Full-time position under the Management Personnel Plan (MPP) available on or after August 3, 2026 in University Advancement/Development.
Position Summary
Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Director of Annual Giving provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and operational direction for the Universityโs annual giving program. The role is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating integrated annual giving strategies designed to increase donor participation, grow revenue, and strengthen the pipeline of prospective donors. The Director ensures that annual giving operations align with university priorities and serve as a primary entry point for longโterm donor engagement and philanthropic growth. The position exercises independent judgment in appeal strategy, resource allocation, data analysis, program administration, and staff supervision.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive annual giving strategy, establishing program priorities, resource allocation, and performance benchmarks aligned with divisional and institutional advancement goals.
- Design, execute, and evaluate integrated multiโchannel fundraising appeals (direct mail, email, digital, social media, text, and online solicitations).
- Establish measurable goals for donor acquisition, retention reactivation, and upgrades.
- Lead strategic analysis of donor data and campaign performance to drive annual giving revenue, optimize return on investment, and inform advancement leadership decisionโmaking.
- Provide regular reports and strategic recommendations to advancement leadership.
- Ensure compliance with CSU policies, industry best practices, and institutional advancement standards.
- Develop and manage the annual giving operating budget.
- Supervise staff and coordinate with crossโfunctional teams and external partners, establishing work priorities, performance expectations, and workflows.
- Oversee vendor relationships and external service providers supporting fundraising execution.
- Develop and implement programโlevel procedures and operational guidelines for annual giving and contribute to divisional strategy discussions.
- Monitor and evaluate program outcomes and implement continuous improvement strategies.
- Produce strategies to identify, qualify, and transition annual donors with major gift potential.
- Serve as a key liaison within University Advancement and with external partners, advising leadership on annual giving pipeline strategy.
- Create structured upgrade pathways from annual giving to major giving portfolios.
- Provide data insights and donor trend analysis to inform major gift strategy discussions.
- Ensure timely and appropriate acknowledgement and recognition of annual donors.
- Develop stewardship strategies to enhance donor retention and satisfaction.
- Coordinate with Advancement Services and Development staff to maintain accurate donor records and consistent communication.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including at least one (1) year of direct supervisory/management experience.
- Bachelorโs degree in marketing, communications, creative writing, or related field. Additional progressively responsible experience directly related to the duties of the position may be substituted for the required education on a yearโforโyear basis.
Preferred Qualifications
- Masterโs degree in marketing, communications, creative writing, or other relevant field.
- Five (5) years of experience in direct annual giving.
- One (1) year of experience in direct higher education fundraising.
- Background in marketing, communications, or data analytics supporting annual giving or fundraising campaigns.
- Experience supervising professional staff in advancement or fundraising operations; experience supervising subordinate managers preferred.
- Experience managing budgets for annual giving or fundraising programs.
- Experience leading or supporting process improvement or operational changes within fundraising programs.
- Experience participating in advancement planning and serving as a liaison with internal or external partners supporting donor engagement.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and standards within the assigned professional field.
- Knowledge of strategic planning, organizational development, and institutional policy implementation.
- Ability to develop and implement divisional policies and procedures.
- Ability to align operational objectives with institutional strategic goals.
- Ability to oversee multiโunit operations and integrate complex systems and processes.
- Ability to manage financial, human, and physical resources.
- Ability to supervise subordinate managers and professional staff.
- Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and process improvement initiatives.
- Ability to analyze institutional data and apply findings for strategic decisionโmaking to interpret fundraising metrics and trends.
- Skill in executiveโlevel communication, presentations, and reporting.
- Ability to build effective partnerships across divisions and external entities.
- Ability to exercise broad discretion and sound judgment in highโimpact situations.
Salary and Benefits
Anticipated starting salary will be $10,560 - $11,250 per month plus excellent paid benefits. Salary will depend on the qualifications of the successful finalist. Commensurate with qualifications and experience. As a member of the 23โcampus CSU System, we offer an extremely competitive benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, health, dental, and vision plans; a fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The university 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. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. The person holding this position is considered a โmandated reporterโ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised 7/21/17, as a condition of employment.