Assistant Director of Development, College of Letters & Science (FUNDRAISER 3)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,500 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Paid leave and holidays

Professional development opportunities

WorkLife and Wellness programs

Job summary

The University of California, Davis is seeking an Assistant Director of Development to lead fundraising for the College of Letters & Science. This role requires a strong background in fundraising and strategic relationship development.

The ideal candidate will foster donor relationships using various communication methods while working within a dynamic team environment. This is a hybrid position located in Davis, CA, with a salary range of $85,500.00 – $89,000.00 per year based on experience.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of professional or volunteer fundraising experience.
• Experience in strategic relationship development and portfolio management.
• Strong communication skills to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Drive fundraising efforts for the College of Letters & Science.
• Manage development operations and execution planning.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Interpersonal communication

Strategic relationship development

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Development is an experienced professional who has the ability to practice, and/or has knowledge of, the fundraising field, with the ability to apply fundraising theory to the full range of responsibilities of a university development officer. This position analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope, and determines solutions, and plans, schedules, and implements comprehensive fundraising projects and programs. This position is metric‑driven and expected to raise gift dollar amounts as established through an annual business planning process and aligned with the assigned portfolio. This is a fundraising position focused on developing new and fostering established donor relationships. Guided by a “donor centric” approach, the incumbent will strategically solicit gifts and steward existing ones using various communication methods, including in person, video, texting, phone, social media and virtual visits. This position requires good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, and works independently, collaboratively, and collegially as part of a large, matrix organization.

Apply By Date

July 25, 2026 at 11:59p.m. PDT

Initial Application Review date is July 10, 2026. Interviews and recruiting process may occur at any time. Position will remain open until filled.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience demonstrated through 1 or more years of professional or volunteer fundraising experience; or equivalent transferrable professional experience including strategic relationship development and portfolio management; or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills to establish and maintain good working relationships at all organizational levels and with outside constituencies, including donors and volunteers, to develop collaborative working relationships needed to accomplish organizational goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to a culture of safety, collaboration, inclusivity, and team building, working cooperatively and collegially with a complex group of department and campus constituencies.

Key Responsibilities

• 80% – Fundraising for the College Of Letters & Science
• 20% – Development Operations, Planning and Executions

Department Overview

At the UC Davis College of Letters & Science, we search for solutions through our broad interdisciplinary lens of the arts, sciences and humanities. We stand together in wonder and inspiration as we identify questions, foster scholarship and creatively look to improve our world with critical thinking, intellectual generosity and great people. The College of Letters & Science development team focuses on raising philanthropic support to provide critical scholarship and other financial support to students and enhance the core curriculum that provides thousands of students the building blocks to their world‑class education. Gifts to the College of Letters & Science also bolster faculty support and create new research opportunities that lead to breakthrough discoveries.

Development & Alumni Relations (DEVAR) provides leadership in building enduring public trust, understanding, and support for UC Davis and its mission of teaching, research, and public service. DEVAR provides leadership, coordination and support services to help the university meet its mission of research, teaching and service by building philanthropic support and executing approved fundraising programs that support the university's highest priorities and initiatives.

Position Information

• Departmental Budgeted Salary Range: $85,500.00 – $89,000.00/yr., commensurate with experience.
• FUNDRAISER 3 Classifcation Pay Scale: $85,500.00 – $157,300.00
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 23
• UC Job Title: FUNDRAISER 3
• UC Job Code: 007547
• Number of Positions: 2
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M‑F, 8am‑5pm
• Location: 1450 Drew Ave Ste 200 (1450DREW)
• Union Representation: 99 ‑ Non‑Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• H1‑B Eligible: Applicants must be permanently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
• Hybrid/Remote/Onsite: This position is hybrid (mix of on‑site and remote work). This position is based in Davis, CA and may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid schedule.

Benefits

• High quality and low‑cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On‑site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0‑25 Lbs – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26‑50 lbs – Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs – Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0‑25 Lbs – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26‑50 lbs – Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs – Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) – Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes – Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels – Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature – Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation – Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment – Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures – Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations – Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e‑cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role—or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks