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Associate Director Of Development Jobs in California

Chapman University

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Associate Director of Development

Orange, CA · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Development, the Associate Director of Development serves as a major gift officer and primary point of contact for assigned deans and campus leaders. The ...

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Associate Director Of Development information

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$20.7K

$92.1K

$177.6K

How much do associate director of development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director of development in California is $92,128.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,600.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate director of development, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Director Of Development, you need strong fundraising expertise, relationship management skills, and typically a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as nonprofit management or communications. Familiarity with donor management databases (like Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce), grant writing, and budgeting tools is often required. Exceptional interpersonal communication, strategic thinking, and leadership abilities help you build donor trust and motivate teams. These skills are vital for securing funding, fostering stakeholder engagement, and driving an organization’s fundraising success.

What is the difference between Associate Director Of Development vs Development Manager?

AspectAssociate Director Of DevelopmentDevelopment Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often advanced certifications in fundraising or nonprofit managementBachelor's degree, experience in fundraising or development
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing teams, high-level donor relationsImplementing fundraising activities, managing projects, direct donor engagement
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, educational institutions, large charitiesNonprofits, smaller organizations, community groups

The Associate Director Of Development typically focuses on strategic planning and high-level donor relations, often overseeing teams, while the Development Manager handles day-to-day fundraising activities and project management. Both roles require strong communication skills and fundraising experience, but the Associate Director Of Development operates at a higher strategic level within the organization.

What does an associate director of development do?

An Associate Director of Development is responsible for supporting and overseeing fundraising efforts within an organization, particularly in nonprofit, education, or arts sectors. They help develop and implement strategies to secure donations, manage donor relationships, and coordinate fundraising events or campaigns. Additionally, they often supervise development staff, collaborate with senior leadership, and ensure fundraising goals are met to support the organization’s mission.

How does an associate director of development typically collaborate with other departments to achieve fundraising goals?

An Associate Director of Development frequently works cross-functionally with teams such as marketing, communications, finance, and program staff to align fundraising strategies with the organization's overall mission. This role often coordinates with program managers to understand funding needs, partners with communications to craft compelling donor messaging, and works closely with finance to ensure accurate reporting and stewardship of gifts. Strong collaboration skills are essential, as the Associate Director acts as a bridge between development and other departments, ensuring unified efforts toward fundraising targets.
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What job categories do people searching Associate Director Of Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Director Of Development jobs in California are:
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Associate Director Of Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Director Of Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,128 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Associate Director of Development

