Director of Prospect Development & Research (Administrator II)

Overview

San Diego State University is seeking a strategic and data-driven Director of Prospect Development and Research to lead the strategy and execution of prospect identification, research, and pipeline development within University Relations and Development (URAD). Reporting to senior leadership, this role provides vision, direction, and oversight for building and strengthening the donor pipeline—supporting major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and comprehensive campaign initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Program Management
  • Oversee the development and execution of a comprehensive prospect development and research strategy aligned with fundraising priorities.
  • Design and implement proactive approaches to identify, evaluate, and grow a pipeline of major gift prospects.
  • Establish and enhance policies, systems, and workflows to support effective prospect identification, tracking, and engagement.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Provide day-to-day guidance and prioritization for prospect research staff to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables.
  • Foster a collaborative, service-oriented approach to working with development staff and campus partners.
  • Provide training and guidance to development staff on research tools, methodologies, and prospect management practices.
• Data Strategy, Analytics & Innovation
  • Leverage data modeling, data mining, and wealth screening tools to inform fundraising strategy and decision-making.
  • Oversee prospect research systems, dashboards, and emerging technologies, including AI-driven tools.
  • Evaluate and implement new tools, platforms, and best practices to enhance efficiency and impact.
• Prospect Research & Pipeline Development
  • Direct in-depth research and analysis on prospective donors, producing high-quality profiles and insights.
  • Partner with development officers to inform prospect strategies, engagement approaches, and solicitation planning.
  • Lead prospect screening initiatives and manage relationships with external data and research vendors.
• Prospect Management & Collaboration
  • Oversee systems for prospect assignment, tracking, and clearance to support coordinated fundraising efforts.
  • Collaborate with campus partners, advancement teams, and senior leadership to align strategy and execution.
  • Prepare and deliver high-level briefings for executive leadership, including the President and Vice President.

Why Join Us?

• Drive philanthropic impact – Shape the strategy behind major gifts and campaigns that transform SDSU’s future.
• Lead with data and innovation – Use analytics, technology, and emerging tools to modernize and strengthen advancement efforts.
• Collaborate at the highest levels – Partner with senior leadership, development teams, and campus stakeholders across the university.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support events or operational needs. Ability to travel and attend off-campus appointments and events, with knowledge of major gift practices preferred.
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 4 days per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

URAD shares the university’s vision and mission as outlined in the 2020 five-year strategic plan. Units of URAD work together to create enduring relationships with alumni, parents, donors, students and the community to generate private support for SDSU students, faculty and programs. URAD handles stewardship, events, gift administration, communications and more, supporting multiple departments including Development, SDSU Alumni, Planned and Annual Giving, Special Events and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Financial Management, Data Management, Prospect Research and Management and Operations.

Our fundraising success is tied to SDSU’s goal of building a world-class university campus, research center, and multi-use stadium in Mission Valley. SDSU has been recognized for its development program by CASE, and cultivates lifelong relationships with more than 500,000 alumni, friends, and community members.

Education And Experience

Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of experience in the development research field. Required experience includes working in data analytics or collaboration with a data analytics team, as well as experience with relational and online databases, web-based applications, and development database systems. Candidates must also have experience utilizing wealth screening data and implementing related action plans, along with demonstrated experience designing and producing comprehensive research reports.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of research techniques and tools and a high level of proficiency in proactive prospecting methodology.
• Commitment to philanthropy and higher education.
• Commitment to confidentiality and professionalism to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Knowledge of major gift practices.
• Ability to travel and attend off-campus appointments and events.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Meets the highest level of competency in the APRA Body of Knowledge for Prospect Research and Relationship Management.
• Experience with AlumniFinder, Blackbaud Research Point, and Ellucian Advance
• Experience at an institution of higher learning/higher education.
• Comprehensive campaign experience.
• Experience in training/teaching adult learners.
• Experience with statistical analysis.

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Compensation And Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. Our benefits package supports well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Health, dental, and vision plans.
• Educational Opportunities: CSU system fee reduction program for you or a dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, ScholarShare 529 Plan.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $123,656 to $133,656 annually.

SDSU Values

All SDSU programs are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. SDSU provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment. We prohibit discriminatory practices and promote inclusive excellence. SDSU complies with applicable civil rights and anti-discrimination laws.

SDSU is a diverse community committed to inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We foster open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging. We are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals through inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs.

Supplemental Information

Apply by May 31, 2026, to ensure full consideration . Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents validating identity and work authorization.

A background check is required for employment and may be used to rescind a conditional offer if disqualifying information is found.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities upon request to Livia Peeples at View email address on click.appcast.io.