Director, Philanthropy (Administrator II), Office of Philanthropic Giving - 2 Positions

Job Summary:

The Director of Philanthropy is a strategic fundraising leader focused on securing major gifts to support university-wide priorities, particularly those that promote student success, access, equity, and academic excellence. Partnering with senior leadership and University Advancement, this role manages a portfolio of major donors, cultivating and soliciting transformative gifts. Performance is measured by financial goals, donor engagement, and overall fundraising impact. Reporting to the Associate VP of Philanthropic Giving, the Director collaborates across campus to drive initiatives aligned with the university’s mission and vision.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of 75–125 major gift prospects capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Develop and execute strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors to meet annual and long-term fundraising goals.
• Partner with university leadership and academic deans to support college- or unit-specific development priorities.
• Prepare written proposals, case statements, correspondence, and other materials to secure major gifts.
• Coordinate and participate in donor visits and events on- and off-campus.
• Collaborate with advancement colleagues (alumni relations, annual giving, communications) to align efforts and enhance donor engagement.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and progress using the university’s CRM system.
• Work with university faculty, staff, and departments to promote and support their philanthropic efforts.
• Help identify potential areas of interest for funding, collaboration, and research initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with department chairs and program directors to assess and prioritize funding needs.
• Ensure best practices in donor stewardship, including individual and organizational recognition and the oversight of scholarship endowments and awards.
• Partner with Strategic Communications to market university programs through publications, fundraising events, stewardship, and donor recognition efforts.
• Represent the university and the division within the community by attending events, engaging with local organizations, and participating on community-based boards.
• Plan and implement sponsorship programs and activities that increase the university’s visibility and philanthropic engagement.
• Collaborate with departments and staff across campus to develop, write, and submit sponsorship proposals.
• Support general donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship as a member of the University Advancement team.
• Contribute to strategic planning, goal setting, event planning, and project status meetings within the division.
• Maintain the highest standards of development procedures using appropriate forms, reports, databases, and protocols.
• Collaborate with annual giving, alumni relations, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and other advancement staff to ensure seamless service to all university donors and supporters.
• Partner with advancement services and prospect management staff to maintain accurate, up-to-date, and secure donor, prospect, and alumni data.
• Coordinate with the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations to prepare and submit grant applications, case statements, and major gift proposals.
• Ensure timely and effective follow-up with donors and prospects. Submit technical and contact reports, press releases, and communications materials as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum 3 years experience in fundraising for higher education or other non profits.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.  Experience managing and cultivating relationships.

Required Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of planned/deferred giving vehicles such as wills, life income plans, gifts of unusual assets, beneficiary designations.

• Proven customer service and relationship building experience.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, BSR Advance database (or equivalents) and Crescendo gift planning software (or equivalents).

• Successful experience in working with people from diverse backgrounds.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Anticipated Hiring Range: $7,500 - $10,000 per month

The salary offered will take into account internal equity and experience among other factors.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership