Senior Director of Development - Society, Arts & Civic Life

California State University, Sacramento•Sacramento, CA

1d•$115,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director of Development, Society, Arts & Civic Life is responsible for advancing philanthropic support that aligns with the academic mission and strategic priorities of Sacramento State’s College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies and College of Arts and Letters. Reporting to the Vice President of University Advancement, the Senior Director serves as the principal advancement partner to both Deans, fostering strong collaborative relationships with faculty, academic leaders, advisory boards, alumni, community partners, foundations, and individual donors. The Senior Director manages a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts of $50,000 and above that support programs and initiatives examining human societies, cultural expression, civic life, and public engagement. Philanthropic investments may advance interdisciplinary research, student access and success, experiential learning, faculty excellence, creative and scholarly work, community partnerships, centers and institutes, and programs that strengthen democratic participation, cultural understanding, and social awareness. The College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies advances the study of social systems, public policy, identity, equity, and global and environmental challenges through disciplines such as anthropology, economics, political science, sociology, ethnic studies, geography, and interdisciplinary programs grounded in community-engaged scholarship. The College of Arts and Letters fosters critical inquiry, communication, creativity, and cultural expression through the arts, humanities, languages, history, philosophy, and communication studies, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to civic and cultural life. Together, these colleges share a commitment to understanding and shaping the human experience through analysis, expression, communication, and public engagement. The Senior Director plays a key role in advancing interdisciplinary philanthropic opportunities that bridge social sciences, arts, and humanities—particularly in areas such as civic engagement, cultural vitality, equity and identity, storytelling and media, global perspectives, and community-based scholarship. In addition to frontline fundraising, the Senior Director provides strategic oversight of development staff responsible for leadership annual and mid-level giving, ensuring a coordinated and sustainable donor pipeline. The position also leads the development of donor engagement strategies that leverage alumni, advisory boards, public programs, performances, lectures, exhibitions, and community partnerships to deepen donor relationships and demonstrate impact. The Senior Director of Development, Society, Arts & Civic Life serves as a member of the University Development Leadership Team, collaborating with peers to align fundraising strategies, share best practices, and advance division-wide and university priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or equivalent training and experience.
Five or more years of experience with a verifiable record of cultivating and closing major gifts of $25k+ in higher education, philanthropy corporate relations, or similar sales and business development experience.
Strong understanding and experience of fundraising or sales industry best practices to achieve goals and mission, including portfolio management, strategic planning, and stewardship practices.
Experience in management and event planning.
Demonstrated ability to establish measurable fundraising or sales goals and objectives, and develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies to achieve goals and objectives.
Proven leadership skills with the ability to direct, manage, and motivate others (e.g., fundraisers, volunteers, advisory groups, stakeholders).
Demonstrated ability to successfully build professional relationships with prospective donors and internal stakeholders.
Strong understanding of philanthropy, moves management, and comprehensive fundraising programs, with the ability to develop and structure complex gifts in an academic environment.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
Excellent organization and detail-oriented skills to work in high-pressure, fast-paced environment while effectively meeting objectives.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, lead and train others, and serve as a member of a team.
Proficient in Development database (Advance, Blackbaud, etc.), as well as office software programs (Microsoft Office, Outlook, etc.).
Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.
Willingness and ability to independently travel and occasionally transport others, as needed.
Ability to work on-call, evenings, and weekends.
Satisfactory completion of the background check process.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited university.
Professional fundraising credential.
Experience working in complex organizations.
Valid driver’s license and maintenance of good driving record.

Responsibilities

Advancing philanthropic support that aligns with the academic mission and strategic priorities of Sacramento State’s College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies and College of Arts and Letters.
Serving as the principal advancement partner to both Deans, fostering strong collaborative relationships with faculty, academic leaders, advisory boards, alumni, community partners, foundations, and individual donors.
Managing a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts of $50,000 and above.
Providing strategic oversight of development staff responsible for leadership annual and mid-level giving.
Leading the development of donor engagement strategies that leverage alumni, advisory boards, public programs, performances, lectures, exhibitions, and community partnerships.
Serving as a member of the University Development Leadership Team, collaborating with peers to align fundraising strategies, share best practices, and advance division-wide and university priorities.