Director of Development, Scholarships

At CSUN we aspire to continually grow as an inclusive, cooperative community! 

CSUN strives to be a destination workplace, where everyone understands that they belong to a community that is vital in advancing student success and providing exemplary service to all stakeholders. We foster an environment of success, both for our students and our employees. We have a relentless passion for celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as being an employer of choice. You will also have the opportunity to realize your own personal goals and be recognized for the work you do and enjoy the unique value the CSUN community can offer. As a leader you will have the opportunity to thrive in a community in which our leaders share common traits as identified in our Leadership Principles https://www.csun.edu/leadership-principles. If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place.

 

Responsibilities

The Director identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gifts, fostering philanthropy among stakeholders. The role ensures alignment with university-wide fundraising guidelines and collaboration with Student Affairs and Advancement colleagues, maintaining high standards for donor engagement and relationship management. Main responsibilities include:

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy among staff and volunteers.
• Maintain a culture of communication within Student Affairs, Advancement Division, donors, and volunteers.
• Ensure best practices and procedures are followed related to data management and prospect management.

• As a leader, demonstrates a commitment to student success that is mission aligned with the university’s vision, values and priorities. Establishes an ethical and collegial work environment, promoting a collaborative, accountable and inclusive team. Encourages a courageous and resilient solution-oriented environment by participating in new opportunities to further the mission of the university. Participates in developing initiatives that further support the campus mission with a service-oriented and catalytic mind set. Strengthens employees by being communicative and a talent builder that develops team attributes, furthering departmental goals.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

*NOTE: To view the full position description copy and paste this link into your browser:  https://mycsun.box.com/s/2oimf2zg9k72dkopr9zc74kce9zwjlt1

 

Qualifications:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in a job-related field. 
• Equivalent to five years of progressively responsible professional/administrative experience; with development experience, preferably in higher education fundraising and/or prior professional experience in a related field such as sales, marketing or business development.

 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Leadership

• Proven skills in developing sophisticated strategies in planning, implementing and administering complex major gift solicitations and/or other solicitations of a similar nature, level and complexity.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and multi-phase projects simultaneously from inception to completion.
• Strong documented record of gifts solicited and closed in the special and major gifts range and/or solicitations of a similar nature, level and complexity.
• Skill in motivating colleagues, volunteers and donors.
• Familiarity with prospect screening activities and applications.
• Persuasive oral and written communication skills to prepare and present solicitation strategies, proposals and other marketing materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with faculty, deans, volunteers, and Development colleagues campus-wide.
• Skilled in databases, office software and fundraising databases.
• Well-developed organizational skills, focus and a goal-oriented temperament, with a high level of drive and energy; able to exercise initiative and accept responsibility to work proactively and with minimum supervision.
• Demonstrated skill in problem solving and using judgment in situations requiring independent initiative and tact.
• Demonstrated ability to support ongoing improvement through courageous, resilient, and catalytic leadership.
• Lead varying initiatives through a collaborative, service-oriented and communicative approach.
• Demonstrated commitment to employee development, recognition, and accountability to further oper