Director of Development (Administrator I)
Opt For Healthy Living, San Diego, CA, United States
Director of Development (Administrator I)
Job no: 556082
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: San Diego
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Fundraising & Alumni Relations, Full Time, Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)
Position Summary: San Diego State University is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Director of Development to support fundraising efforts that advance key university priorities. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, this role focuses on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts of $100,000 or more from individuals, corporations, and foundations in support of the Fowler College of Business and other university initiatives.
The Director of Development will build strong partnerships with faculty, administrators, alumni, and community leaders to identify philanthropic opportunities and develop meaningful donor relationships. Through strategic engagement and thoughtful stewardship, this role helps secure private support that enhances student success, faculty research, and innovative programs across the university.
Key Responsibilities Major Gift Fundraising and Donor Engagement
Develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors. Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals, corporations, and foundations in support of SDSU priorities. Conduct donor meetings and cultivation visits to strengthen relationships and advance philanthropic opportunities. Prepare compelling proposals, grant requests, and case materials that communicate the impact of philanthropic support. Represent SDSU and University Development in a professional and engaging manner with internal and external partners.
Development Strategy and Collaboration
Partner with faculty, academic leaders, and volunteers to identify philanthropic priorities and align fundraising strategies. Work closely with central development teams including prospect research, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and annual giving. Develop short- and long-term development strategies and fundraising plans in collaboration with leadership. Assist with advisory board engagement and development activities for assigned units.
Donor Stewardship and Relationship Management
Steward donors across all levels within the assigned portfolio to strengthen long-term engagement and giving. Maintain accurate donor records and prospect activity within the university’s development CRM system. Coordinate donor communications, acknowledgements, and stewardship initiatives. Attend university and donor engagement events, including occasional evenings or weekends.
Why Join Us? At SDSU, philanthropy plays a critical role in shaping the future of a vibrant public research university and a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution. As part of University Relations and Development, you will help build lasting relationships with alumni, friends, and partners who believe in expanding access to education and driving innovation.
By joining our team, you will contribute to a collaborative development program recognized for its impact and excellence while helping advance opportunities for more than 40,000 students and a global network of over 500,000 alumni and supporters.
Position Information This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits. Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs (Ability to travel for off-campus appointments and events, including occasional evening and weekend commitments). This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 3 days per week, with onsite work in San Diego.
Education and Experience A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. In addition, a minimum of five years of major gifts fundraising or closely related experience managing high-value, relationship-based revenue portfolios is required, along with demonstrated success closing high-value, relationship-based commitments of $100,000 or more, either as a one-time gift or cumulatively over a five-year period, preferably in a philanthropic setting.
Key Qualifications Proven experience in all facets of development including gift administration, gift acceptance, prospect management, research, annual giving, volunteer management, and communications. Demonstrated success as a development professional in a donor-centered fundraising environment. Ability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving organizational setting. Ability to interpret biographical, corporate, and foundation information. Ability to represent the university and development division professionally to internal and external constituencies. Preferred: Experience in fundraising within a large, complex university or nonprofit organization, including participation in comprehensive or capital campaigns. Preferred: Experience with planned giving programs or related advancement and relationship-based development work. Preferred: Demonstrated commitment to higher education and philanthropy, with the ability to articulate a compelling case for philanthropic support of a public institution of higher education. Preferred: Advanced degree in a related field.
Licenses/Certifications Required Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Compensation and Benefits At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:
Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year. Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits. Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you. Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent. Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.
The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $100,000 to $110,000 annually.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities.
Application Deadline Apply by March 30, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
Required Authorizations Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Background Check A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, or if the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.
Additional Information SDSU is a smoke-free campus.
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Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: San Diego
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Fundraising & Alumni Relations, Full Time, Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)
Position Summary: San Diego State University is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Director of Development to support fundraising efforts that advance key university priorities. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, this role focuses on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts of $100,000 or more from individuals, corporations, and foundations in support of the Fowler College of Business and other university initiatives.
The Director of Development will build strong partnerships with faculty, administrators, alumni, and community leaders to identify philanthropic opportunities and develop meaningful donor relationships. Through strategic engagement and thoughtful stewardship, this role helps secure private support that enhances student success, faculty research, and innovative programs across the university.
Key Responsibilities Major Gift Fundraising and Donor Engagement
Develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors. Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals, corporations, and foundations in support of SDSU priorities. Conduct donor meetings and cultivation visits to strengthen relationships and advance philanthropic opportunities. Prepare compelling proposals, grant requests, and case materials that communicate the impact of philanthropic support. Represent SDSU and University Development in a professional and engaging manner with internal and external partners.
Development Strategy and Collaboration
Partner with faculty, academic leaders, and volunteers to identify philanthropic priorities and align fundraising strategies. Work closely with central development teams including prospect research, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and annual giving. Develop short- and long-term development strategies and fundraising plans in collaboration with leadership. Assist with advisory board engagement and development activities for assigned units.
Donor Stewardship and Relationship Management
Steward donors across all levels within the assigned portfolio to strengthen long-term engagement and giving. Maintain accurate donor records and prospect activity within the university’s development CRM system. Coordinate donor communications, acknowledgements, and stewardship initiatives. Attend university and donor engagement events, including occasional evenings or weekends.
Why Join Us? At SDSU, philanthropy plays a critical role in shaping the future of a vibrant public research university and a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution. As part of University Relations and Development, you will help build lasting relationships with alumni, friends, and partners who believe in expanding access to education and driving innovation.
By joining our team, you will contribute to a collaborative development program recognized for its impact and excellence while helping advance opportunities for more than 40,000 students and a global network of over 500,000 alumni and supporters.
Position Information This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits. Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs (Ability to travel for off-campus appointments and events, including occasional evening and weekend commitments). This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 3 days per week, with onsite work in San Diego.
Education and Experience A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. In addition, a minimum of five years of major gifts fundraising or closely related experience managing high-value, relationship-based revenue portfolios is required, along with demonstrated success closing high-value, relationship-based commitments of $100,000 or more, either as a one-time gift or cumulatively over a five-year period, preferably in a philanthropic setting.
Key Qualifications Proven experience in all facets of development including gift administration, gift acceptance, prospect management, research, annual giving, volunteer management, and communications. Demonstrated success as a development professional in a donor-centered fundraising environment. Ability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving organizational setting. Ability to interpret biographical, corporate, and foundation information. Ability to represent the university and development division professionally to internal and external constituencies. Preferred: Experience in fundraising within a large, complex university or nonprofit organization, including participation in comprehensive or capital campaigns. Preferred: Experience with planned giving programs or related advancement and relationship-based development work. Preferred: Demonstrated commitment to higher education and philanthropy, with the ability to articulate a compelling case for philanthropic support of a public institution of higher education. Preferred: Advanced degree in a related field.
Licenses/Certifications Required Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Compensation and Benefits At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:
Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year. Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits. Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you. Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent. Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.
The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $100,000 to $110,000 annually.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities.
Application Deadline Apply by March 30, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
Required Authorizations Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Background Check A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, or if the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.
Additional Information SDSU is a smoke-free campus.
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