Senior Director of Development, Society, Arts & Civic Life

At a glance Sacramento State is seeking a Senior Director of Development, Society, Arts & Civic Life to lead major gift fundraising efforts for the College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies and the College of Arts & Letters. This role offers a unique opportunity to partner directly with academic leaders, engage influential donors, and advance initiatives that strengthen civic engagement, cultural expression, social impact, and student success. What You'll Do Manage a portfolio of 100–125 major and principal gift prospects, driving strategy from identification through stewardship. Personally cultivate, solicit, and close gifts of $50,000 or more. Conduct at least eight meaningful donor visits per month to advance relationships and secure commitments. Partner closely with Deans to define and articulate funding priorities aligned with college and university strategy. Develop compelling proposals, gift agreements, and donor communications that inspire investment. Collaborate with senior leaders, faculty, and volunteers to build customized cultivation strategies. Oversee and mentor a Development Associate, aligning mid‑level and leadership annual giving with long‑term pipeline goals. Design and implement integrated donor engagement strategies leveraging events, advisory boards, and community partnerships. Contribute to principal gift strategy in partnership with senior advancement leadership. Serve on the University Development Leadership Team, helping shape division‑wide strategy and campaign initiatives. Represent University Development at campus, community, and regional events. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required. Five or more years of experience with a proven track record of cultivating and closing major gifts ($55,000+), or comparable experience in sales, business development, or corporate relations. Demonstrated success managing a portfolio, setting goals, and executing strategic fundraising or sales plans. Strong leadership and supervisory experience, with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop others. Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, faculty, and senior leaders. Deep understanding of fundraising strategy, moves management, and donor stewardship. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development and presentations. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Advance, Blackbaud) and Microsoft Office tools. Willingness to travel and work evenings or weekends as needed. Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree. Professional fundraising certification. Experience working in complex or higher‑education environments. Compensation & Benefits Annual salary range: $115,000–$125,000. Comprehensive benefits package valued at an additional 30–35% of compensation. CalPERS pension and 403(b) retirement options. Up to 24 vacation days annually, plus holidays and flexibility. Tuition fee waivers for eligible employees and family members across all 23 CSU campuses. Access to campus recreation, athletics, arts events, and renowned speakers. Professional development opportunities, including tuition waivers for self, spouse, registered domestic partner or an eligible dependent child. Medical benefits tailored to support various life stages. Pre‑tax commuter benefits. Equal Employment Opportunity California State University, Sacramento is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to diversity. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. The university is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment free from discrimination and harassment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Another Source