Director of Annual Giving

  • Cal State University (CSU) Fresno
  • Fresno, California
  • Jul 10, 2024
Administration and Management

Job Description

Director of Annual Giving
(Administrator II)

Compensation and Benefits

The Anticipated Hiring Salary is $80,000 - $92,000 and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here .

Job Summary

Under the guidance of the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Advancement Operations and Annual Giving, the Director of Annual Giving is responsible for the development, management, and evaluation of strategic and tactical long and short-term program plans and budgets for a comprehensive annual giving program. The incumbent directs communications, services, and solicitation activities that engages and encourages the participation of alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends of the University to successfully increase annual philanthropic support of Fresno State. The Director of Annual Giving fosters the growth of best practices and leads the investigation and adoption of new solicitation and stewardship methods and channels. The incumbent will represent and promote Fresno State as a liaison to philanthropic partners at all levels, communicating program objectives through written materials, email, telephone contact, personal visits, and additional channels.

Key Qualifications
  • Knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of non-profit fundraising and superior knowledge of the best practices within the annual giving field.
  • Demonstrated ability to design, implement and evaluate a comprehensive annual giving program, establishing goals and objectives that translate into operating plans and appropriate staff assignments and resource allocations.
  • Strong verbal communications skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively, professional, and congenial demeanor, high level of motivation, integrity, and commitment.
  • Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a diverse constituency and all levels of the organization; ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment; demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships.
  • High level of creative program/management skills, including initiative, attention to detail and organizational skills; ability to successfully direct multiple projects on time-limited deadlines within budget and under pressure.
  • Ability to define and solve problems in both a strategic and tactical manner; collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; use good judgment in making logical and sound decisions.
  • Knowledge of the needs and interests of alumni, prospective philanthropic partners, and philanthropic partners in order to develop relationships between them and the university.
  • Demonstrated spirit of flexibility and a strong customer service ethic.
  • Ability to provide direction, and to motivate, develop and educate professional and support staff through communication, modeling appropriate behavior, optimism, and high achievement.
  • Knowledge of data management and analysis techniques, database management and gift processing.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
  • Openness to new ideas and their implementation. Ability to react and adapt to changing situations appropriately.
  • Ability to represent the University to external constituents and articulate fundraising goals to the public and establish relationships with members of the community; work effectively with internal constituents across all levels including deans, staff, faculty, advancement professionals and administrators.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals of budgeting and reporting.
  • The ability to work effectively in a large, fast-paced, complex, and dynamic organization.
  • Must be able to work weekends and evenings when assigned.


To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree from a four-year regionally accredited institution.
  • A minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in non-profit fundraising or a related field.
  • Excellent computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel, email and Internet applications and software tools.
    • Preferred Education and Skills:
      • Master’s degree.
      • Experience working in higher education or non-profit fundraising, preferably in a highly complex environment.
      • Knowledge and proven success in fundraising and campaigns and an analytical ability to recognize opportunities and prioritize them to attain goals.
      • Experience with integration of annual giving into an organization’s greater fundraising goals.
      • Knowledge of Ellucian Advance or another fundraising constituent database.
      • Knowledge of Anthology Encompass or another third-party vendor communication platform.


Department Summary

University Advancement’s mission is to inspire and increase philanthropy for Fresno State by putting the philanthropic partner at the center of what University Advancement does, thereby focusing on the philanthropic partner being the hero of their own story. The division works with alumni, friends, and the greater Fresno community to elevate Fresno State through their engagement with the University. Providing engagement opportunities is a primary role of the division, which advances Fresno State and elevates Fresno State students and the Valley. University Advancement focuses on engaging University constituents with the strong Fresno State brand and deepening the bond alumni, friends, and the communities with the University.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by August 11, 2024 will be given full consideration by the search committee.
  • Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu .

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

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 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)

Advertised: Jul 09 2024 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

Closing Date/Time:

Job Address

Fresno, California 93740 United States View Map