Director of Foundation Relations and Development Communications (Administrator II)

California State University, Chico; Chico (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition fee waiver

Job summary

California State University, Chico seeks a strategic fundraiser to lead Foundation Relations and Development Communications. The role develops proposals, crafts donor-facing narratives, and partners with university leadership to align with priority funding.

You will supervise writing efforts and coordinate across campus to maximize philanthropic impact. Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree and at least five years in foundation relations or fundraising communications in higher education, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in foundation relations or fundraising communications in higher education advancement or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead foundation fundraising and development communications strategies.
• Develop and manage proposals, donor reports, and persuasive narratives for philanthropy.
• Collaborate with faculty, deans, and development officers to identify funding priorities.

Skills

Grant writing

Fundraising

Development writing

Strategic writing

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRM systems

Grants databases

Foundation research tools

Job description

Our Commitment To Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students. Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

Job/Department Summary

The Director of Foundation Relations and Development Communications leads the University's foundation fundraising efforts while serving as the primary strategic writer for University Development. This position develops and manages a comprehensive foundation relations program that advances the University's strategic priorities through competitive grant proposals and philanthropic partnerships.

The Director also serves as the University's lead development writer, creating compelling fundraising communications that inspire philanthropic investment. This includes developing institutional cases for support, preparing donor and foundation impact reports, and translating complex academic initiatives into persuasive donor-centered narratives.

Working collaboratively across the University and under the direction of the Executive Director of Development, the Director partners with faculty, deans, program directors, and development officers to identify funding priorities, develop competitive proposals, and communicate the impact of philanthropy. The Director serves as the University's subject matter expert on foundation fundraising and strategic fundraising communications.

Required Education And Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

AND

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in foundation relations, grant writing, development writing, fundraising communications, higher education advancement, or a closely related field.

Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, public relations, nonprofit management, business, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in foundation relations, development writing, fundraising communications, or higher education advancement.
• Experience translating complex academic, research, or programmatic information into clear and persuasive narratives for philanthropic audiences.
• Experience with advancement CRM systems, foundation research tools, and grants databases.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects, stakeholders, and deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in foundation fundraising, philanthropy, and development communications.
• Experience building out new programs and managing firs of kind initiatives.

Time Base

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan

Pay Plan: 12/12

Work Schedule

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm, Summer: Mon-Thurs 7:00am-5:30pm

Admin II Hiring Range

Admin II Hiring Range: $60,636 - $194,652 per year. Salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected.

Benefits

Benefits: This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

Additional Information

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

California State University, Chico, in accordance with CSU policy, requires that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive.

This position is considered a sensitive position based on CSU guidelines. Incumbent is responsible for the safety and security of Level 1 data, sometimes also referred to as Level 1 protected data. This is confidential information that is in most cases protected by statutes, regulations, or other legal mandates.

This position is a Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) designated managerial position and comes under the Management Personnel Plan (MPP) of the California State University. Individuals appointed to management positions serve at the pleasure of the President or designee. They are excluded from the collective bargaining process, are not subject to probationary service, and do not receive tenure or permanent status. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

About Chico State

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, “Today Decides Tomorrow,” is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century. The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus. We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled (Review of Applications will begin 10/06/26. Applications received after that date may be considered.)