Director of Planned & Principal Giving

  • Cal State University (CSU) Fresno
  • Fresno, California
  • Mar 07, 2024
Administration and Management Planning and Development

Job Description

Director of Planned and Principal Giving
(Administrator II)

Compensation and Benefits

The Anticipated Hiring Salary is $110,000 - $120,000 and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here .

Job Summary

The Director of Planned and Principal Giving reports to the Vice President for University Advancement and is a member of the University Advancement’s Executive Team. The Director is responsible for managing and facilitating the creation of deferred and outright gifts to Fresno State by working in partnership with prospects philanthropic partners, philanthropic partners, financial and legal professionals, UA staff and campus leadership. The Director will plan and implement outreach and solicitation strategies on behalf of Fresno State, including providing support to one or more volunteer and/or philanthropic partner groups.

Planned and deferred giving is a continued growth area for Fresno State under the leadership of UA, with a goal of securing 30%+ of the annual goal. This position will play a key role in networking with financial and legal professionals, outreach to emeriti faculty and staff and working in partnership with colleagues across UA.

Key Qualifications
  • Knowledge of budgets, institutional planning, and fiscal analysis to make strategic business decisions.
  • Knowledge of campaign and fundraising best practices, trends, tools, and technology including applicable guidelines and compliance requirements.
  • Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  • Knowledge of computer office systems and ability to use a broad range of technology, systems, and software packages (Microsoft Office Suite, Google, Excel, and PowerPoint).
  • Demonstrated track record in working with individuals and groups, ability to work as a member of a team.
  • Recognition of the importance of education to individuals and society as a whole.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Highly motivated and proven self-starter, creative and entrepreneurial characteristics.
  • Capacity to inspire confidence, trust, and cooperation with an ability to work independently as well as with a team.
  • Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the university from diverse ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Flexibility to travel as needed to develop and maintain relationships.
  • Competency and experience with the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, and the internet.
  • Ability to manage and evaluate program operations, systems and information and provide data for review in developing and implementing strategies to enhance processes and meet programmatic goals.
  • Organizational and time-management skills with the ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks and projects under competing deadlines and maintain flexibility in response to constantly shifting priorities.
  • Ability to develop and implement short and long-term plans and initiatives, conduct on-going review and evaluation, and prepare and present reports or information with reliable conclusions and recommendations.
  • Collaborate with others to help advance the goals of the division and university.
  • Show courtesy and respect towards others and promote a positive and service oriented collegial work environment.
  • History of regular attendance and positive performance evaluations.


To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree required from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Minimum of five years of increasingly responsible and successful fundraising experience or professional experience with transferable skills such as sales, marketing, or public relations.
  • A minimum of two years of professional fundraising experience with success in planned giving or professional experience in financial or legal services with experience in gift and estate planning, trust management and charitable tax laws.
  • Demonstrated track record in working with individuals and groups, ability to work as a member of a team, recognition of the importance of education to individuals and society.
  • Exposure to management, including budgetary responsibilities.
  • Experience with a nonprofit organization.
  • Experience with comprehensive campaigns, major gift solicitation, or constituent relations.
    • Preferred Skills:
      • Master's or other advanced degree preferred.
      • Experience/background in higher education.
      • Experience with alumni/donor databases and campus applications such as Advance, Reeher or Raiser’s Edge.


Department Summary

University Advancement’s (UA) mission is to inspire and increase engagement and philanthropy for Fresno State by putting alumni, friends, and the philanthropic partner at the center of what University Advancement does, thereby focusing on the individual being the hero of their own story. UA fosters pride and connections that result in engagement and giving for Fresno State. The division works with alumni, friends, and external stakeholders to broaden the resources available to the University, thereby strengthening the impact of higher education to prepare the next generation of leaders and to elevate our beloved San Joaquin Valley, the state, and beyond. Providing engagement opportunities is a primary role of the division, with every interaction focused on increasing interaction to Fresno State and its mission. UA ensures that a strong brand inspires and deepens the University’s bond with the public it serves. As such, it advances communications that uplift the image and reputation of the University and supports the University’s strategic plan.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by April 11, 2024 will be given full consideration by the search committee.
  • Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu .

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "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 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)

Advertised: Mar 01 2024 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

Closing Date/Time:

Job Address

Fresno, California 93740 United States View Map