Director of Development, Humanities and Social Sciences

Opt For Healthy Living; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 84,816 - 103,788; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Dental and Vision coverage

Retirement plan through CalPERS

Tuition waiver for employees

Job summary

Opt For Healthy Living is seeking a Director of Development for Humanities and Social Sciences to lead major-gift fundraising efforts and support the financial goals of the university. This role demands strong leadership, integrity, and collaboration with faculty and donors.

The ideal candidate will have at least 4–5 years of fundraising experience, a bachelor's degree, and excellent communication skills. The position offers a salary range of $7,600 - $9,300 per month and various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4–5 years of major-gift fundraising experience.
• Ability to solicit gifts of at least $25,000.
• Experience planning donor events.

Responsibilities

• Lead major-gift fundraising efforts and execution of a multimillion-dollar plan.
• Engage donors and alumni to strengthen relationships.
• Manage all aspects of the donor lifecycle.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Strong communication skills

Event planning

Donor relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Director of Development, Humanities and Social Sciences

Classification: Administrator II

Salary Range: (Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $7,600 - $9,300 per month)

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Department

The department of College and Program Development within the Division of University Advancement generates financial support for Cal State Fullerton, benefiting each of the eight colleges, Student Affairs, Titan Athletics, the Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and the Pollak Library. The Director of Development, Humanities and Social Sciences will support fundraising activities consistent with the priorities of the Vice President for University Advancement and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). The role requires a positive attitude, an active, energetic mind, and a leadership style characterized by ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Assistant Vice President of College and Program Development and in partnership with the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Director will be an integral part of the major‑gift development team, leading major‑gift development efforts and the direct strategy and execution of a multimillion‑dollar fundraising plan in coordination with the College Dean. Responsibilities include strategic individual, foundation, and corporate fundraising; donor and alumni engagement; development events; communications; stewardship; and prospect management. As a frontline major‑gift officer, the Director will manage all aspects of the donor lifecycle—qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship—while also providing counsel and expertise to faculty and administrators. With a portfolio of approximately 125 prospects, this leader will champion a culture of philanthropy while collaborating with university programs across disciplines to align private support for long‑term impact.

Conflict of Interest: The scope of responsibilities for this position includes the making or participating in the making of decisions that may have a material financial benefit on the incumbent. Therefore the incumbent will be required to file an initial “Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interests” within thirty (30) days of hire and on an annual basis; and complete the CSU‑sponsored ethics online training within thirty (30) days of appointment, and at least once during each consecutive period of two calendar years following the appointment.

Mandated Reporter: The person holding this position is considered a limited mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with the requirements outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083.

Essential Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in a related field and a minimum of 4–5 years of demonstrated success in direct major‑gift fundraising are required. The candidate must be able to solicit and secure gifts of at least $25,000 and demonstrate a strong capacity to develop and implement persuasive cultivation strategies that strengthen the giving pipeline. Advanced written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills are essential for building and maintaining effective relationships across the organization and with external constituencies. Experience in planning and executing meaningful donor events is required, as is an understanding of university culture and the ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and volunteers. The role requires local travel, proficiency with general office equipment and Microsoft‑based computer systems, and knowledge of annual campaigns, corporate and foundation philanthropy, and digital fundraising. Additionally, the candidate must be able to design and implement effective donor stewardship strategies.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working as a fundraising officer in higher education, along with experience in principal and planned giving. Experience collaborating with faculty and academic leadership, supporting fundraising campaigns, and reliable transportation for events and donor visits at varying times are preferred. The role involves performing duties both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in varying environmental conditions, and requires availability to support and work at the university’s annual commencement ceremonies.

Benefits at a Glance

• An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
• Dental and Vision coverage
• Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
• Retirement plan through CalPERS
• Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible

California State University, Fullerton is an equal‑opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.

California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose.

California State University, Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H‑1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions.

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.

Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job‑related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.

Advertised: Jun 11 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: Jun 25 2026 Pacific Daylight Time