Director of Foundation Relations and Development Communications (Administrator II)

Job no: 561738
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Chico
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time

Job/Department Summary:

The Director of Foundation Relations and Development Communications leads the University's foundation fundraising efforts while serving as the primary strategic writer for University Development. This position develops and manages a comprehensive foundation relations program that advances the University's strategic priorities through competitive grant proposals and philanthropic partnerships.

The Director also serves as the University's lead development writer, creating compelling fundraising communications that inspire philanthropic investment. This includes developing institutional cases for support, preparing donor and foundation impact reports, and translating complex academic initiatives into persuasive donor-centered narratives.

Working collaboratively across the University and under the direction of the Executive Director of Development, the Director partners with faculty, deans, program directors, and development officers to identify funding priorities, develop competitive proposals, and communicate the impact of philanthropy. The Director serves as the University's subject matter expert on foundation fundraising and strategic fundraising communications.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
AND
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in foundation relations, grant writing, development writing, fundraising communications, higher education advancement, or a closely related field.

Preferences:

Preference may be given to applicants with the following as they may be considered specialized skills:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, English, journalism, public relations, nonprofit management, business, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in foundation relations, development writing, fundraising communications, or higher education advancement.
• Experience translating complex academic, research, or programmatic information into clear and persuasive narratives for philanthropic audiences.
• Experience with advancement CRM systems, foundation research tools, and grants databases.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects, stakeholders, and deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in foundation fundraising, philanthropy, and development communications.
• Experience building out new programs and managing firs of kind initiatives.

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan: 12/12

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm, Summer: Mon-Thurs 7:00am-5:30pm

Admin II Hiring Range: $60,636 - $194,652 per year. Salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected.

Benefits: This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

CSU, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance). For more information please visit https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

Additional Information:

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

California State University, Chico, in accordance with CSU policy, requires that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive.

This position is considered a sensitive position based on CSU guidelines. Incumbent is responsible for the safety and security of Level 1 data, sometimes also referred to as Level 1 protected data. This is confidential information that is in most cases protected by statutes, regulations, or other legal mandates.

This position is a Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) designated managerial position and comes under the Management Personnel Plan (MPP) of the California State University. Individuals appointed to management positions serve at the pleasure of the President or designee. They are excluded from the collective bargaining process, are not subject to probationary service, and do not receive tenure or permanent status. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).



Open Until Filled (Review of Applications will begin 10/06/26. Applications received after that date may be considered.)

Advertised: Sep 22 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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