Chapman University

Orange, CA

$115K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

257th of 616 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Associate Director of Development Position Type Regular Job Number SA87224 Full or Part Time full-time 40 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Exempt Anticipated Pay Range $115,000-$125,000 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Following a record-breaking year for University Advancement, Chapman University seeks an Associate Director of Development to play a key role in building and advancing a best-in-class major gifts program.
Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Development, the Associate Director of Development serves as a major gift officer and primary point of contact for assigned deans and campus leaders. The position will manage an established portfolio of prospects and donors capable of making major gifts to Chapman University, with responsibility for advancing relationships through discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Working closely with deans and campus leaders, the Associate Director will help connect donor interests with institutional priorities, support philanthropic board development when appropriate, and travel regionally to engage alumni, parents, donors, and friends of the institution.
Annual fundraising goals and performance metrics will be established by University Advancement senior leadership and reviewed annually in collaboration with the Associate Vice President, Development and the Vice President of Development.
The successful candidate will be a donor-centered, relationship-driven fundraiser who demonstrates sound judgment, initiative, professionalism, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to Chapman University's mission, values, and community. The ideal candidate will thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and bring energy, creativity, and discipline to building meaningful donor relationships.
This position works collaboratively with colleagues across University Advancement, including Corporate and Foundation Relations, Legacy Planning, Donor Relations, Prospect Research and Management, Annual Giving, Constituent Engagement, Special Events, and Advancement Systems and Operations, to develop and execute integrated donor-engagement and fundraising strategies.
Responsibilities
FUNDRAISING AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
  • Serve as a front-line major gift officer responsible for discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects and donors capable of making major gifts to Chapman University
  • Manage an established portfolio of approximately 120-150 prospects and donors, with a focus on building and maintaining a healthy, active portfolio,
  • Strengthen relationships with current prospects and donors while identifying and qualifying new prospects.
  • Advance donor-centered conversations that connect donor interests with Chapman University's institutional priorities.
  • Develop and implement individualized strategies to move prospects through the gift cycle, in partnership with University Advancement leadership and Prospect Research and Management.
  • Prepare and present formal fundraising proposals to donors and prospects. Collaborate with University Advancement colleagues to close gifts and pledge agreements.
  • Travel regionally to meet with alumni, parents, donors, and friends of the institution in support of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
  • Engage assigned prospects and donors in appropriate university events and programs when doing so supports donor cultivation, solicitation, or stewardship.
  • Meet or exceed monthly and annual goals for fundraising activity, including visits, substantive moves, proposals, solicitations, and dollars raised.
  • Utilize the university's CRM and moves-management system to document donor activity, maintain accurate records, and advance prospects through the gift cycle.
  • In collaboration with Prospect Research and Management, prepare and review development reports to evaluate progress toward goals.
  • Work effectively with diverse constituents within and external to the university.
  • Learn and follow all applicable policies, rules, laws, and regulations, including FERPA. Consult with University Advancement leadership and Donor Relations/Gift Administration colleagues as needed.
LIAISON TO DEANS AND CAMPUS LEADERS
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned deans and campus leaders on major gift strategy and donor-related activity.
  • Work closely with deans, campus leaders, and faculty to support donor conversations aligned with institutional priorities.
  • Identify appropriate opportunities to involve deans, faculty, campus leaders, and University Advancement leadership in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
  • Help prepare deans and campus leaders for donor meetings, visits, events, and other interactions with prospects and donors.
  • When appropriate, support philanthropic board development in partnership with deans, campus leaders, and University Advancement colleagues.
  • Maintain regular communication with assigned deans and campus leaders to ensure coordination, alignment, and follow-through on donor-related activity.
ADVANCEMENT COLLABORATION AND STEWARDSHIP
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across University Advancement, including Corporate and Foundation Relations, Legacy Planning, Donor Relations, Prospect Research and Management, Annual Giving, Constituent Engagement, Special Events, and Advancement Systems and Operations, to develop and execute integrated donor-engagement and fundraising strategies.
  • Collaborate with Donor Relations and Gift Administration to develop appropriate stewardship strategies for assigned donors.
  • Provide personalized and customized stewardship opportunities for donors in coordination with University Advancement colleagues and campus partners.
  • Collaborate with Advancement Systems and Operations to update donor information and support donor stewardship.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Minimum three years of experience in donor cultivation, personal solicitation of major gifts, donor stewardship, prospect management, and/or volunteer management.
  • Demonstrated understanding of institutional advancement strategies and the major gift cycle.
  • Experience forming meaningful, long-term relationships with donors, prospects, alumni, parents, and other constituents; excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate persuasively, both orally and in writing, about private gift fundraising.
  • Strong analytical skills to think strategically, evaluate and understand data, identify opportunities, develop appropriate solutions, achieve goals, and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with flexibility and adaptability to changing deadlines and urgent priorities.
  • Strong organizational and portfolio-management skills, with proven ability to manage prospects and maintain a results-oriented approach.
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and exercise discretion and sound judgment.
  • Ability to use tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
  • Ability to prepare, monitor, and reconcile budgets and expenses.
  • Ability and commitment to provide strong personalized service and teamwork. Ability to supervise, manage, and work with students, if necessary.
  • Computer skills utilizing Microsoft Office Suite applications.
  • Strong technical skills to learn and use enterprise systems, the university's CRM, and other databases needed for the position.
  • Strong ability to pay careful attention to detail.
  • Knowledge and skill to assist in the development and design of gift proposals and stewardship materials.
  • Familiarity with, or ability to learn and implement, all applicable policies, rules, laws, and regulations, including FERPA.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience working with boards, advisory councils, or other leadership groups in support of fundraising or institutional priorities.
  • Familiarity with the Southern California philanthropic community.
  • Experience working in higher education advancement or a similarly complex nonprofit environment.
Special Instructions to Applicants
At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Minimum Number of References 3 Maximum Number of References 3

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