual, major and principal gift donors.
• Identifies meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Implements scalable stewardship processes that deepen donor relationships and increase retention.
• Leads efforts to strengthen stewardship infrastructure through process improvement, stewardship standards, donor recognition programs, and data-informed practices.
• Partners with University Communications, Advancement Services, Fund Administration, and campus leadership to deliver coordinated, high-quality donor experiences.
• Supervises the stewardship team.
• Cultivates a culture of gratitude across the university by equipping colleagues with stewardship tools, best practices, and innovative approaches to donor engagement.
• Ensures stewardship activities foster long-term donor loyalty, increased philanthropic investment, and lasting partnerships.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances
• retirement (CalPERS)
• tuition waiver
• vacation and sick leave
• 15 paid holidays are offered each year; 14 scheduled on specific days and a Personal Holiday that may be taken any time during the year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed