Director of Philanthropic Relations and Stewardship

The California State University; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

CalPERS benefits

Paid holidays (15)

Job summary

The California State University, Fresno seeks a Director of Philanthropic Relations and Stewardship to lead and evolve Fresno State's philanthropic partner relations. This role shapes a campus-wide stewardship program, collaborating with the AVP for Advancement Operations and Annual Giving and the President's Office for strategic donor engagement.

The director will manage reporting on scholarships and endowments, oversee recognition strategies, and work with Foundation leadership on funding

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year regionally accredited institution.
• A minimum of four years progressively responsible leadership management experience in philanthropic partner relations, customer service, event management or closely related experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication and ability to work with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee a campus-wide philanthropic partner acknowledgement and recognition plan; steward major gifts and partnerships.
• Serve as primary liaison to the Office of the President for events and activities and coordinate with leadership.
• Oversee scholarship and endowment reporting; analyze fund performance and ensure accountability in collaboration with Foundation leadership.
• Plan and execute events and activities that strengthen alumni and partner engagement, tracking outcomes in the alumni/philanthropic partner database.
• Travel as needed to fulfill institutional and donor engagement objectives.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Collaboration

Project management

Written communication

Oral communication

Diplomacy

Attention to detail

Budget awareness

Travel readiness

Customer service

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Leadership management experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Ellucian Advance

Job description

Director of Philanthropic Relations and Stewardship

Job no: 563480
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Fresno
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Fundraising & Alumni Relations, Full Time

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary hiring range is $85,000 - $92,000 per year , 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

Under the guidance of the Assistant Vice President for Advancement Operations and Annual Giving (AVP), the Director of Philanthropic Relations and Stewardship (Director) is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of Fresno State's philanthropic partner relation and stewardship efforts. This position plays a critical role in creating a culture of philanthropy at Fresno State by maintaining and enhancing the University's relationships with philanthropic partners. The position requires someone who is highly collaborative and constituent driven to build and sustain a University-wide philanthropic partner centric relations and stewardship program.

The Director reports directly to the Assistant Vice President for Advancement Operations and Annual Giving (AVP) and serves as the primary liaison to the Office of the President for assigned presidential events and activities. The Director collaborates with the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS) to ensure alignment with presidential priorities while retaining responsibility for the operational planning, coordination, and execution of assigned activities.

The Director possesses strong relationship-building and communication skills, demonstrates critical thinking and sound judgment, and is a results-driven leader and effective writer. The position oversees scholarship and endowment reporting and collaborates with Foundation leadership on fund analysis, administration, and accountability. The Director also plays a key role in strengthening relationships with alumni and philanthropic partners through meaningful stewardship, impact reporting, event planning and execution, and the tracking and evaluation of philanthropic partner engagement activities in the alumni/philanthropic partner database.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge and ability to create, execute and oversee a comprehensive campus-wide philanthropic partner acknowledgement and recognition plan.
• Knowledge and ability to develop stewardship communications, impact reports, and recognition strategies for major and principal gifts.
• Ability to work constructively and cooperatively with a diverse group of external and internal constituents.
• Creative, energetic and ambitious to be able to lead people, programs and manage projects.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about philanthropic partners and projects to which they are assigned.
• Exceptional written and effective oral and interpersonal communication and research skills; ability to synthesize information and compose clear and effective materials.
• Ability to listen and respond with diplomacy and tact.
• Demonstrated experience managing and coordinating multiple complex projects with competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated sound judgment in situations requiring independent decision making and in handling confidential and sensitive material.
• Strong customer service focus; excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of principles of institutional planning and budget processes.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and make strategic business decisions.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Ability and willingness to work early mornings, nights and weekends as needed.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year regionally accredited institution.
• A minimum of four years progressively responsible and successful leadership management experience in philanthropic partner relations and customer service, event management or closely related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel, database software and spreadsheet programs, email and Internet applications.
• Working knowledge of CSU policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with databases, preferably Ellucian Advance.
• Experience working in higher education.

Department Summary

University Advancement’s mission is to inspire and increase 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. The division works with alumni, friends, and the greater Fresno community to elevate Fresno State through their engagement with the University. Providing engagement opportunities is a primary role of the division, which advances Fresno State and elevates Fresno State students and the Valley. University Advancement focuses on engaging University constituents with the strong Fresno State brand and deepening the bond with alumni, friends, and the communities with the University.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by November 29, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

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.

California State University, Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Human Resources Department at [phone].

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety ActNotification

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics ofCleryAct crimes for Fresno State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at [e-mail] .

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Questions may be sent to [e-mail] .

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

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.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)

Advertised: Oct 26 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: