Associate Director of Development

Chapman University; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Chapman University is seeking an Associate Director of Development to join the University Advancement team and lead major gift efforts. You’ll manage a frontline portfolio, building meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, donors and friends, while partnering with deans and campus leaders to align philanthropic opportunities with student success and academic priorities.

This role offers regionally-based donor engagement, travel as needed, and a focus on transforming philanthropy to support

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in major gifts or donor relations.
• Knowledge of the major gift fundraising cycle and processes.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong donor relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and portfolio management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 120-150 major gift prospects and donors.
• Develop and execute strategies for donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with deans and university leaders to identify and advance philanthropic opportunities.
• Prepare and present compelling major gift proposals.
• Travel regionally to engage alumni, parents, donors, and supporters.
• Achieve annual fundraising goals and key performance metrics.
• Collaborate across University Advancement to create integrated donor engagement strategies.

Skills

Major gifts experience

Donor relationships

Communication skills

Organization

Independence

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Position Information

Position Title

Position Title Associate Director of Development

Position Type

Position Type Regular

Job Number

Job Number SA87224

Full or Part Time

Full or Part Time full-time 40 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification

Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range

$115,000-$125,000

Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Job Description Summary

Help Shape the Future of Chapman University

Following a record-breaking fundraising year, Chapman University is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Associate Director of Development to join our University Advancement team.

In this role, you’ll serve as a front-line major gift officer, building meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, donors, and friends of the university. You’ll partner closely with deans, faculty, and campus leaders to connect philanthropic interests with opportunities that advance student success, academic excellence, and institutional priorities.

This is an excellent opportunity for a fundraising professional who enjoys strategic relationship building, donor engagement, and making a lasting impact through philanthropy.

Why Join Chapman?

At Chapman University, you’ll join a collaborative and high-performing Advancement team during an exciting period of momentum and growth. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with university leadership, engage passionate supporters, and help secure transformational gifts that shape the future of our students and programs.

If you’re motivated by relationship building, inspired by philanthropy, and excited to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 120-150 major gift prospects and donors
• Develop and execute strategies for donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Partner with deans and university leaders to identify and advance philanthropic opportunities
• Prepare and present compelling major gift proposals
• Travel regionally to engage alumni, parents, donors, and supporters
• Achieve annual fundraising goals and key performance metrics
• Collaborate across University Advancement to create integrated donor engagement strategies

Required Qualifications

What You’ll Bring

• 3+ years of experience in major gifts, fundraising, donor relations, institutional advancement, or a related field
• Knowledge of the major gift fundraising cycle
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong donor relationships
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational, analytical, and portfolio management abilities
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across a diverse campus community

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with boards, advisory councils, or other leadership groups in support of fundraising or institutional priorities.
• Familiarity with the Southern California philanthropic community.
• Experience working in higher education advancement or a similarly complex nonprofit environment.

Special Instructions to Applicants

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Minimum Number of References

3

Maximum Number of References

3

Pre-screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 3 References Listed on One Page

MAIN CAMPUS

One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
[phone]

RINKER HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS

9401 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, CA 92618

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening, and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.