Senior Director of Development, Society, Arts & Civic Life - CSU Sacramento

Another Source's client, Sacramento State (California State University, Sacramento), is recruiting a Senior Director of Development, Society, Arts & Civic Life to join their team in Sacramento, California.

Here's a little about Sacramento State: Sacramento State is California's capital university, serving more than 31,000 students on a beautiful 300-acre campus along the American River. Located in one of the most diverse and livable cities in the country, Sac State is known for its strong commitment to student success, community impact, and inclusive excellence. Faculty and staff are united by a shared mission: preparing students for leadership, service, and meaningful careers.

About this role: This is a high-impact fundraising leadership role supporting two of Sacramento State's most dynamic academic units: the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies and the College of Arts and Letters. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for University Development the Senior Director serves as the primary advancement partner to both Deans-helping shape and execute philanthropic strategy at a pivotal time of growth and engagement.

You'll manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects (focused on $50,000+ gifts), while also building a sustainable donor pipeline across giving levels. This role blends frontline fundraising with strategic leadership-partnering with faculty, academic leaders, advisory boards, alumni, and community stakeholders to advance initiatives tied to civic engagement, cultural expression, equity, and public impact.

You'll also supervise a Development Associate and help align leadership annual and mid-level giving strategies with major gift efforts-ensuring a coordinated, donor-centered approach across the pipeline.

Scope & Impact

Lead 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+, contributing to university-wide fundraising goals

• Conduct at least 8 meaningful donor visits per month, advancing relationships and securing 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 (5)+ years of experience with a proven track record of cultivating and closing major gifts ($55K+), 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/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 The anticipated salary range for this position is $115,000 - $125,000

Why a Career with CSU is for You:

The CSU system offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet you where you're at in life and typically adds 30-35% to your total compensation package. For more information on programs available, take a closer look in the Employee Benefits Summary: https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

• Emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance with ample PTO and flexibility, which includes up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group/services)

• Enjoy the vibrant campus life with access to athletic and gym facilities, renowned sporting events, artist events, and world-renowned speakers

• Numerous professional development opportunities to advance your career including tuition waivers for yourself, a spouse, registered domestic partner or an eligible dependent child across any of the 23 CSU campuses

• Two different retirement plans catered to fit your personal saving goals: CalPERS Retirement Plan or 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (Similar to a 401k plan)

• Medical benefits tailored to support various life stages

• We recognize that transportation to and from work can be expensive and we are here to help support you with 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/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities: https://www.csus.edu/people-climate/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html.

The University is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Additional Information: View the Annual Security Report: https://www.csus.edu/clery

A background check is required. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. and work within California per CSU policy.

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story.

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