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Executive Director Of Development

Reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Development, the Executive Director of Development serves as a member of the Development's leadership team and leads a team of fundraising professionals providing strategic direction, implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement of major gift giving, capital campaigns, and events. In collaboration with the AVP for Development / Executive Director of Campaign, the incumbent establishes effective relationships with donors, Tower board members, alumni, college leaders, community members, faculty and staff. In addition to these leadership responsibilities, this position will maintain a significant prospect portfolio working with some of the university's most generous alumni and friends.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees the directors of development for colleges and units in the strategic planning and implementation of their fundraising efforts, establish the funding priorities and goals for the fiscal year
• Meets with the directors of development on a regular basis to provide leadership, ensure priorities and goals are being met, share knowledge, and provide guidance to meet goals
• Evaluates the performance of direct reports annually
• Coordinates with the prospect management system to assure effective coordination with fundraising professionals soliciting and cultivating support for the colleges and campus
• Engages in university fundraising activities on-and off-campus where prospects and donors may attend events
• Maintains a comprehensive working knowledge of the University fundraising priorities across the institution and Advancement objectives
• Draft Memoranda of Understanding for gifts when appropriate and facilitate their processing
• Develop, implement and evaluate fundraising and development plans and corresponding goals that reflect the college's mission and strategic priorities
• Work collaboratively with peers in Annual Giving, Planned Giving and Corporate and Foundation Relations
• Cultivate collaborative, strategic relationships with community businesses and organizations
• Model high levels of ethics and integrity to all campus stakeholders

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of, or the ability to develop proficiency in, the appropriate and ethical use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), in higher education and administrative contexts
• Ability to apply emerging technologies to support operational effectiveness, data-informed decision-making, and service delivery to students, faculty, and staff
• Demonstrated ability to support continuous improvement and organizational learning through the responsible application of technology within assigned areas of responsibility
• Ability to evaluate potential applications, promote responsible, ethical, and equitable use, and ensure alignment with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and strategic priorities
• Demonstrated ability to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects/donors and effectively move them through the development cycle leading to closing six and seven-figure gifts
• Skillful in making cold calls (opening doors) as well as developing donor-centric cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Ability to navigate the institution / assigned unit and make the appropriate match for donor's interests
• Thorough knowledge of fundraising in a capital or comprehensive campaign setting
• Demonstrated ability to engage and support volunteer leadership with their efforts in fundraising, consultation, and advocacy
• Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively
• Strong initiative and self-motivation and ability to work as a part of a collaborative team
• Unquestionable integrity and commitment to professional ethics
• High level of initiative, attention to detail and organization skills
• Skillful in successfully managing multiple projects on tight deadlines and under pressure in a dynamic and open environment
• Ability to define problems, gather data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite utilizing fundraising database programs
• Demonstrated spirit of flexibility and a strong customer service ethics
• Deep appreciation and understanding of the academic enterprise and the ability to articulate academic values internally and externally
• Knowledge of clear, audience-appropriate communication practices for students, faculty, and staff, while maintaining a student-centered approach
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Seven years of successful professional development and/or fundraising-related experience, cultivating and soliciting a portfolio of donors; including proven ability to solicit and close gifts

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• Two or more years working in higher education
• Two or more years leading teams or personnel as part of a management role
• Experience with metrics-driven major-gift fundraising programs and capital or comprehensive campaigns in a college or university environment
• Substantial experience as a front-line fundraiser including personal success in closing six and seven-figure gifts

Compensation

Classification: Administrator III Anticipated Hiring Range: $13,334/month - $13,750/month CSU Salary Range: $6,891/month - $22,119/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. Application materials should be submitted using Another Source's candidate portal .

For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by October 9, 2026 .

Please direct nominations and inquiries to View email address on click.appcast.io