The SDSU Alumni Director of Annual Giving plays a vital role in building pipeline development and sustaining a strong culture of philanthropy among SDSU alumni and donors. By strategically engaging and stewarding donors, implementing effective fundraising campaigns, and fostering meaningful relationships, the director contributes to the financial stability and success of SDSU and its mission of providing an exceptional educational experience to students. Reporting to the Director of Alumni and Community Engagement, the Director of Annual Giving is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive fundraising strategies and programs to increase annual giving from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of the university. The incumbent will collaborate with various stakeholders, including the Office of Alumni Engagement, Development, and other university departments, to achieve fundraising goals and enhance the university’s overall fundraising efforts.

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, at-will position. This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: 

University Relations and Development at San Diego State University is committed to upholding, as a foundational belief, a supportive working environment of inclusion that values, honors, and respects all members of our team and the University community.

We strive to engage in and promote the fair and equitable recruitment and training of URAD staff members, develop meaningful relationships with all groups in our diverse campus community, and share philanthropic stories that highlight the impact of and opportunity for diverse giving by our SDSU community.

University Relations and Development firmly believes that an inclusive environment facilitates critical and creative thinking, and that differences in identities, values, beliefs, and perspectives are fundamental to our mission of generating philanthropic support for the university and its student body.

Within University Relations and Development, the term diversity implies a respect for all and an understanding of individual differences and other characteristics protected by applicable state or federal law, so that all members of the community are treated at all times with dignity and respect.

We value diversity and inclusion in the working environment and believe it is vital to the fulfillment of the university’s mission.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in a majority of the following fields: annual giving, marketing, financial management, financial platforms and donor relations.

Key Qualifications: 

• Previous experience managing a team with a successful record of achieving goals and key performance metrics.
• Proven track record of successful donor cultivation solicitation, and stewardship.
• Application of CASE Alumni Engagement Metrics or VSE reporting to increase philanthropic donors – a vital component in building the Annual Giving strategy.
• Strong understanding of fundraising best practices, trends, industry standards.
• Proven experience in all facets of development including gift administration, gift acceptance, prospect management, research, annual giving, volunteer management and communications.
• Experience in importing and exporting data among multiple operating systems; working with Advance and Anthology; and working with online and digital content and messaging creation.

Compensation and Benefits: 

San Diego State University will offer a competitive salary based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. San Diego State University also offers a rich benefits package that includes:

• Extensive Leave benefits: 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year;
• Retirement security through a CalPERS defined benefit pension (with CalPERS and UC Retirement Plan reciprocity) and retiree healthcare benefits;
• An array of health, dental, and vision coverage at no-cost or low-cost to the employee; and
• California State University system fee reduction program (fee waiver) for the employee or their qualified dependent

Anticipated hiring range:  $80,000 – $100,000 annually