Associate Director of Development, University Advancement

California State University San Marcos; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 79,983 - 81,847; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement benefits (CalPERS)

Tuition waiver

Vacation and sick leave

15 paid holidays

Job summary

California State University San Marcos is seeking an Associate Director of Development. This full-time position will be crucial in advancing the University's fundraising by managing donor relationships and driving contributions in the $5k-$25k+ range. You will employ strategic thinking and analytical skills to enhance donor engagement and achieve organizational goals.

This role emphasizes collaboration, communication, and a commitment to diversity while offering a salary range of $7,167 - $7,334 per month.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in fundraising, particularly in major gift solicitation.
• Ability to analyze donor trends and develop strategic approaches.
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage a comprehensive donor pipeline for fundraising.
• Engage and cultivate relationships with donors.
• Analyze data to inform decision making and portfolio management.

Skills

Exceptional time management

Strong communication abilities

Strategic thinking

Analytical mindset

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Overview

The Associate Director of Development plays a critical role in advancing the University’s fundraising priorities by strategically managing a comprehensive donor pipeline. This position is responsible for the full lifecycle of donor engagement including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities. It requires exceptional time management and organizational skills to effectively prioritize and move prospects through each stage while maintaining momentum across a diverse portfolio. Success in this role depends on strong communication abilities to clearly articulate the University’s mission and impact while building trust and meaningful relationships with a broad range of constituents.

A key focus of the position is frontline fundraising with a special focus on gifts requiring demonstrated success across both annual giving and major giving, in the $5k-$25k+ range. The Associate Director applies strategic thinking to assess donor readiness, align opportunities with institutional priorities, and move prospects thoughtfully from initial engagement to major gift consideration. This work is grounded in a disciplined approach to planning and execution, supported by a strong work ethic and a commitment to achieving measurable results that contribute to divisional and university wide fundraising goals.

The role also emphasizes the use of data-informed strategies to guide decision making and portfolio management. By analyzing donor trends, engagement metrics, and giving patterns, the Associate Director develops targeted approaches that enhance effectiveness and maximize philanthropic outcomes. This analytical mindset, combined with sound judgment and adaptability, ensures that efforts remain focused, efficient, and aligned with evolving institutional needs.

Collaboration is central to the success of this position, as the Associate Director works closely with internal partners and external stakeholders to maximize philanthropic opportunities. The ability to effectively engage, influence, and coordinate with colleagues, donors, and community members is essential to building a strong culture of philanthropy. Through these efforts, the Associate Director advances the University’s mission and upholds its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, fostering an environment where philanthropy supports broad and meaningful institutional impact.

Position Summary

• Associate Director of Development (Administrator I)
• This is a full‑time, exempt position in the Management Personnel Plan (MPP). MPP positions serve at the pleasure of the President.

Pay, Benefits, and Work Schedule

• Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $7,167 - $7,334 per month
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,135 - $12,288 per month
• Salary is commensurate with the background and experience of the individual selected.
• Eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave, and 15 paid holidays each year.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

California State University San Marcos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, and veteran or military status.