Director of Philanthropic Relations and Stewardship

Fresno State • Fresno, CA

1d

About The Position

The Director of Philanthropic Relations and Stewardship (Administrator II) implements and maintains Fresno State’s philanthropic partner relations and stewardship efforts under the guidance of the Assistant Vice President for Advancement Operations and Annual Giving. The role helps foster a campus-wide culture of philanthropy by building and sustaining a philanthropic-partner-centered relations and stewardship program. The Director reports directly to the Assistant Vice President and serves as the primary liaison to the Office of the President for assigned presidential events and activities. In collaboration with the Deputy Chief of Staff, the Director aligns assigned activities with presidential priorities while retaining responsibility for their operational planning, coordination, and execution.

The Director leads scholarship and endowment reporting and collaborates with Foundation leadership on fund analysis, administration, and accountability. The role strengthens relationships with alumni and philanthropic partners through stewardship, impact reporting, event planning and execution, and tracking and evaluation of engagement activities in the alumni/philanthropic partner database. It calls for strong relationship-building, communication, critical-thinking, judgment, writing, and leadership skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year regionally accredited institution.
• At least four years of progressively responsible and successful leadership management experience in philanthropic partner relations and customer service, event management, or closely related experience.
• Knowledge and ability to create, execute, and oversee a comprehensive campus-wide philanthropic partner acknowledgement and recognition plan.
• Ability to develop stewardship communications, impact reports, and recognition strategies for major and principal gifts.
• Ability to work constructively and cooperatively with diverse internal and external constituents.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to quickly understand and remember details about philanthropic partners and assigned projects.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and research skills, including the ability to synthesize information and compose clear, effective materials.
• Ability to listen and respond with diplomacy and tact.
• Sound judgment and independent decision-making ability, including when handling confidential and sensitive material.
• Strong customer-service focus and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of institutional planning and budget processes.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and make strategic business decisions.
• Ability and willingness to travel and to work early mornings, nights, and weekends as needed.
• Competency and experience using Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, email, and internet browsers.

Nice To Haves

• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel, database software, spreadsheet programs, email, and Internet applications.
• Working knowledge of CSU policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with databases, preferably Ellucian Advance.
• Experience working in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain Fresno State’s philanthropic partner relations and stewardship efforts.
• Create, execute, and oversee a comprehensive campus-wide philanthropic partner acknowledgement and recognition plan.
• Develop stewardship communications, impact reports, and recognition strategies for major and principal gifts.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Office of the President for assigned presidential events and activities.
• Collaborate with the Deputy Chief of Staff to align assigned activities with presidential priorities, while planning, coordinating, and executing those activities.
• Oversee scholarship and endowment reporting.
• Collaborate with Foundation leadership on fund analysis, administration, and accountability.
• Plan and execute events and provide meaningful stewardship and impact reporting to strengthen relationships with alumni and philanthropic partners.
• Track and evaluate philanthropic partner engagement activities in the alumni/philanthropic partner database.
• Manage and coordinate multiple complex projects with competing deadlines.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Sick and vacation time
• 15 paid holidays per year
• Fee waiver education program for eligible employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director