Director of Fundraising

California State University, Fresno; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

This Director of Development position at California State University, Fresno leads major gift initiatives for the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and Ag One Foundation. It reports to senior development leadership and partners with the Dean to drive development strategies and campaigns that support students and programs.

The role emphasizes donor engagement, proposal development, collaborative leadership, and travel as needed to build relationships with diverse supporters

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum four years of progressively responsible fundraising or related experience.
• Ability to work with individuals and groups and as part of a team.
• Appreciation of the importance of education.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate and solicit major gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations.
• Plan and implement development and Jordan College-based campaign strategies.
• Collaborate with the Dean, VPUA, AVP and SDOD/ED on strategy and volunteer leadership.
• Engage diverse faculty, staff, alumni and community partners to advance fundraising goals.

Skills

Fundraising success

Proposal writing

Collaboration

CRM proficiency

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

4+ years fundraising / related experience

Team-oriented mindset

Appreciation of education's importance

Tools

CRM/database systems

Job description

Director of Development for the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

(Administrator II)

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary hiring range is $92,000 - $97,000 per year and is commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

This Director of Development (Director) is a member of the University Advancement (UA) division and is assigned to the Jordan College of Agricultural Science and Technology (Jordan College)/Ag One Foundation (Ag One) Development office whose mission is to support, benefit and promote the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, its programs and activities. The position reports through the Senior Director of Development/Ag One Executive Director (SDOD/ED) and works in partnership with the dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Science and Technology (Jordan College). The Director is responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Director, in partnership with the Dean, the Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA), the Associate/Assistant Vice President for Development and Comprehensive Campaigns (AVP), and the SDOD/ED will plan and implement development and Jordan College based campaign strategies and assist in strategy conversations regarding volunteer leadership.

The Jordan College draws on its deep roots in the Central Valley to prepare students today to be productive, resilient leaders in a sustainable global agriculture and food sector of the future and pursues its mission through various aspects of involvement: direct instruction and student development; research, scholarly and creative activities; and institutional development. Faculty and students conduct applied research and public service in selected areas of agriculture, food sciences, industrial technology, and family sciences. Programs combine a science, technology and management focus with experiential learning. The Jordan College seeks to enhance the ability of students to be successful in their chosen careers and to make positive contributions to the quality of life in their communities. The 1,000-acre campus farm includes 18 enterprises and is a vital part of the hands-on educational and research programs of the college. Ag One exists for the sole purpose of supporting fundraising in the Jordan College. Working in partnership, Ag One benefits, promotes and supports the Jordan College and its programs. Through the partnership with the Jordan College Development team, over the years, philanthropic partners, board members and volunteers have made it possible to award some 6,000 students with over $12 million in scholarships and program support. For the 2026-27 academic year, Ag One will provide more than $1M to deserving students and programs.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in building relationships and securing philanthropic support or comparable revenue outcomes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare persuasive proposals and presentations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, alumni, and community members from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and standard CRM/database systems.
• Flexibility to travel as needed to develop and maintain relationships.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum of four years of progressively responsible and successful fundraising experience or professional experience in sales, marketing, public relations, or related fields with demonstrated transferable skills.
• Demonstrated track record in working with individuals and groups and ability to work as a member of a team.
• Appreciation of the importance of education to individuals and society.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or other advanced degree preferred.
• Familiarity with the agriculture industry.
• Experience in higher education fundraising.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations and volunteer boards.
• Interest in tech-forward fundraising opportunities leveraging AI and other tools.

Department Summary

University Advancement’s mission is to inspire and increase engagement and philanthropy for Fresno State by putting the philanthropic partner at the center of what University Advancement does, thereby focusing on the philanthropic partner being the hero of their own story.

Towards that end, Fresno State is currently in the public phase of a comprehensive campaign, Lead with Pride. The division partners with alumni, friends and our community to broaden the resources available to Fresno State, strengthening higher education in the Central Valley and elevating our region. Through meaningful engagement opportunities, the division deepens loyalty to Fresno State and its mission. University Advancement ensures that a strong institutional brand inspires confidence and deepens the University’s bond with the public it serves. The division advances communications that elevate the University’s image and reputation in support of the University Strategic Plan.

California State University, Fresno is one of 22 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe. Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.