Position Summary

University Relations and Development (URAD) at San Diego State University is committed to upholding, as a foundational belief, a supportive working environment of inclusion that values, honors, and respects all members of our team and the University community. We strive to engage in and promote the fair and equitable recruitment and training of URAD staff members, develop meaningful relationships with all groups in our diverse campus community, and share philanthropic stories that highlight the impact of and opportunity for diverse giving by our SDSU community.

URAD firmly believes that an inclusive environment facilitates critical and creative thinking, and that differences in identities, values, beliefs, and perspectives are fundamental to our mission of generating philanthropic support for the university and its student body.

Within URAD, the term diversity implies a respect for all and an understanding of individual differences and other characteristics protected by applicable state or federal law, so that all members of the community are treated at all times with dignity and respect. We value diversity and inclusion in the working environment and believe it is vital to the fulfillment of the university’s mission.

URAD had another record-setting fundraising year with $133.2M total raised. Other superlatives in 2020-2021 include: 19,763 total gifts, 2,207 scholarships awarded and 3,527 first-time donors. The latest fundraising success can be credited to the university’s goal of building a world-class university campus, research center, and multi-use stadium in Mission Valley to serve higher education, the public good, and the community’s goals and aspirations.

The Associate Director, Professional Studies and Fine Arts  is a mid-level fundraising professional responsible for raising gifts to support the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts and University Initiatives ($50,000+). The Associate Director is a member of the university’s development team and is responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing a major gift program for college initiatives. The incumbent will work closely with the Dean of the college and the Dean’s board of advisors to identify, cultivate and solicit individuals, corporations and foundations with interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.

This position has a dotted line reporting to the Director of Development, Professional Studies and Fine Arts.

 For more information regarding University Relations and Development, click here.

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base) benefits-eligible, at-will position. This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.  Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

The individual hired into this role will work on-campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field or combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive development experience or related work, such as sales, marketing, communications and community or public relations

Specialized Qualifications

• A high degree of interest in and commitment to higher education and philanthropy and the ability to articulate a compelling case for annual support of a public institution of higher education
• Ability to utilize computer applications and databases to correspond, prepare written materials and manage time/work flow
• Ability to interpret biographical, corporate, and foundation information and to prepare concise written basic profiles and summaries of donor/prospect information
• Proficiency with computer applications (i.e. email; word processing; spreadsheet, presentation software and database applications)
• Working knowledge of electronic databases, other reference sources, library reference tools and research procedures
• Demonstrated success in providing volunteer leadership
• Must have the ability to travel and attend off-campus appointments and events
• May on occasion be required to attend events or perform duties outside of normal work hours

Preferred Qualifications

• Fundraising experience in a large, complex university or non-profit.
• Minimum of 2 years of direct experience in personal gift solicitation and fundraising ($25,000+)
• Success in gift fundraising ($25,000+) that demonstrates an ability to align strategy development/implementation with pre-approved goals/priorities
• Demonstrated success with comprehensive and/or capital campaigns
• Planned giving experience
• Experience working with volunteers and with corporate executives

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University will offer a competitive salary based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.  San Diego State University also offers a rich benefits package that includes:

• Extensive Leave benefits: 14 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year;
• Retirement security through a CalPERS defined benefit pension (with CalPERS and UC Retirement Plan reciprocity) and retiree healthcare benefits;
• An array of health, dental, and vision coverage at no-cost or low-cost to the employee; and
• California State University system fee reduction program (fee waiver) for the employee or their qualified dependent

SDSU COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

In accordance with the California State University systemwide policy, students, faculty, and staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide a valid medical or religious exemption in order to access campus. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated for five months after their final dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or for two months after receiving the only dose of a single-dose vaccine. Afterward a COVID-19 booster is required to continue to be considered fully vaccinated.

The individual hired into this role will be required to submit their completed vaccination documentation to the university’s secure online health portal prior to beginning work.  Individuals with an approved medical or religious exemption on file with the university will be required to participate in SDSU’s COVID-19 testing program.

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on June 10, 2022. To receive full consideration, apply by June 9, 2022. The position will remain open until filled.

All management and executive employees shall be required to provide a written statement to the appropriate administrator of any and all outside employment. Employees shall also provide a written statement of outside employment if a written request by an administrator is made.

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. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

SDSU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.

Applicants with disabilities and applicants who require assistance completing an application may contact Casie Martinez at cmartinez12@sdsu.edu or 619-594-3953.