Senior Director of Development, Athletics

Senior Director of Development, AthleticsPosition DescriptionJob SummaryIt is an exciting time to join Cal State Fullerton as we are an in‑demand comprehensive University that is driven to shape the future of education and foster a vibrant community of diverse students, faculty, staff, and administrators who uphold values of inclusive excellence, free speech, and an environment free from discrimination. We are continuously seeking individuals from various career disciplines that share the University's mission and core values. We warmly welcome you to consider joining the Titan Community where minds expand and opportunities flourish.About the PositionCollege and Program Development generates financial support for Cal State Fullerton, benefiting each of the eight colleges, Student Affairs, Titan Athletics, the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton, and the Pollak Library. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Senior Director of Development, Athletics (Administrator II). Cal State Fullerton's Titan Athletics program is a dynamic and integral part of the university, participating in the NCAA Division I Big West Conference with nineteen teams. The Titans have achieved thirteen national championships across eight different sports, showcasing their competitive spirit and excellence in athletics. The program is designed to be a vital component of the educational experience at CSUF, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement alongside athletic success. The athletics department is committed to providing a quality experience for all student‑athletes, focusing on fair play, sportsmanship, and teamwork. It also aims to enhance the image of CSUF locally and nationally, fostering pride and involvement among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude, an active, energetic mind, and a leadership style that is characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for College and Program Development and partnering with the Director of Athletics, the Senior Director of Development will play a pivotal role. The Senior Director will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns directly with the Athletics Director's vision and the university's advancement goals. As a frontline major gift officer, the Senior Director will engage with a portfolio of alumni, corporate and foundation partners, parents, and friends, with a focus on donors with the capacity to give $25,000 and above, including principal and planned gifts. The role requires both strategic thinking and a personal passion for relationship‑building. This position will lead coaches and senior campus administrators to acquire critical funding for athletic scholarships and programs. The Senior Director will develop and maintain concept strategies for divisional fundraising priorities and develop an annual strategic fundraising plan supportive of the fundraising priorities and goals established by the Assistant Vice President for College and Program Development and the Director of Athletics. Works closely with the Alumni Association to develop the interests of alumni and friends of the University as it relates to Athletics. The position will serve on the Director of Athletics Administration Team. Other duties as assigned.Inclusive Leadership StatementWhat does inclusive leadership mean to you.A description of your experiences working with individuals with a different perspective.A description of how issues of inclusivity have impacted you personally or professionally.Essential QualificationsA bachelor's degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in a related field is required. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of direct major gift fundraising experience, including work on capital or comprehensive campaigns with a primary focus on the cultivation and solicitation of large gifts. Experience cultivating prospects and successfully closing major gifts is essential, as is the ability to work with individuals at various levels of an organization who may assist in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of gifts. The role requires experience coordinating fundraising and cultivation events, as well as developing and implementing a strategic approach to development that includes built‑in assessment measures to evaluate progress and success. Candidates should be comfortable making frequent on‑ and off‑site presentations to individuals and corporate leaders and must be able to collaborate with teams of faculty, staff, and students.The ideal candidate is dynamic, self‑motivated, and goal‑oriented, with experience using development software. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. The individual must adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality, ethics, and professional judgment in handling institutional data and information and demonstrate a high level of initiative, creativity, and collaboration.A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.Preferred QualificationsExperience in athletic fundraising within a university environment. An understanding of university culture and corporate partnerships is also essential.The position requires the use of a personal vehicle to transport to events and other outside constituents at variable hours. Must be able to work annual commencement ceremonies.Additional InformationCalifornia State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose.Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.The scope of responsibilities for this position includes the making or participating in the making of decisions that may have a material financial benefit on the incumbent. Therefore, you will be required to file an initial "Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interests" within thirty (30) days from date of hire and on an annual basis; and complete the CSU sponsored ethics on‑line training within thirty (30) days of appointment, and at least once during each consecutive period of two calendar years following the appointment.The person holding this position is considered a limited mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with the requirement outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017.Employees must maintain working knowledge of compliance with relevant NCAA and conference rules, and report any concerns or violations noted.This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) position under the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. CSAs are responsible for reporting allegations of Clery Act Crimes reported to them or that they witness. CSA training is required.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.Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job‑related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration.Advertised: Feb 19 2026 Pacific Standard Time. Applications close: Jul 30 2026 Pacific Daylight Time.#J-18808-Ljbffr