Director of Fundraising, Central Office
(Administrator II)

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated hiring salary is $87,000 - $92,000 per year and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. 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

The Director of Fundraising is a member of the University Advancement division and reports to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Development and Comprehensive Campaigns. The Director is responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting major gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations across the many constituents of the university and at the $25,000-$250,000 level. The Director, in partnership with AVP for Development and Comprehensive Campaigns, will plan and implement development and campaign strategies, and assist in strategy conversations on volunteer leadership.

This important development role will be housed in the central office and will primarily support projects that will benefit any area of the university. Major fundraising priorities will come at the direction of the AVP for Development and Comprehensive Campaigns to the Director of Development. This position will work closely with the other development staff members so strong teamwork and communication skills are vital. This role will have a flexible prospect portfolio that will include alumni and friends from across campus and individuals or organizations with varied interests.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated track record in working with individuals and groups, ability to work as a member of a team, recognition of the importance of education to individuals and society.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong written and oral communication skills.
• Highly motivated and proven self-starter, creative and entrepreneurial characteristics.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university from diverse ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Flexibility to travel as needed to develop and maintain relationships.
• Competency and experience with the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email and the internet.
• History of regular attendance and positive performance evaluations.

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

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum of four years of increasingly responsible and successful fundraising experience or professional experience with transferable skills such as sales, marketing or public relations.
• Demonstrated track record in working with individuals and groups, ability to work as a member of a team, recognition of the importance of education to individuals and society.
• Exposure to management, including budgetary responsibilities.
• Experience with a nonprofit organization.
• Experience with capital/comprehensive campaigns and/or specific experience in major gift solicitation, corporate foundation relations or constituent relations.
  • Preferred Skills:
    • Master's or other advanced degree preferred.
    • Experience/background in higher education.
    • Experience with alumni/philanthropic partner databases and campus applications such as Advance, Reeher or Raiser’s Edge.

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 within the University.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by September 8, 2024 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.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 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.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

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 hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

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.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

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