Working Title Senior Director of Development for College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Administrator Level (for MPP positions only) This position is an Administrator II in the California State University Management Personnel Plan (MPP), reporting to the Executive Director of College Fundraising.
SF State University San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.
Applicants may visit titleix.sfsu.edu for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised. Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing vpsaem@sfsu.edu.
San Francisco State is a 100% Smoke/Vapor-Free Campus. Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco/plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.
The person holding this position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
Department University Development
Appointment Type At-Will
Time Base Full-time (1.0)
Work Schedule Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
Anticipated Hiring Range $11,250.00 - $12,084.00 Per Month ($135,000.00 - $145,008.00 Annually)
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Position Summary This position fundraises for one of the premier colleges at the University, the College of Liberal and Creative Arts (CLCA). CLCA has two Senior Directors of Development who work collaboratively but with their own individual portfolios to plan, organize, and implement the College’s major and principal gifts fundraising program. This position primarily focusses on the Humanities side of the College, supporting departments and donors to departments such as History, International Relations, Modern Languages, Political Science and others. The Senior Director works closely with the other Senior Director of Fundraising for CLCA, the Executive Director of College Fundraising, Associate Vice President for development (AVP) and the Dean of the College to increase philanthropic support for key fundraising priorities in both undergraduate and graduate programs and affiliated centers and institutes. S/He builds relationships with prominent alumni and other potential funders to secure gifts of $25,000 - $1M and above.
It is a pivotal and exciting time to join the centralized Development team with phase 2 of Campaign planning underway and the Quiet phase starting in the coming months. The Senior Director of Development is a motivated, self-directed individual who works without close supervision to successfully meet the fundraising goals of the College. As the University prepares to enter the quiet phase of a comprehensive campaign, the Senior Director of Development will collaborate with stakeholders to develop a multi-year strategy to expand the current donor base and increase private support. The Senior Director qualifies and engages individuals as potential major gift donors and moves them through the cultivation cycle. Another major focus of the Senior Director will be to steward the donors and strengthen their relationship to the college and the University.
It is important to stress that fundraising skills or experience in a frontline facing role such as sales or customer service is key, and the candidate does not need to have a degree in liberal or creative arts to be the fundraiser for the college.
Position Information Structuring Work
- Defines and communicates specific needs and develops priorities for private support in coordination with the Executive Director of Fundraising, the College Dean and the AVP of University Development.
- Develops an annual business plan based on development office and priorities in coordination with the College Dean and Executive Director of Fundraising & AVP of Development.
- Develops appropriate fundraising strategies including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities for major and leadership gifts to the College.
- Effectively manage follow-up and reporting requirements in an appropriate manner while maintaining confidentiality.
- Maintains a major gift portfolio of 80- 100 prospects and donors to meet agreed upon philanthropic goals. Maintains an active schedule of meaningful visits and contacts, solicitations, closing gifts and stewardship. Personally identifies, cultivates and solicits prospective donors for major and principal gifts.
- Discover and qualify new prospects for support of the College with emphasis on prospects capable of contributing $25,000 and more.
- Plans development-oriented campus visits for current and potential donors.
Inspiring Performance
- Secures private support from alumni and other potential Individual funders to secure gifts of $25,000 - $1M and above.
- Provides effective stewardship and involvement opportunities for major gift and principal donors and high-level volunteers.
- Works collaboratively with other fundraisers, volunteers, and the executive and academic leadership of the campus.
- Supports donor relations and stewardship programs as appropriate.
Collaboration
- Coordinates with the Planned Giving team to encourage and facilitate the cultivation and solicitation of potential estate donors. Prepares written strategies and proposals for individuals. Encourages and facilitates proposals from faculty as appropriate for foundations and corporations in coordination with the Corporate and Foundation Relations team.
- Communicates and collaborates with other development officers and alumni relations and annual fund divisions to ensure coordination efforts with donors and prospects.
- Attends and provides support to college or university related special events, and other community activities as required.
- Partners effectively with on-campus colleagues including those in University Advancement to foster a team approach to achieve the external relations goals of the College.
- Represent CLCA and the University by outreaching to alumni, friends, parents, key volunteers, industry partners.
Facilitating Change
- Achieves fundraising goals set in coordination by University Development leadership, Vice President for Advancement, the Dean, and University leadership.
- Maintains an active, current understanding of priorities and programs relative to the College, SF State and the region.
Managing Talent
- As a senior Director provides support to less experienced development staff in Development.
Professional Behavior
- Demonstrate behaviors that are in line with the User-Friendly Principles (P530C) and Principles of Conduct for a Multi-Cultural University (P30D)
- Demonstrate safe work practices for oneself, others and the office environment.
Other Duties as Assigned
Minimum Qualifications - Seven or more years of proven experience in successful fundraising. Experience in Higher Education fundraising is desired but not necessary.
- Demonstrated track record of success in personal face-to-face solicitations, cultivation and closing of major gifts.
- Demonstrated experience and effectiveness in prospect identification and outreach and in ability to build relationships with major gift prospects and donors.
- Proven experience in successfully developing and implementing cultivation and solicitation strategies for major gifts, including the preparation of proposals and related materials.
- Ability to handle fundraising and stewardship activities simultaneously with creativity and independence.
- Ability to manage time and priorities to respond to and meet deadlines, and adaptable to changing priorities. Outstanding organizational and analytical skills.
- Excellent oral and presentation skills, writing and editing skills. Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
- Ability to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents, inspiring donors, faculty, and others to take action and ensuring a rewarding experience.
- Deep appreciation and understanding of the University and passion for its mission.
- Bachelor's degree required, master’s degree preferred.
- Flexible schedule including some evenings, weekends and holidays.
- Must possess a valid California driver’s license and comply with Defensive Driver’s Training Program requirements.
- Ability to travel throughout the Bay Area and other regions. Periodic air travel could be required.
- Must pass Live Scan background check.
Pre-Employment Requirements This position requires the successful completion of a background check.
Eligibility to Work Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.
Benefits Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions. SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.
We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.
Additional Information SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS). Thank you for your interest in employment with California State University (CSU). CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. Because of this, CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California with very limited exception. While this position may be eligible for occasional telework, all work is expected to be performed in the state of California, and this position is assigned to on-campus operations.
CSU strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/.
The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.
Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.
Advertised: Apr 22 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
