California State University, Northridge · 2 months ago
Director of Development, Academic Initiatives
Northridge, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$110K/yr - $115K/yr
5+ years expCalifornia State University, Northridge (CSUN) is committed to fostering an inclusive and cooperative community that supports student success. The Director of Development, Academic Initiatives is responsible for identifying and soliciting major gifts, overseeing fundraising events, and collaborating with campus leadership to advance philanthropy and equity initiatives.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
No H1B
Responsibilities
Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards major gifts of $25,000 or more
Oversees and organizes special cultivation and fundraising events
Fosters a culture of inclusive philanthropy among staff and volunteers
Maintains a culture of communication within the university, Advancement division, donors and volunteers
Ensures best practices and procedures are followed related to data management and prospect management
As a leader, demonstrates a commitment to student success that is mission aligned with the university’s vision, values and priorities. Establishes an ethical and collegial work environment, promoting a collaborative, accountable and inclusive team. Encourages a courageous and resilient solution-oriented environment by participating in new opportunities to further the mission of the university. Participates in developing initiatives that further support the campus mission with a service-oriented and catalytic mind set. Strengthens employees by being communicative and a talent builder that develops team attributes, furthering departmental goals
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university or college
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible Development and fundraising experience, preferably in higher education and HSIs and/or prior professional experience in a related field such as sales, marketing or business development
Experience in making cold calls and resilience in dealing with initial resistance and rejection
Proven skills in developing sophisticated strategies in planning, implementing and administering complex major gift solicitations and/or other solicitations of a similar nature, level and complexity
Strong documented record of gifts solicited and closed in the special and major gifts range and/or solicitations of a similar nature, level and complexity
Skill in motivating colleagues, volunteers, alumni, industry partners and donors
Familiarity with prospect screening activities, applications and program alignment
Familiarity with program development for student success, educational equity, and/or educational innovation programming with potential for local and national impact
Persuasive oral and written communication skills to prepare and present solicitation strategies, proposals and other marketing materials
Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with faculty, deans, volunteers, and Development colleagues campus-wide
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and multi-phase projects simultaneously from inception to completion
Skilled in databases, office software and fundraising databases
Well-developed organizational skills, focus and a goal-oriented temperament, with a high level of drive and energy; able to exercise initiative and accept responsibility to work proactively and with minimum supervision
Demonstrated skill in problem solving and using judgment in situations requiring independent initiative and tact
High degree of professionalism and diplomacy navigating complex industry partner and funder agreements
Lead diverse teams to support the operational mission and vision of employers by fostering an ethical, inclusive and collegial work environment
Demonstrated ability to support ongoing improvement through courageous, resilient, and catalytic leadership
Lead varying initiatives through a collaborative, service-oriented and communicative approach
Demonstrated commitment to employee development, recognition, and accountability to further operational goals
Preferred
Master's degree preferred
Benefits
Excellent fringe benefits
Company
California State University, Northridge
California State University, Northridge is a public, comprehensive university committed to educational and professional goals of students.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$3.08MKey Investors
Gold Coast Health PlanHollywood Foreign Press AssociationNASA
2025-06-25Grant· $0.08M
2022-07-26Grant
2019-10-22Grant· $3M
Leadership Team
CSUN Social Impact DesignHub
Student Designers. Community Partners. Creative Solutions.
Jill Smith, SPHR
Senior Advisor, Strategic Partnerships & Initiatives
Recent News
2025-12-10
2025-10-09
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