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Associate Director Jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Associate Director, Category Management of Primary Packaging Injectables partners with VP-level business or functional stakeholders to develop global procurement strategies, define strategic ...

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Based in our Newport Beach headquarters, the Associate Director, Property Accounting serves as a key leader within the Finance & Accounting organization, overseeing all aspects of property accounting ...

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Associate Director information

See Ladera Ranch, CA salary details

$32.4K

$109.2K

$183.9K

How much do associate director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director in Ladera Ranch, CA is $109,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,400.00 and $149,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate director?

An Associate Director is a mid- to senior-level management professional who assists the Director in overseeing a department or division within an organization. They help develop strategic plans, manage teams, and ensure projects and initiatives align with organizational goals. Associate Directors often serve as a bridge between upper management and staff, taking on both leadership and operational responsibilities. Their role may also involve budgeting, performance evaluations, and representing the department in meetings. The specific duties can vary depending on the industry and organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate director?

To thrive as an Associate Director, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with budgeting software, CRM systems, and data analysis tools is often required, along with certifications like PMP depending on the sector. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and decision-making abilities help drive teams and projects forward while building strong stakeholder relationships. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring organizational goals are met efficiently and for successfully managing complex initiatives across departments.

How does an associate director typically balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational responsibilities?

Associate Directors are often tasked with both setting long-term strategies and ensuring smooth daily operations. Balancing these responsibilities requires effective time management, delegation, and constant communication with their teams. They usually spend part of their week in meetings focused on organizational goals and performance metrics, while allocating time to oversee project execution and resolve immediate challenges. This dual focus allows them to ensure that their team's work aligns with broader company objectives and that operational issues are addressed promptly.

What is the difference between Associate Director vs Project Manager?

AspectAssociate DirectorProject Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often advanced degrees or certifications in management or industry-specific fieldsBachelor's degree, PMP or similar project management certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing departments, collaborating with senior leadershipPlanning, executing, and closing projects within scope, time, and budget
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporate, nonprofit, and academic settings for leadership rolesWidely used across industries for managing specific projects

While both roles require strong organizational skills, the Associate Director focuses on strategic oversight and departmental leadership, whereas the Project Manager concentrates on executing specific projects. The Associate Director typically has broader responsibilities and higher-level decision-making authority.

Is an associate director a high position?

An associate director is a senior management role that typically involves overseeing departments or projects and supporting the director. It is considered a high-level position within organizations, often requiring leadership skills and industry experience.

What job categories do people searching Associate Director jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Director jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA are:

What cities near Ladera Ranch, CA are hiring for Associate Director jobs?

Cities near Ladera Ranch, CA with the most Associate Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Director job openings in Ladera Ranch, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,203 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Associate Director of Annual Giving

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Fullerton, CA โ€ข On-site

$82 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Associate Director of Annual Giving

Classificaiton: Administrator I

Department: The office of Central Development within the Division of University Advancement is dedicated to increasing community, tradition, and contributions to the University by working together with the campus community. A strong foundation of supporters is essential to enhancing academic innovation, empowering students, transforming campus structures, and enriching the community. Through gifts large and small, Cal State Fullerton elevates the potential of our remarkable students. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Associate Director of Annual Giving (Administrator I). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude, an active, energetic mind, and a leadership style that is characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Sub-Division: Salary Range:

$6,800 - $8,300 per month

Appointment Type: Time Base: Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend hours.

About CSUF:

California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Job Summary: Essential Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
  • Two to three years of experience in development fundraising, annual giving, advancement services, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting fundraising campaigns, donor engagement strategies, or direct response programs.
  • Working knowledge of fundraising principles, donor lifecycle, and stewardship practices.
  • Experience coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders and managing competing priorities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop donor-facing content.
  • Proficient knowledge of digital technology, design tools, and giving platforms.
  • Ability to analyze data and prepare reports to support program evaluation.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
  • Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Suite with the ability to use the full range of software package (Word, Excel, PPT and Teams).
  • Experience working with sensitive and confidential data.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Three or more years of experience in development with a focus on annual giving.
  • Experience in fundraising, preferably in higher education.
  • Experience with annual giving programs, including direct mail, digital fundraising, and/or Day of Giving campaigns.
  • Experience with marketing automation tools, email platforms, and digital engagement strategies.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret fundraising metrics and apply insights to improve performance.
  • Experience working with volunteers, alumni groups, or advisory boards.
  • Knowledge of emerging trends in philanthropy, including crowdfunding, social fundraising, and donor experience strategies.
  • Familiarity with specific data management and multi-channel tools like Gravyty's Raise and Gratavid, Raiser's Edge (RENXT), Trello, Scalefunder, and/or similar products.
  • Outstanding collaborative skills and an ability to serve as a member of a team while working independently across various constituencies.
  • Supervisory or lead work experience, including training or mentoring staff or student assistants.
Special Working Conditions:

Must be able to support and work the university's annual commencement ceremonies.

Legal & Equal Employment Opportunity:

Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.

Background & Compliance:

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Attendance & Performance:

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.

Additional Employee Information:

Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.

Additional Notes:

Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

Academic/Student Position Restriction:

Applicants for staff positions are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant.

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