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University Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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University Development information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$76.4K

$131.3K

How much do university development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for university development in California is $76,424.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $89,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What professions make $500,000 a year?

Professions that can earn $500,000 or more annually include senior executives such as CEOs and CFOs, successful entrepreneurs, top-tier investment bankers, and certain specialized medical specialists like neurosurgeons. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve high levels of responsibility and performance-based bonuses.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

In the field of university development, senior roles such as Vice President of Development or Chief Development Officer can earn $400,000 or more annually, especially in large institutions. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong fundraising skills, and often involve leadership responsibilities and strategic planning.

How does a University Development professional typically collaborate with academic departments and faculty?

University Development professionals work closely with academic departments and faculty to identify funding needs, develop compelling proposals, and align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities. They often facilitate meetings, gather information about research or program initiatives, and help translate academic goals into donor-friendly language. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as these professionals act as liaisons between faculty and potential donors, ensuring that fundraising strategies support the university's academic mission.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

In university development or related fields, high-paying roles such as senior fundraising managers or development directors can earn $10,000 or more monthly, especially with extensive experience and successful grant or donor management. These positions often require strong communication skills, strategic planning, and industry knowledge, but may not always require a formal degree if complemented by proven results and professional certifications.

What is University Development?

University Development refers to the efforts and activities focused on fundraising, alumni relations, and securing financial support for a university. This department works to build relationships with donors, alumni, corporations, and foundations to support scholarships, research, capital projects, and other university priorities. University Development professionals organize campaigns, events, and outreach initiatives to engage supporters and promote the institution's mission. Their work is essential for ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of the university.

What professions make 200,000 a year without a degree?

Professions that can reach $200,000 annually without a degree include certain sales roles like real estate brokers, high-level commercial pilots, and some skilled trades such as elevator installers and power plant operators. Success in these fields often depends on experience, certifications, or licensing, rather than formal college education.

What is the difference between University Development vs University Fundraising Coordinator?

AspectUniversity DevelopmentUniversity Fundraising Coordinator
Primary FocusStrategic planning, alumni relations, major gift cultivationEvent planning, donor outreach, campaign support
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in fundraising or developmentBachelor's degree, experience in fundraising or donor relations
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, university campuses, eventsOffice-based, campus events, community outreach
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, higher education institutionsUniversities, higher education institutions

University Development involves strategic planning and relationship management to secure major gifts and build long-term support, while University Fundraising Coordinators focus on executing fundraising campaigns, organizing events, and engaging donors. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but University Development has a broader strategic scope compared to the more operational focus of Fundraising Coordinators.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in University Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in University Development, you need strong fundraising expertise, relationship-building skills, and a background in higher education or nonprofit management, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with donor management databases (such as Raiser's Edge), CRM systems, and fundraising analytics tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, networking abilities, and strategic thinking help professionals engage donors and collaborate with internal stakeholders. These skills are crucial for securing philanthropic support, building long-term partnerships, and advancing the university’s mission.
What are popular job titles related to University Development jobs in California? For University Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching University Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for University Development jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various University Development job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,424 per year, or $36.7 per hour.
Senior Director of Development, CHHS - Search Firm

Senior Director of Development, CHHS - Search Firm

California State University

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$10K - $15K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Senior Director of Development, CHHS - Search Firm

Apply now Job no: 559057
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Long Beach
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)!

Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus-one of the largest in the CSU system-serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.

As a member of the CSULB community, you'll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It's an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer.

Join the California State University (CSU) and explore career opportunities that advance student success and strengthen California's future-offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth.


Job Summary

The Senior Director of Development for the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) is responsible for securing major gifts of $25,000+ with a focus on gifts above $100,000 including principal gifts at $1 million+ in support of the university, with an emphasis on CHHS.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development, this role partners closely with the college dean and faculty to provide strategic leadership, increasing both the number and size of major and principal gifts. The position assesses philanthropic priorities and aligns them with prospective donors to benefit the college and university.

The Senior Director serves as the primary development officer, leading donor identification, prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and communication for gifts exceeding $100,000. The Senior Director manages the full donor lifecycle while building and sustaining strong relationships between the university and its benefactors, advancing a culture of philanthropy across major, principal, and planned giving.


Key Responsibilities
  • Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts of $25,000+ with a focus on gifts above $100,000 including principal gifts at $1 million+ from individuals, corporations and foundations to support CHHS and university. 
  • Facilitate university-wide collaboration amongst corporate and foundation donors that support multiple colleges.
  • Manage strategic volunteer development opportunities for major gift prospects.
  • Collaborate with URD (VP and AVP, Development) and the dean of the College of Health and Human Services to identify college philanthropic priorities and create successful development strategies for each one.
  • Write such materials (e.g., proposals, gift agreements) as are necessary for the fund-raising tasks.

Department

University Development


Duration of Appointment

This is a regular, at-will position.


Classification

Administrator II


Compensation

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department's fiscal resources.

  • CSU MPP Compensation Summary Range: The MPP Comp Summary Range for this position is $10,069 - $15,104 per month.

Benefits

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being.

To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package that can include:

  • Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
  • Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
  • Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
  • Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of the solicitation process within an educational environment and demonstrates a proven ability to identify, cultivate, and build a pipeline of future donors. They are skilled in partnering with college leadership to establish major and principal gift priorities and develop effective strategies to achieve fundraising success. This individual possesses excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving abilities, along with strong oral and written communication skills. They are effective supervisors, capable of leading and managing a college development office and its staff, while also working independently with minimal oversight. A high degree of self-direction is essential, as they must be able to initiate, coordinate, and successfully complete tasks with accountability and efficiency.

Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.  Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.  Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."


Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree and 7 years of demonstrated successful major gift fundraising experience including donor identification, cultivation, and solicitation.

Experience in higher education preferred.


Licenses / Certificates

Valid California driver's license required.

Employees who are required to operate motorized vehicles and/or use their personal vehicle more than once a month on university business are required to take a mandatory Defensive Driving course and enroll in the DMV Employee Pull Notice (EPN) Program.


Application Procedures

Another Source has been retained for this search. To ensure your application is received please apply directly through Another Source candidate portal by clicking here.

Please fill out the application completely. It is important that all sections of the online application are completed fully and accurately. Be sure to include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.


Physical Summary

Sedentary work - Involves mainly sitting. Walking and standing are minimal. Lifting is limited to lightweight objects (10 pounds or less).


Additional Information

CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSULB 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 satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Due to the nature of this position, current CSULB employees are subject to a criminal record check unless they have successfully completed a criminal background check through CSULB within the past 12 months.

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 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter.  


Equal Employment Statement

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.


Accommodations

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact StaffHR-Accommodations@csulb.edu.


Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Advertised: Jun 09 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Jul 08 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

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About California State University

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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.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US