Director of Philanthropic Relations and Stewardship
About The Position
Under the guidance of the Assistant Vice President for Advancement Operations and Annual Giving, the Director implements and maintains Fresno State’s philanthropic partner relations and stewardship efforts. The position supports a campus-wide culture of philanthropy by building and sustaining constituent-centered relationships with philanthropic partners. Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President, the Director 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 activities with presidential priorities and is responsible for their operational planning, coordination, and execution. The Director oversees scholarship and endowment reporting and collaborates with Foundation leadership on fund analysis, administration, and accountability. The role also 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.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year regionally accredited institution.
- A minimum of 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.
- Knowledge and ability to develop stewardship communications, impact reports, and recognition strategies for major and principal gifts.
- Ability to work constructively and cooperatively with diverse external and internal constituents.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to quickly understand and remember details about assigned philanthropic partners and projects.
- Exceptional written communication and effective 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.
- Demonstrated experience managing and coordinating multiple complex projects with competing deadlines.
- Demonstrated sound judgment in independent decision-making and 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.
- Ability and willingness 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, especially Word and Excel, database software and 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 and oversee a 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 managing their operational planning, coordination, and execution.
- Oversee scholarship and endowment reporting.
- Collaborate with Foundation leadership on fund analysis, administration, and accountability.
- Plan and execute events and meaningful stewardship activities that strengthen relationships with alumni and philanthropic partners.
- Track and evaluate philanthropic partner engagement activities in the alumni/philanthropic partner database.
- Lead people and programs and manage projects.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).
- Sick and vacation time.
- 15 paid holidays per year.
- Eligible employees may participate in the fee waiver education program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
