Director of Development

University of La Verne

La Verne (CA)

On-site

USD 94,151 - 103,123

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

Don’t send a generic resume — generate a resume and cover letter tailored to this exact role.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health and wellness plan

Tuition remission for employee and dependents

Generous contributions to a retirement plan

Job summary

A higher education institution is looking for a Director of Development in La Verne, California. This role entails fostering strategic relationships to secure major gifts supporting the institution's priorities. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of fundraising experience, possess strong communication and organizational skills, and be dedicated to the university's core values of ethical reasoning and diversity. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, and requires the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment.

Qualifications

Minimum 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, preferably in higher education.
Demonstrated success in prospect identification and relationship building.
Strong attention to detail and goal-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

Develop and nurture relationships with donors and prospects.
Manage a comprehensive personal strategic fundraising plan.
Create annual fundraising development plans and set donor goals.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Relationship building

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Banner software

FPM software

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

The University of La Verne is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Job Vacancy Announcement

Position Information

Functional Title

Functional Title Director of Development

Position Type

Position Type Administrative/Professional

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Regular

FTE %

100%

Work Schedule (if atypical)

Monday thru Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm with occasional evenings and weekends. A hybrid schedule is available after 6 months of employment.

University Overview

Embark on an exciting journey with the University of La Verne, where your career aspirations come to life in a vibrant and welcoming environment. Established in 1891, our diverse and inclusive community is more than just a university—it’s a home for passionate individuals like you.

At the University of La Verne, we embody four core values that set us apart—Ethical Reasoning, Diversity and Inclusivity, Lifelong Learning, and Civic and Community Engagement. If you’re fueled by these principles and are eager to make a meaningful impact, your journey begins here.

With a rich history spanning 132 years, the University of La Verne boasts a global Leo Family of 89,000+ accomplished alumni. As the #1 private university in California for social mobility according to U.S. News and World Report 2024, and recently recognized as the 33rd Best U.S. College by the Wall Street Journal 2024, we take pride in our commitment to excellence in education.

Join us in shaping the future, where your passion meets purpose. Come be part of something extraordinary and apply today!

Diversity Statement

The University supports a diverse and inclusive environment where students recognize and benefit from the life experiences and viewpoints of other students, faculty, and staff. Diversity is an active and intentional practice that supports difference and multiplicity to expand knowledge, educate capable citizens, develop the whole person, and serve our local and global communities. Promoting and sustaining diversity is a commitment to educational quality and the creation of positive, respectful learning communities.

Job Description Summary

The Director of Development personally promotes and fosters strategic relationships with individuals, private and community organizations while actively soliciting new major gifts that support the University’s institutional priorities. The incumbent will manage and grow an assigned list of donors and prospects, both local and regional, with a special emphasis on securing major gifts to support the overall mission of the institution of up to $1,000,000 and beyond. He or she will also be directly responsible for raising funds for other opportunities across the institution when appropriate and as directed by University Advancement leadership. In collaboration with the Associate Vice President, Vice President, President and University leadership, identify, research and secure funding to support major gifts ranging from institutional to departmental funding priorities. He or she will play an active role in helping to research, qualify, contact and cultivate new, mutually-beneficial relationships throughout Inland Southern California, the broader region, and in areas where alumni are located.

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate must have a minimum of three to five years of experience in fundraising, preferably in a higher education setting. He/she should be able to demonstrate successful experience and effectiveness in prospect identification, relationship building, and solicitation.
The successful candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal and organizational skills; have a strong attention to detail; be goal and results-oriented; self-motivated; and possess the ability to make independent decisions. He/she must be a collaborative and team-oriented individual; demonstrate sound judgment when dealing with a wide range of relationships and situations; and possess the ability to maintain enthusiasm for hard work, changing priorities, and multiple deadlines. He/she must have the ability to interact well with a diverse community of faculty, students, alumni, business leaders, and other external constituents.
The successful candidate should demonstrate commitment to the University’s core values of Ethical Reasoning, Service to Community, Lifelong Learning, and Diversity and Inclusivity.
A strong comprehension in the fundamental elements of fundraising, including, but not limited to – Prospect research, cold calling, proposal development and solicitations.

Preferred Qualifications

Working knowledge of Banner, FPM or other advancement software platforms.
A comprehensive understanding of the full spectrum of giving ranging from the annual fund, major gifts to planned giving.
Direct fundraising experience in a college or university setting.

Benefits Summary

Salary will be commensurate with experience and internal equity. Benefits include a comprehensive health and wellness plan, tuition remission program for employee, spouse, and dependent children, a generous contribution to the University’s 403B retirement plan, and a generous time off plan.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.

Location

Physical Demands Summary

The physical demands include the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 20 pounds occasionally. Clear verbal and written communication is essential, as the position involves frequent interaction with colleagues, clients, or external partners.
The noise level is generally low to moderate. The position may occasionally involve meeting deadlines or managing multiple priorities, which can require sustained focus and mental stamina.

Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes

If yes, list maximum weight and duration Up to 20Lbs

Describe work environment This position is based in a standard office environment and primarily involves sedentary work. Employees are expected to spend extended periods of time working at a desk, using a computer, and engaging in routine office tasks such as emailing, attending meetings.

Duties

Specific Duties

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development, the incumbent will have aggressive personal fundraising goals and will play a key role in helping to ensure the University reaches its overall annual fundraising objectives. They will manage a comprehensive personal strategic fundraising plan and list of donors to support a major‑gifts‑focused culture of philanthropy across the institution, lead new levels of engagement with current and prospective donors, and work towards significantly increasing contributed revenue to meet the demand of the organization’s growth.

Percentage Of Time

50%

The incumbent will work closely with other units across University Advancement to support and close gifts for annual fundraising opportunities, including but not limited to – The Annual Scholarship Gala, the Golf Tournament, Homecoming and other events that are aligned with or are in support of our mission, vision, and fundraising priorities.

Percentage Of Time

25%

The incumbent will develop effective and persuasive fundraising materials that articulate the University’s mission and programs with a strong case for support. Conduct donor prospect research, prepare briefing reports, and recommend strategies, acting as consultant for the President, Vice President, and Associate Vice President as needed. Researches data for proposal development. Develops, prepares and presents formal fundraising proposals for major donors and prospects. Ensure compliance with all University fundraising policies, goals and procedures, including responsibility for following all protocols for prospect and donor management established and implemented by University Advancement. They will represent the University of La Verne Advancement at external events and meetings. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Percentage Of Time

15%

The Director of Development will create and implement an annual fundraising development plan to meet personal and departmental goals, working adaptively as the organization and donor portfolio grows by managing the donor engagement cycle (research, cultivate, ask, steward). In partnership with the Associate Vice President, they will set goals for each donor, assigning and managing appropriate “asks” throughout the year.

Percentage Of Time

10%