Senior Director of Development, University Initiatives (Administrator II)
SDSU Alumni, San Diego, CA, United States
Position Summary
San Diego State University is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Senior Director of Development, University Initiatives, to lead efforts in securing transformational philanthropic support for university-wide priorities. The role focuses on building meaningful partnerships with alumni, community members, current donors, campus leaders and external stakeholders to advance SDSU’s mission through principal-level gifts and high-impact initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Principal Gift Fundraising & Donor Engagement
Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward principal-level donors, including individuals, corporations and foundations.
Build and manage a high-level portfolio focused on gifts of $1 M+ in support of university initiatives.
Evaluate giving opportunities and recommend strategies aligned with donor interests and institutional priorities.
Strategy & Collaboration
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.
Representation & Relationship Management
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.
Why Join Us?
Make a transformational impact – play a leading role in securing major philanthropic investments that shape the future of SDSU and its students.
Join a nationally recognized developmental program committed to innovation, equity and student success.
Collaborative leadership environment – partner with visionary campus leaders, faculty and a dynamic development team to drive meaningful change.
Engage a powerful network – build relationships with a global community of more than 500,000 alumni, donors and supporters.
Position Information
This is a full‑time, at‑will position offering comprehensive benefits.
Position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act 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. Travel and attendance at off‑campus appointments, events, occasional evenings and weekends are required.
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. Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising (≥ $1 M+) that aligns strategy development and implementation with pre‑approved goals or priorities. 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.
Demonstrated success providing volunteer leadership.
Ability to interpret biographical, corporate and foundation information.
Ability to represent the university and development division professionally to internal and external constituencies.
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.
Preferred experience participating in or contributing to comprehensive or capital campaigns.
Preferred experience with Planned Giving programs.
Preferred advanced degree in a related field.
Licenses / Certifications Valid California Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Compensation and Benefits The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $130,000 to $140,000 annually.
Generous leave benefits – 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days and 12 sick days per year.
Retirement security – CalPERS defined benefit pension plan with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan and retiree healthcare benefits.
Comprehensive health coverage – access to health, dental and vision plans at low or no cost.
Educational opportunities – California State University system fee reduction program for self or qualifying dependent.
Voluntary benefits – optional Auto, Home, Life, Disability insurance, legal plan, pet insurance and ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence San Diego State University provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. All university programs are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion or disability. SDSU complies with all applicable federal and state civil rights laws and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation in all university programs, policies and practices.
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Key Responsibilities
Principal Gift Fundraising & Donor Engagement
Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward principal-level donors, including individuals, corporations and foundations.
Build and manage a high-level portfolio focused on gifts of $1 M+ in support of university initiatives.
Evaluate giving opportunities and recommend strategies aligned with donor interests and institutional priorities.
Strategy & Collaboration
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.
Representation & Relationship Management
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.
Why Join Us?
Make a transformational impact – play a leading role in securing major philanthropic investments that shape the future of SDSU and its students.
Join a nationally recognized developmental program committed to innovation, equity and student success.
Collaborative leadership environment – partner with visionary campus leaders, faculty and a dynamic development team to drive meaningful change.
Engage a powerful network – build relationships with a global community of more than 500,000 alumni, donors and supporters.
Position Information
This is a full‑time, at‑will position offering comprehensive benefits.
Position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act 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. Travel and attendance at off‑campus appointments, events, occasional evenings and weekends are required.
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. Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising (≥ $1 M+) that aligns strategy development and implementation with pre‑approved goals or priorities. 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.
Demonstrated success providing volunteer leadership.
Ability to interpret biographical, corporate and foundation information.
Ability to represent the university and development division professionally to internal and external constituencies.
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.
Preferred experience participating in or contributing to comprehensive or capital campaigns.
Preferred experience with Planned Giving programs.
Preferred advanced degree in a related field.
Licenses / Certifications Valid California Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Compensation and Benefits The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $130,000 to $140,000 annually.
Generous leave benefits – 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days and 12 sick days per year.
Retirement security – CalPERS defined benefit pension plan with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan and retiree healthcare benefits.
Comprehensive health coverage – access to health, dental and vision plans at low or no cost.
Educational opportunities – California State University system fee reduction program for self or qualifying dependent.
Voluntary benefits – optional Auto, Home, Life, Disability insurance, legal plan, pet insurance and ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence San Diego State University provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. All university programs are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion or disability. SDSU complies with all applicable federal and state civil rights laws and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation in all university programs, policies and practices.
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