Job Summary The Assistant Dean of Development, College of Engineering will serve as the lead professional in the college to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward alumni, parents, friends, foundations and corporations for contributions. The incumbent will direct the implementation and coordination of a comprehensive college-based development program by identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts; understand and comply with the policies, procedures and best practices established by University Development and Alumni Engagement; foster successful major gift fundraising by preparing the Dean and other academic leaders to participate routinely and effectively in development activities and prospect appointments; and participate in college based programs that identify and encourage relationships with donors, prospects and alumni.
The Assistant Dean of Development, College of Engineering reports directly to the Dean of the College of Engineering with a dotted line reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development. This job involves leading the planning and implementation of short and long-term development initiatives across the college. This includes organizing fundraising campaigns that align with the college's mission and vision. The role also involves managing volunteers, overseeing development processes, and supervising the college development team.
Key Qualifications - Develop and manage a personal portfolio of an assigned number of prospective annual and major gift prospects/donors, while maintaining confidentiality. Manage prospect, identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Conduct an assigned number of significant or substantive donor meetings annually. Submit an assigned number of major gift proposals annually.
- Develop and implement strategies and campaigns for solicitation of leadership annual gifts ($1-$24,999), major gifts ($25,000 +) and principal gifts ($1M +) including determining the appropriate ongoing relationships with prospects/donors; recommending specific purpose and level of gift; identifying those who should be involved in cultivation and subsequent solicitation; and carry out solicitations.
- In conjunction with input from the Dean and the assigned Associate Vice President of Development, prepare, manage, and execute the annual development plan. Responsible for personal and college metrics and goals that result from the annual development plan.
- Develop written proposals for presentation to major and principal level donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations; develop gift agreements and confer with appropriate administrative personnel to secure closure of the gift; oversee accounting, gift recording and acknowledgement procedures and reporting; oversee compliance for in-kind gifts.
- Work collaboratively with central University Development & Alumni Engagement partners including, but not limited to, Annual Giving, Planned Giving, Corporation Relations, Foundation Relations, Development Support Services, Trust and Endowments, and Parent Philanthropy on campaigns for solicitations.
Education and Experience - Bachelor's Degree and ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in development, major gifts fundraising, donor relations, marketing, planned giving or other related professional experience with four years being direct fundraising experience.
- Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Licenses, Certificates, Credentials:
- Possession of a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one by date of hire.
Salary and Benefits The anticipated hiring range for this role is $160,000 - $190,000. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected.
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.
Cal Poly Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly's hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu .
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Advertised: Jul 02 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 
