Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

Job/Department Summary:

Administrator I: The Associate Director of Development is responsible for managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and securing philanthropic support for the University. The Associate Director will focus on qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more, with a minimum annual fundraising goal of $250,000 depending on factors such as experience level and strength of the donor portfolio. This position plays a critical role in building and strengthening the donor pipeline, engaging alumni and community stakeholders, and advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the institution.

Administrator II: The Director of Development is a front-line fundraiser responsible for managing a robust portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects, cultivating donor relationships, and securing philanthropic commitments, with an emphasis on gifts in excess of $100,000. The Director is expected to raise a minimum of $1 million annually, working closely with academic and administrative leaders to advance strategic University priorities. This position plays a key role in strengthening the donor pipeline, engaging key stakeholders, and supporting the long-term success of the institution’s fundraising efforts.

Required Education and Experience:

Administrator I:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and solicit gifts or close comparable sales.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness and ability to travel to meet with donors; occasional evening/weekend work required.

Administrator II: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Direct fundraising experience, with demonstrated success managing a portfolio and securing major gifts.
• Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts at the $25,000+ level.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and donor-centric communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, travel frequently, and work evenings/weekends as needed.
• Strong competency with donor management systems (CRM) and prospect strategy.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to meet with donors; occasional evening/weekend work required.

Preferences for both Administrator I and II:

Preference may be given to applicants with the following as they may be considered specialized skills: 

• Chico State Alumni
• Local (as opposed to remote)
• Minimum of one year of experience in fundraising, sales, relationship management, or related field.
• Experience in higher education advancement or nonprofit fundraising.
• Track record of securing gifts or commitments at the $5,000+ level.
• Familiarity with donor databases/CRM systems and prospect research tools.
• Knowledge of philanthropy best practices and donor stewardship principles.

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan: 12/12

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm, Summer: Mon-Thurs 7:00am-5:30pm 

Anticipated Hiring Range:   Salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected.

Admin I: $70,000 - $85,000 per year.  

Admin II: $100,000 - $120,000 per year. 

Benefits: This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

CSU, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance).  For more information please visit https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

Additional Information for both Administrator I and II:

California State University, Chico, in accordance with CSU policy, requires that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive.

This position is considered a sensitive position based on CSU guidelines. Incumbent is responsible for the safety and security of Level 1 data, sometimes also referred to as Level 1 protected data. This is confidential information that is in most cases protected by statutes, regulations, or other legal mandates.

The person holding this position is considered a “Limited 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 Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) designated managerial position and comes under the Management Personnel Plan (MPP) of the California State University. Individuals appointed to management positions serve at the pleasure of the President or designee. They are excluded from the collective bargaining process, are not subject to probationary service, and do not receive tenure or permanent status. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The duties of this position will include participation in a decision that may have a material/financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, this is a “designated position” under the California State University’s Conflict of Interest Code and the incumbent will be required to file a Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest and is subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission. (Group/Category: Advancement/Development-Director (all levels) all colleges, 2)

About Chico State:

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, “Today Decides Tomorrow,” is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century. 

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus.  We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.

Chico State is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

CSU, Chico's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person at CSU, Chico Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available on the web at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.

Open Until Filled (Review of Applications will begin 03/05/26. Applications received after that date may be considered.)