Job SummaryThe Assistant Director of Development is an experienced professional who has the ability to practice, and/or has knowledge of, the fundraising field, with the ability to apply fundraising theory to the full range of responsibilities of a university development officer. This position analyzes problems/issues of varied scope, and determines solutions, and plans, schedules, and implements comprehensive fundraising projects and programs, including fundraising programs such as Give Day, Crowdfund UC Davis, the Annual Fund and Parent Fund, philanthropy programming for parents, students and employees, and the Davis Chancellor's Club.
This position is metric-driven and expected to raise gift dollar amounts as established through an annual business planning process and aligned with the assigned portfolio. This is a fundraising position focused on developing new and fostering established donor relationships. Guided by a "donor centric" approach, the incumbent will strategically solicit gifts and steward existing ones using various communication methods, including in person, video, texting, phone, social media and virtual visits. This position requires good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, and works independently, collaboratively, and collegially as part of a large, matrix organization.
Apply By DateOctober 18, 2026 at 11:59p.m. PDTInitial Application Review date is October 3, 2026. Interviews and recruiting process may occur at any time. Position will remain open until filled.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education and experience.
- Experience demonstrated through 1 or more years of professional or volunteer fundraising experience; or equivalent transferrable professional experience including strategic relationship development and portfolio management; or equivalent combination of experience and education.
- Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills to establish and maintain good working relationships at all organizational levels and with outside constituencies, including donors and volunteers, to develop collaborative working relationships needed to accomplish organizational goals.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience using texting messaging platforms as well as experience creating video and sending through a video platform such as Thank. Experience with a sales enablement platform such as Salesforce or Salesloft.
- 2+ years of professional or volunteer fundraising experience; or equivalent transferrable professional experience including strategic relationship development and portfolio management, preferably in higher education, strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience in developing strategic relationships with individual donors and prospective donors, foundations, and other philanthropic organizations and researching, building and managing a portfolio of donors and prospects with a goal of raising philanthropic support.
- Demonstrated commitment to a culture of safety, collaboration, inclusivity, and team building, working cooperatively and collegially with a complex group of department and campus constituencies.
- Thorough analytical and critical thinking skills, including skills in creative and effective decision-making and problem identification/avoidance/resolution.
Key Responsibilities - 90% - Fundraising
- 10% - Development Operations
Department OverviewThe Annual and Special Gifts Program provides leadership, coordination, and support services to help the university meet its mission, strengthens philanthropic support and focuses efforts on the university's highest priorities and initiatives, including the current comprehensive campaign.
UC Davis Office of Development and Alumni Relations provides leadership, coordination and support services to help the university meet its mission of research, teaching and service by building philanthropic support and executing approved fundraising programs that support the university's highest priorities and initiatives.
POSITION INFORMATION - Departmental Budgeted Salary Range: $88,100.00 - $92,000.00 annually
- Full FUNDRAISER 3 Classification Pay Scale: $88,100.00 - $162,100.00 annually
- Salary Frequency: Monthly
- Salary Grade: Grade 23
- UC Job Title: FUNDRAISER 3
- UC Job Code: 007547
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100
- Shift (Work Schedule): Monday thru Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Location: Univ Conf Ctr (CONFCNTR), Davis
- Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- H1-B Eligible: Applicants must be permanently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
- This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work). This position is based in Davis, CA and may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid schedule.
BenefitsOutstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees .
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life , short/long term disability , pet insurance , legal coverage , accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave , Family & Medical Leave , Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands - Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands - Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands - Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work EnvironmentUC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Work occasional overtime including evenings, weekends and holidays. Access to reliable transportation. Ability to work effectively in an area where there is constant traffic and noise from office machines, telephones, and conversations.
Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position - This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- The duties or functions of this position include the handling of cash (or cash equivalents)
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
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