Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations

Chancellor's Office Statement

Join our team at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor, and make a difference in providing access to higher education. We are currently seeking experienced candidates for the position of Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations. The CSU Chancellor's Office, located on the waterfront adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific in downtown Long Beach, is the headquarters for the nation's largest and most diverse system of higher education. The CSU Chancellor's Office offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, and dental plans; a fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year.

Salary

The anticipated salary hiring range is up to $150,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

THIS IS A FULL-TIME TEMPORARY POSITION WITH BENEFITS.

Work Arrangements

Flexibility to telecommute two days a week, with three days on-site at the main headquarters in Long Beach, California.

Premium Benefits

Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Generous vacation plan

15 paid holidays a year

Tuition waiver education program (also applies to eligible family members)

Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

More details here: Comprehensive Benefits Package

Classification

Administrator III

Position Information

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations to provide strategic leadership and frontline fundraising for corporate and foundation partnerships that advance systemwide and multi-campus priorities of the California State University.

The Director serves as the primary systemwide point of coordination for corporate and foundation engagement, working in close partnership with Chancellor’s Office administrative departments to translate systemwide priorities into competitive, fundable opportunities that benefit the CSU as a whole or multiple campuses.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Systemwide Philanthropy, the Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations will perform duties as outlined below:

Systemwide Corporate & Foundation Fundraising Strategy and Portfolio Management:

-Serve as a frontline fundraiser for CSU systemwide and multi-campus initiatives by managing a portfolio of high-capacity corporate and foundation prospects aligned with Chancellor’s Office priorities.

-Develop and implement systemwide strategies for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, in coordination with campus advancement leaders when funders have existing or parallel campus relationships.

-Qualify, prioritize, and manage corporate and foundation prospects—including invitation-only and foundation-like entities—whose interests align with high-impact, multi-campus or CSU-wide initiatives.

-Lead systemwide solicitation strategies that coordinate campus participation, manage overlap, and maximize collective philanthropic outcomes, while respecting campus-based relationships and roles.

Systemwide & Multi-Campus Collaboration and Engagement:

-Serve as a systemwide partner to campus advancement and corporate/foundation relations staff by aligning Chancellor’s Office fundraising strategies with campus priorities, strengths, and existing funder relationships.

-Facilitate coordination across campuses to support multi-campus and interdisciplinary initiatives, including shared prospect strategies, joint proposals, and common cases for support.

-Provide consultation, guidance, and capacity-building support to campuses—particularly under-resourced campuses—participating in systemwide funding opportunities.

-Navigate and resolve funder-related overlap or complexity across campuses, ensuring transparent communication, shared credit, and appropriate recognition.

-Serve as a systemwide resource on corporate and foundation philanthropy trends, best practices, and emerging funding models relevant to public higher education systems.

Proposal Development and Grant Strategy Leadership:

-Lead the strategic framing, positioning, and development of corporate and foundation funding strategies in collaboration with Chancellor’s Office administrative departments, which serve as subject-matter experts for