Senior Director of Development - Society, Arts & Civic Life

Senior Director of Development - Society, Arts & Civic Life Apply now Job no: 557977 Work type: Management (MPP) Location: Sacramento Categories: MPP, At-Will, Fundraising & Alumni Relations, Full Time, On-site Working Title: Senior Director of Development, Society, Arts & Civic Life Classification Title: Administrator II Priority Application Date (Posting will remain open until filled): Friday, July 24, 2026 Hiring Preference Not Applicable Position Summary The Senior Director of Development, Society, Arts & Civic Life is responsible for advancing philanthropic support that aligns with the academic mission and strategic priorities of Sacramento State’s College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies and College of Arts and Letters. Reporting to the Vice President of University Advancement, the Senior Director serves as the principal advancement partner to both Deans, fostering strong collaborative relationships with faculty, academic leaders, advisory boards, alumni, community partners, foundations, and individual donors. The Senior Director manages a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts of $50,000 and above that support programs and initiatives examining human societies, cultural expression, civic life, and public engagement. Philanthropic investments may advance interdisciplinary research, student access and success, experiential learning, faculty excellence, creative and scholarly work, community partnerships, centers and institutes, and programs that strengthen democratic participation, cultural understanding, and social awareness. The College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies advances the study of social systems, public policy, identity, equity, and global and environmental challenges through disciplines such as anthropology, economics, political science, sociology, ethnic studies, geography, and interdisciplinary programs grounded in community-engaged scholarship. The College of Arts and Letters fosters critical inquiry, communication, creativity, and cultural expression through the arts, humanities, languages, history, philosophy, and communication studies, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to civic and cultural life. Together, these colleges share a commitment to understanding and shaping the human experience through analysis, expression, communication, and public engagement. The Senior Director plays a key role in advancing interdisciplinary philanthropic opportunities that bridge social sciences, arts, and humanities—particularly in areas such as civic engagement, cultural vitality, equity and identity, storytelling and media, global perspectives, and community-based scholarship. In addition to frontline fundraising, the Senior Director provides strategic oversight of development staff responsible for leadership annual and mid-level giving, ensuring a coordinated and sustainable donor pipeline. The position also leads the development of donor engagement strategies that leverage alumni, advisory boards, public programs, performances, lectures, exhibitions, and community partnerships to deepen donor relationships and demonstrate impact. The Senior Director of Development, Society, Arts & Civic Life serves as a member of the University Development Leadership Team, collaborating with peers to align fundraising strategies, share best practices, and advance division-wide and university priorities. FLSA : Exempt (Not eligible for overtime compensation) Anticipated Hiring Range : $9,583 per month ($115,000 annually) - $10,416 per month ($125,000 annually) CSU Classification Salary Range : $5,053 per month ($60,636 annually) - $16,221 per month ($194,652 annually) Salary placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience. Work Hours : Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Work hours may vary depending on department needs. Department Information At Sacramento State, University Advancement collaborates closely with faculty, staff, alums, and communities nationwide to support and elevate key projects and initiatives. Whether enhancing access to higher education or establishing innovation centers on campus, we’re dedicated to empowering the next generation and fostering meaningful progress. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or equivalent training and experience. Five or more years of experience with a verifiable record of cultivating and closing major gifts of $25k+ in higher education, philanthropy corporate relations, or similar sales and business development experience. Strong understanding and experience of fundraising or sales industry best practices to achieve goals and mission, including portfolio management, strategic planning, and stewardship practices. Experience in management and event planning. Demonstrated ability to establish measurable fundraising or sales goals and objectives, and develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies to achieve goals and objectives. Proven leadership skills with the ability to direct, manage, and motivate others (e.g., fundraisers, volunteers, advisory groups, stakeholders). Demonstrated ability to successfully build professional relationships with prospective donors and internal stakeholders. Strong understanding of philanthropy, moves management, and comprehensive fundraising programs, with the ability to develop and structure complex gifts in an academic environment. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills. Excellent organization and detail-oriented skills to work in high-pressure, fast-paced environment while effectively meeting objectives. Demonstrated ability to work independently, lead and train others, and serve and a member of a team. Proficient in Development database (Advance, Blackbaud, etc.), as well as office software programs (Microsoft Office, Outlook, etc.). Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community. Willingness and ability to independently travel and occasionally transport others, as needed. Ability to work on-call, evenings, and weekends. Condition of Employment Satisfactory completion of the background check process. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree from an accredited university. Experience working in complex organizations. Valid driver’s license and maintenance of good driving record. Required Licenses/Certifications Valid driver's license and maintenance of good driving record. Equal Employment Opportunity California State University, Sacramento is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States. Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at View email address on click.appcast.io. Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position. Out of State Employment Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up) on date of hire to reside in the State of California. Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa). Note to Applicants: Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement. #J-18808-Ljbffr Opt For Healthy Living