Associate Director of Development, University Advancement

Job Overview

The Associate Director of Development plays a critical role in advancing the Universitys fundraising priorities by strategically managing a comprehensive donor pipeline. This position is responsible for the full lifecycle of donor engagement including identification qualification cultivation solicitation and stewardship activities. It requires exceptional time management and organizational skills to effectively prioritize and move prospects through each stage while maintaining momentum across a diverse portfolio. Success in this role depends on strong communication abilities to clearly articulate the Universitys mission and impact while building trust and meaningful relationships with a broad range of constituents.

A key focus of the position is frontline fundraising with a special focus on gifts requiring demonstrated success across both annual giving and major giving in the $5k-$25k range. The Associate Director applies strategic thinking to assess donor readiness align opportunities with institutional priorities and move prospects thoughtfully from initial engagement to major gift consideration. This work is grounded in a disciplined approach to planning and execution supported by a strong work ethic and a commitment to achieving measurable results that contribute to divisional and university wide fundraising goals.

The role also emphasizes the use of data informed strategies to guide decision making and portfolio management. By analyzing donor trends engagement metrics and giving patterns the Associate Director develops targeted approaches that enhance effectiveness and maximize philanthropic outcomes. This analytical mindset combined with sound judgment and adaptability ensures that efforts remain focused efficient and aligned with evolving institutional needs.

Collaboration is central to the success of this position as the Associate Director works closely with internal partners and external stakeholders to maximize philanthropic opportunities. The ability to effectively engage influence and coordinate with colleagues donors and community members is essential to building a strong culture of philanthropy. Through these efforts the Associate Director advances the Universitys mission and upholds its commitment to diversity equity inclusion and access fostering an environment where philanthropy supports broad and meaningful institutional impact.

Position Summary

Associate Director of Development (Administrator I)

This is a full-time exempt position in the Management Personnel Plan (MPP). MPP positions serve at the pleasure of the President.

For a complete list of responsibilities and required qualifications please review the position description linked at the top of the page.

Pay Benefits and Work Schedule

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $7167 - $7334 per month

CSU Classification Salary Range: $4135 - $12288 per month

Salary is commensurate with the background and experience of the individual selected.

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits including medical dental vision life and disability insurances retirement (CalPERS) tuition waiver vacation and sick addition 15 paid holidays are offered each year; 14 scheduled on specific days and a Personal Holiday that may be taken any time during the year.

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by visiting our Benefits Portal. The CSU Total Compensation Calculator demonstrates the significance of the benefits package.

California State University San Marcos

A mid-size university located in San Diegos vibrant North County we are dedicated to service innovation leadership and student success. We have an attentive faculty and state-of-the-art facilities which offer our students hundreds of opportunities to learn lead play and serve.

California State University San Marcos is a new kind of university pushing the boundaries of innovation to prepare tomorrows leaders build stronger communities and solve pressing issues.

Cutting-edge research meets hands-on application at our campus and in the real world.

Application Process

This position is open until filled. For assurance of full consideration please submit application cover letter and resume by 11:59pm on June 24 2026.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application or testing process due to a disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/CA Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) should notify the Office of Human Resources at or e-mail: .

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employmentrescinded 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.

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.

This position is a designated position in the California State Universitys Conflict of Interest Code. The incumbent in this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

California State University San Marcos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age physical or mental disability gender or sex genetic information gender identity gender expression marital status medical condition nationality race or ethnicity religion or religious creed sexual orientation and veteran or military status.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act Notification can be found at

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicants current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

California State University San Marcos is not a sponsoring agent for staff or management positions (i.e. H1-B visas).

Required Experience:

Director