Senior Director of Development, Society, Arts & Civic Life - CSU Sacramento
About The Position
Sacramento State is seeking a Senior Director of Development, Society, Arts & Civic Life to lead major gift fundraising efforts for the College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies and the College of Arts & Letters. This is a unique opportunity to partner directly with academic leaders, engage influential donors, and advance initiatives that strengthen civic engagement, cultural expression, social impact, and student success. This is a high-impact fundraising leadership role supporting two of Sacramento State’s most dynamic academic units: the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies and the College of Arts and Letters. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for University Development the Senior Director serves as the primary advancement partner to both Deans—helping shape and execute philanthropic strategy at a pivotal time of growth and engagement. You’ll manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects (focused on $50,000+ gifts), while also building a sustainable donor pipeline across giving levels. This role blends frontline fundraising with strategic leadership—partnering with faculty, academic leaders, advisory boards, alumni, and community stakeholders to advance initiatives tied to civic engagement, cultural expression, equity, and public impact. You’ll also supervise a Development Associate and help align leadership annual and mid-level giving strategies with major gift efforts—ensuring a coordinated, donor-centered approach across the pipeline.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Five (5)+ years of experience with a proven track record of cultivating and closing major gifts ($55K+), or comparable experience in sales, business development, or corporate relations
- Demonstrated success managing a portfolio, setting goals, and executing strategic fundraising or sales plans
- Strong leadership and supervisory experience, with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop others
- Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, faculty, and senior leaders
- Deep understanding of fundraising strategy, moves management, and donor stewardship
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development and presentations
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Advance, Blackbaud) and Microsoft Office tools
- Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends as needed
- Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check
- Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. and work within California per CSU policy.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree
- Professional fundraising certification
- Experience working in complex or higher education environments
Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of 100–125 major and principal gift prospects
- Cultivate, solicit, and close gifts of $50,000+
- Serve as the primary advancement partner to two college Deans
- Lead donor engagement strategies and philanthropic growth initiatives
- Supervise and mentor a Development Associate
- Help shape fundraising strategy as a member of the University Development Leadership Team
- Lead a portfolio of 100–125 major and principal gift prospects, driving strategy from identification through stewardship
- Personally cultivate, solicit, and close gifts of $50,000+, contributing to university-wide fundraising goals
- Conduct at least 8 meaningful donor visits per month, advancing relationships and securing commitments
- Partner closely with Deans to define and articulate funding priorities aligned with college and university strategy
- Develop compelling proposals, gift agreements, and donor communications that inspire investment
- Collaborate with senior leaders, faculty, and volunteers to build customized cultivation strategies
- Oversee and mentor a Development Associate, aligning mid-level and leadership annual giving with long-term pipeline goals
- Design and implement integrated donor engagement strategies leveraging events, advisory boards, and community partnerships
- Contribute to principal gift strategy in partnership with senior advancement leadership
- Serve on the University Development Leadership Team, helping shape division-wide strategy and campaign initiatives
- Represent University Development at campus, community, and regional events
Benefits
- Comprehensive CSU benefits package valued at an additional 30–35% of compensation
- CalPERS pension and 403(b) retirement options
- Up to 24 vacation days annually, plus holidays and flexibility
- Tuition fee waivers for eligible employees and family members across all 23 CSU campuses
- Access to campus recreation, athletics, arts events, and renowned speakers
- Medical benefits tailored to support various life stages
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
