Job Overview The Associate Director of Development plays a critical role in advancing the University’s 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 University’s 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 University’s 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: $7,167 - $7,334 per month CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,135 - $12,288 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 leave. In 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 Diego's 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 tomorrow's 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 (760) 750-4418 or e-mail: hr@csusm.edu . 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 employment rescinded 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 University's 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 https://www.csusm.edu/clery/annualreports.html . Pursuant to the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy, as of January 1, 2022, the California State University is prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. 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 applicant's 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). Advertised: May 28, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time Applications close:
