Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• 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.

Preferred

• 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.

Benefits

• 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