Director of Philanthropy (BSS|NS|AG)

The Batten Group, a premier national executive search and consulting firm specializing in nonprofit, higher education, healthcare, and mission-based philanthropy, has been retained by California State University, Chico to conduct a national search for a Director of Philanthropy.

Starting in 1889 as the Chico Normal School, California State University, Chico is one of 23 CSU campuses across the state which serving more than 460,000 students. CSU, Chico is a comprehensive university not only serving the Sacramento Valley region, but also the state, the national, and the world, through instruction, research, and public service. The University’s motto – “Today Decides Tomorrow” – emphasizes the institution’s profound sense of place and purpose “to be living and learning community worthy of the trust that our students and the people of California have placed in us.” 

Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy | Colleges and Units, and in close consultation with the Vice President for University Advancement and the appropriate college deans, the Director of Philanthropy (BSS | NS| AG)) is responsible for planning and implementing individual, multi-year, annual leadership and major gift fundraising for the colleges of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Agriculture. This position is responsible for the identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of prospective and current donors. The successful candidate will be a hands-on annual leadership and major gift officer with demonstrated fundraising experience and capable of handling a portfolio of 150+ prospects. In addition to front-line fundraising, the senior officer will collaborate with fellow senior philanthropy officers, regional philanthropy officers, outreach coordinators and central advancement staff in prospect research, stewardship, and the annual fund. 

This position is a hybrid remote work opportunity with time required in Chico, CA. Residence in Chico, the Bay Area, or somewhere in between - including Sacramento - strongly preferred. Relocation assistance is available.

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS)

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences advances innovative and high-quality teaching and research to expand understanding of behavioral, social, cultural, and environmental aspects of the human condition. In collaboration with local, regional, and global communities, the College promotes student learning, ethical leadership, and responsible citizenship.

College of Natural Sciences (NS)

The mission of the College of Natural Sciences is to serve as an anchor institution in Northern California for mathematics and the sciences, providing a diverse set of services to students and the larger community. The undergraduate, pre-professional, and graduate programs give students the rigorous theoretical and practical training required for professional and personal success. The College provides the cornerstones for a wide variety of technical disciplines beyond the college through foundational service courses. The College strives to instill in the wider campus community an understanding of the nature of science and its importance in modern society and affirms the importance of serving the community beyond the campus as a resource for mathematics and science expertise.

College of Agriculture (AG)

For almost 70 years, the College of Agriculture has impacted the quality of life in California and across the nation by educating and equipping agricultural leaders who have the theoretical knowledge, practice experience, and decision-making ability that allows them to excel in their chose career. The close, friendly nature of the college, combined with an integrated agricultural curriculum and remarkable access to hands-on education, creates a fertile learning environment for students and the agriculture industry they serve.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and implement advancement activities consistent with the goals and mission of the Colleges, including the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major and annual leadership gifts from donors and prospects and is in full compliance with Chico State and CSU policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with the deans, chairs, directors, faculty, university-wide advancement colleagues and constituents to enhance and promote fund-raising priorities relative to securing major and annual leadership gifts from private sources.
• Partner with colleges’ faculty leadership and staff to identify opportunities to strengthen key relationships among constituents and build support for the students, faculty, and programs of the College(s).
• Coordinate and focus a strategic solicitation process to attain gifts of outright cash, multi-year pledge commitments, estate planned gifts, and in-kind gifts from alumni, parents, and friends.
• Collaborate with the deans to outline college priorities, articulate plans and programs that implement the university-wide comprehensive campaign.
• Utilizing University Advancement’s prospect management processes, acquire and consistently manage a portfolio of 150 highly qualified suspects and prospects.
• Develop, prepare, and coordinate written proposals and presentations for major gift solicitations and assist in the preparation of acknowledgement letters and stewardship functions.
• Interact, exchange ideas, and support the development team regarding research, prospect assignments, cultivation and solicitation of potential donors, and strategy.

Candidate Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of seven-years-experience in major, principal, and annual leadership gifts fund-raising for higher education or the non-profit sector.
• Demonstrated successful experience soliciting and procuring five, six, and seven figure major gifts.
• Experience developing written proposals and presentations for major gift solicitations.
• Thorough understanding of, and experience with, methods, practices, and procedures associated with major gift and leadership prospect and donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Thorough knowledge in developing proposals and materials in support of major gift fund-raising.
• General knowledge of and experience with management principles, practices, and technique.
• Proficiency with MS Office products (Outlook, Word and Excel).
• Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• A high degree of personal motivation, independent judgment, and persuasiveness.
• Demonstrated and proven history and ability working autonomously to handle prospect identification, multiple solicitations, and stewardship activities simultaneously.
• A strong sense of financial accountability and the ability to manage resources with prudence and efficiency.
• Ability to:
  • Carry out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
  • Effectively accomplish fund-raising goals and enhance the image of the University.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of formats to a broad range of audiences.
  • Prepare and present oral and written reports/data which are clear, concise, and comprehensive.
  • Related to a diverse variety of stakeholders, donors, and community members.
  • Interpret complex procedures, agreements, policies, and regulations.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Problem-solve effectively to address concerns and interests of campus constituents, guests, vendors, and other as needed.
  • Collect and analyze data/information, draw conclusions from the analysis, and determine course of action based on information.
  • Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with prospects, donors, volunteers, faculty, staff, and administrators.
  • Willingness to travel as required to effectively perform the duties of the position.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of formats to a broad range of audiences.
  • Develop new skills that promote professional growth and effectiveness.
  • Adjust to change in a positive manner (e.g. work environment, technology).
  • Function cooperatively and productively as a member of a unit.