Job Details

Assistant Director of Development, Associated Students (Administrator I)

Apply Now Job no: 551463
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: San Diego
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Fundraising & Alumni Relations, Full Time, Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)

Make a lasting impact on student life at San Diego State University. As the Assistant Director of Development for Associated Students, you'll build powerful donor relationships that fund programs shaping thousands of student experiences—from the Mission Bay Aquatic Center to leadership initiatives, sports clubs, adapted athletics and the SDSU Children's Center. This is your opportunity to grow your career in fundraising while advancing programs that inspire, support, and empower the next generation of Aztec leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at the $25,000+ level.
• Develop gift strategies and represent SDSU and Associated Students to external partners.

Strategy and Collaboration

• Partner with university leadership, staff, student leaders and volunteers to align fundraising strategies.
• Coordinate with central development teams (research, donor relations, communications).
• Develop cases for support and donor engagement opportunities.

Stewardship and Donor Relations

• Conduct prospect research and prepare donor profiles.
• Draft proposals, concept papers, and stewardship materials.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with alumni, donors, and volunteers.

Why Join Us?

At San Diego State University, you'll find more than just a job—you'll join a mission-driven community where your work makes a tangible difference. Associated Students is an empowering student-directed organization with the goal of enhancing students' college experience and quality of life, and our University Relations and Development team has been nationally recognized for excellence, and is supported by a vibrant alumni and donor community.

• Play a key role in advancing student-centered programs that change lives.
• Work in a collaborative, innovative environment committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Gain professional growth opportunities at a university investing in its people and future.
• Contribute to programs that shape the student experience—from recreation programs and leadership to childcare and student program initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity for a fundraising professional who is passionate about higher education, student success, and building lasting philanthropic partnerships.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• 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 eligible for telecommuting up to 3 days per week, following a brief training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

University Relations and Development (URAD) shares the university's vision and mission underscored in the 2020 five-year strategic plan. The plan identifies five strategic priorities including becoming a Premier Public Research University, resilience, equity and inclusion, and students at our core.

URAD creates enduring relationships with alumni, parents, donors, students and the community to generate private support for SDSU students, faculty and programs. URAD handles stewardship, events, gift administration, communications and more. The departments of Development, SDSU Alumni, Planned and Annual Giving, Special Events and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Financial Management, Data Management, Prospect Research and Management and Operations contribute to SDSU's mission.

Our fundraising success is tied to the university's goal of building a world-class campus and facilities that serve higher education, the public good, and the community.

Associated Students (AS) of San Diego State University is a student-directed, not-for-profit auxiliary organization that enhances student life through advocacy, leadership opportunities, and a wide range of services and programs.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 3 years of progressive development experience or related work such as sales, marketing, communications and community or public relations.
• A minimum of 1 year of direct experience in personal gift solicitation and fundraising ($10,000+).
• Success in gift fundraising ($10K+) that demonstrates an ability to align strategy development/implementation with pre-approved goals/priorities.
• Experience working with volunteers and with corporate executives.

Key Qualifications

• A high degree of interest in and commitment to higher education and philanthropy and the ability to articulate a compelling case for annual support of a public institution of higher education.
• Ability to utilize computer applications and databases to correspond, prepare written materials and manage time/workflow.
• Ability to interpret biographical, corporate, and foundation information and to prepare concise written basic profiles and summaries of donor/prospect information.
• Working knowledge of electronic databases, other reference sources, library reference tools and research procedures.
• Must have the ability to travel and attend off-campus appointments and events.
• May, on occasion, be required to attend events or perform duties outside of normal work hours.

Licenses Required

California Driver's License within 10 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. Our benefits package supports well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to health, dental and vision plans.
• Educational Opportunities: CSU system fee reduction program for you or a dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and more.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $70,000-$77,000 annually.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, we are committed to equal opportunity for all in education and employment and to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. We comply with applicable civil rights laws and CSU and university policies on nondiscrimination and inclusion.

Supplemental Information

Apply by October 7, 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed as needed, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon documentation of identity and authorization to work under the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

A background check is required for employment. SDSU may rescind a conditional offer if disqualifying information is found or if information is withheld or falsified. SDSU is a smoke-free campus.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities upon request to the contact listed.

Advertised: Sep 23, 2025 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled