Senior Director of Development, University Initiatives (Administrator II)
The California State University, San Diego, CA, United States
Senior Director of Development, University Initiatives (Administrator II)
Job no: 556976 | Work type: Management (MPP) | Location: San Diego
Position Summary San Diego State University seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Senior Director of Development, University Initiatives to secure transformational philanthropic support for university-wide priorities. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development for University Initiatives, this role focuses on building meaningful partnerships with alumni, community members, donors, campus leaders, and external stakeholders to advance SDSU’s mission through principal-level gifts and high-impact initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal-level donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Build and manage a high-level portfolio focused on gifts of $1M+ in support of university initiatives.
Evaluate giving opportunities and recommend strategies aligned with donor interests and institutional priorities.
Partner with campus leadership, faculty, and development colleagues to advance fundraising priorities and initiatives.
Contribute to principal gift strategy discussions, leadership meetings, and cross-campus initiatives.
Represent SDSU at donor meetings, events, and key internal and external engagements.
Strengthen relationships with alumni, community leaders, and partners to expand philanthropic support.
Ensure all fundraising activities align with CSU, SDSU, and foundation policies and best practices.
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., with travel, off-campus appointments, and occasional evening and weekend work required.
This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 2 days per week with onsite work in San Diego.
Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of ten (10) years of major gifts fundraising or closely related experience managing high-value, relationship-based revenue portfolios. Success in major gift fundraising ($1,000,000+) that demonstrates ability to align strategy development/implementation with pre-approved goals/priorities. Fundraising experience within a large, complex university or nonprofit organization.
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.
A high degree of commitment to higher education and philanthropy and the ability to articulate a compelling case for annual support of a public institution of higher education.
Demonstrated transferable skills from related advancement or relationship-based development roles.
Demonstrated success participating in or contributing to comprehensive or capital campaigns is preferred.
Experience with Planned Giving Programs is preferred.
An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
Licenses/Certifications Required Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Compensation and Benefits
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 $130,000 to $140,000 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 includes compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, California Equity in Higher Education Act, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Application Deadline Apply by April 29, 2026.
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Position Summary San Diego State University seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Senior Director of Development, University Initiatives to secure transformational philanthropic support for university-wide priorities. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development for University Initiatives, this role focuses on building meaningful partnerships with alumni, community members, donors, campus leaders, and external stakeholders to advance SDSU’s mission through principal-level gifts and high-impact initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal-level donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Build and manage a high-level portfolio focused on gifts of $1M+ in support of university initiatives.
Evaluate giving opportunities and recommend strategies aligned with donor interests and institutional priorities.
Partner with campus leadership, faculty, and development colleagues to advance fundraising priorities and initiatives.
Contribute to principal gift strategy discussions, leadership meetings, and cross-campus initiatives.
Represent SDSU at donor meetings, events, and key internal and external engagements.
Strengthen relationships with alumni, community leaders, and partners to expand philanthropic support.
Ensure all fundraising activities align with CSU, SDSU, and foundation policies and best practices.
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., with travel, off-campus appointments, and occasional evening and weekend work required.
This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 2 days per week with onsite work in San Diego.
Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of ten (10) years of major gifts fundraising or closely related experience managing high-value, relationship-based revenue portfolios. Success in major gift fundraising ($1,000,000+) that demonstrates ability to align strategy development/implementation with pre-approved goals/priorities. Fundraising experience within a large, complex university or nonprofit organization.
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.
A high degree of commitment to higher education and philanthropy and the ability to articulate a compelling case for annual support of a public institution of higher education.
Demonstrated transferable skills from related advancement or relationship-based development roles.
Demonstrated success participating in or contributing to comprehensive or capital campaigns is preferred.
Experience with Planned Giving Programs is preferred.
An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
Licenses/Certifications Required Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Compensation and Benefits
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 $130,000 to $140,000 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 includes compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, California Equity in Higher Education Act, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Application Deadline Apply by April 29, 2026.
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