Director of Development, Academic Initiatives

Job Description:

Director of Development, Academic Initiatives

Description

At CSUN we aspire to continually grow as an inclusive, cooperative community!

CSUN strives to be a destination workplace, where everyone understands that they belong to a community that is vital in advancing student success and providing exemplary service to all stakeholders. We foster an environment of success, both for our students and our employees. We have a relentless passion for celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as being an employer of choice. You will also have the opportunity to realize your own personal goals and be recognized for the work you do and enjoy the unique value the CSUN community can offer. As a leader you will have the opportunity to thrive in a community in which our leaders share common traits as identified in our Leadership Principles https://www.csun.edu/leadership-principles . If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place.

Responsibilities

The Director of Development identifies, cultivates, and solicits major gifts, oversees fundraising events, and collaborates closely with campus leadership to advance philanthropy and equity initiatives. The Director ensures effective communication and adherence to best practices in data and prospect management.

• Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards major gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Oversees and organizes special cultivation and fundraising events.
• Fosters a culture of inclusive philanthropy among staff and volunteers.
• Maintains a culture of communication within the university, Advancement division, donors and volunteers.
• Ensures best practices and procedures are followed related to data management and prospect management.

• As a leader, demonstrates a commitment to student success that is mission aligned with the university’s vision, values and priorities. Establishes an ethical and collegial work environment, promoting a collaborative, accountable and inclusive team. Encourages a courageous and resilient solution-oriented environment by participating in new opportunities to further the mission of the university. Participates in developing initiatives that further support the campus mission with a service-oriented and catalytic mind set. Strengthens employees by being communicative and a talent builder that develops team attributes, furthering departmental goals.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

*NOTE: To view the full position description copy and paste this link into your browser: https://mycsun.box.com/s/rygxzrmrc5ghfk5pipqgbh6gasxzafl0

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university or college. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible Development and fundraising experience, preferably in higher education and HSIs and/or prior professional experience in a related field such as sales, marketing or business development.
• Experience in making cold calls and resilience in dealing with initial resistance and rejection.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Leadership

• Proven skills in developing sophisticated strategies in planning, implementing and administering complex major gift solicitations and/or other solicitations of a similar nature, level and complexity.
• Strong documented record of gifts solicited and closed in the special and major gifts range and/or solicitations of a similar nature, level and complexity.
• Skill in motivating colleagues, volunteers, alumni, industry partners and donors.
• Familiarity with prospect screening activities, applications and program alignment.
• Familiarity with program development for student success, educational equity, and/or educational innovation programming with potential for local and national impact.
• Persuasive oral and written communication skills to prepare and present solicitation strategies, proposals and other marketing materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with faculty, deans, volunteers, and Development colleagues campus-wide.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and multi-phase projects simultaneously from inception to completion.
• Skilled in databases, office software and fundraising databases.
• Well-developed organizational skills, focus and a goal-oriented temperament, with a high level of drive and energy; able to exercise initiative and accept responsibility to work proactively and with minimum supervision.
• Demonstrated skill in problem solving and using judgment in situations requiring independent initiative and tact.
• High degree of professionalism and diplomacy navigating complex industry partner and funder agreements.
• Lead diverse teams to support the operational mission and vision of employers by fostering an ethical, inclusive and collegial work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to support ongoing improvement through courageous, resilient, and catalytic leadership.
• Lead varying initiatives through a collaborative, service-oriented and communicative approach.
• Demonstrated commitment to employee development, recognition, and accountability to further operational goals.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

• Salary is commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience. The University offers excellent fringe benefits.
• The anticipated HIRING RANGE: $110,000 - $115,000 per year, dependent upon qualifications and experience.
• The position is currently hybrid (2 days in office, 3 days remote); however, this is subject to change based on student and/or operational needs.

General Information

• This position is a sensitive position as designated by the CSU.
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
• The person holding this position may be considered a 'limited 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.
• In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California.
• This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
• Please note: California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is not currently sponsoring staff or management positions for H-1B employment visas. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
• Candidates should apply by completing the CSUN on-line application. To submit an application and for more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit this link: www.csun.edu/careers
• Applications received through December 10, 2025, will be considered in the initial review and review of applications will continue until position is filled.
• The CSU recommends that faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities at any university location be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University 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 and comply with other safety measures established by each campus.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CSUN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of Age, Disability (physical or mental), Gender, Gender Identity (including Nonbinary or Transgender), Gender Expression, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Nationality, Pregnancy or related conditions, Race or Ethnicity (including color, caste, or ancestry), Religion or Religious Creed, Sex (including Sex Stereotyping or Sex Characteristics), Sexual Orientation, and Veteran or Military Status. Our nondiscrimination policy is set forth in the Interim CSU Nondiscrimination Policy. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Talent Acquisition at 818-677-2101.

Advertised: Nov 21 2025 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: