Associate Vice President for Development

Job Summary

The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Development is a key member of the University Advancement leadership team and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting fundraising. The AVP for Development ensures administrative oversight of the University’s major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation fundraising. Working closely in collaboration with and reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, the incumbent fosters a collaborative team culture and establishes metrics for success. Leading by example, the AVP will effectively cultivate and successfully solicit a select portfolio of prospects and donors capable of making transformational contributions to the institution. The AVP will be the lead principal gifts officer for the university, working to cultivate, solicit, close, and steward prospective donors with the capacity to make commitments of $1 million and above. This role will drive gifts for general university purposes as well as those designated for a specific school, institute, campaign priority or other part of San José State University. The position will be essential to catalyzing lead donor support in the readiness and pre-launch phases of university campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA) and senior leaders within the division, develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the university that reflects ambitious year-over-year growth
• Lead complex and high-level donor solicitations, working closely with the VPUA and university leadership to align donor interests with the university’s mission and strategic plan
• Drive presidential engagement with donors and prospective donors
• Lead regular donor strategy and outreach planning meetings with the president and University Advancement leadership
• Partner with the Associate Vice President for Advancement Strategy and Campaigns to translate campaign strategy into actionable fundraising plans. Determine viable fundraising plans, help identify appropriate donors, and work across teams to implement solicitation strategies for each major donor
• Serve as the division’s liaison to Facilities Development and Operations (FD&O) to monitor and steward the development of capital projects with philanthropic funding or capacity for donor support
• Meet with college deans and other faculty to ensure appropriate levels of fundraising support and coordination are in place across the division. Facilitate annual and quarterly fundraising strategy reviews with deans and development officers to assess progress and make modifications to ensure annual dollar targets are met
• Assume primary leadership in developing or reviewing fundraising plans of any campus college, school, institute, center or unit
• Provide coaching to Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundations Relations, and Planned Giving teams and supervise team leaders. Directly supervise additional staff as needed
• Manage recruitment, development, evaluation, retention, professional development and team building of all development staff within the AVP’s purview
• Plan and coordinate monthly cross-team meetings for all development and frontline staff
• Set and manage fundraiser performance metrics and goals in alignment with division-wide fundraising strategy, fundraising team goals, and annual college/unit fundraising targets
• Ensure all fundraisers are observing University fundraising policies, standards and procedures
• Set and review allocation of personnel and financial resources to achieve unit goals
• Manage annual budget preparation and forecasting for the unit
• Review written prospect strategies, proposals, informational materials, gift illustrations and other materials for all major gift prospects
• Ensure regular review of the process on each strategy
• Read, review and approve all memoranda of understanding for gift agreements with donors

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of fundraising programs, including individual, planned, corporate, and foundation gifts, with a proven track record of success in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding six- to eight-figure gifts
• Knowledge of and commitment to using technology and data to support the growth of advancement programs
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams with multiple sets of expectations and competing priorities
• Proven skills in managing long-range strategic fundraising and day-to-day operations creatively and effectively
• Demonstrated organizational skills in budget management, staff supervision, and professional development
• Unquestionable integrity and a commitment to professional ethics, with the ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information
• High level of comfort and effectiveness working with high-net-worth individuals, business executives, community leaders, and prominent individuals
• Exceptional negotiation skills and political savvy to navigate a complex academic environment
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to create compelling cases for support and adapt to changing priorities
• A creative problem-solver with strong critical thinking and analytical skills, who can interpret data and draw valid conclusions
• The credibility and sound judgment to engage, inspire, motivate, and persuade staff, faculty, university administrators, donors, and volunteers
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner

Required Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university
• Minimum of ten years of experience with at least seven to ten years serving at the director level or above; a background of progressively increased responsibility in a comprehensive and sophisticated fundraising program, including supervisory experience
• Experience developing donor centric solicitation strategies leading to closing major and/or principal gifts
• Evidence of strong written communication skills; ability to write clearly and persuasively

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree
• Experience with metrics-driven major-gift fundraising programs and capital or comprehensive campaigns in a college or university environment
• Substantial experience as a front-line fundraiser including personal success in closing six and seven-figure gifts
• Experience in recruiting, training, leading, and evaluating staff engaged in major-gift fundraising
• Experience with all elements required for fundraising program success, including goal setting, target donor development, prospect cultivation, donor research, gift solicitation, acknowledgement, and stewardship
• Experience working with foundation management, reporting requirements, and governing board processes and support requirements
• Experience engaging and supporting university and/or academic leadership in their fundraising efforts including outreach, cultivation and solicitation
• Track record of success with blended outright and planned gifts

Compensation

Classification: Administrator IV
Anticipated Hiring Range: $15,834/month
CSU Salary Range: $10,106/month - $32,441/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the .

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: October 12, 2025 through October 26, 2025. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel

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