Director of Development, College of Engineering - Fresno State

At a glance

Bring your fundraising talents to a Fresno State University where they're driving innovation in the Central Valley and beyond. As the Director of Development for the Lyles College of Engineering, you’ll lead efforts to support programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, construction management, and more. The college is known for hands-on learning, sustainability, and partnerships that solve real-world challenges in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and water resources. You’ll work side-by-side with the Dean and university leadership to cultivate and secure major and principal gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. You’ll engage volunteer boards, lead donor strategy, and champion philanthropic initiatives that fuel student access, research, and regional impact. Be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team shaping California’s engineering future.

Description: What you'll be doing

Another Source’s client, Fresno State University, is recruiting a Director of Development for the Lyles College of Engineering to join their team in Fresno, CA. 

Here’s a little about the Lyles College of Engineering at Fresno State University and the position they are recruiting for:   

The Lyles College of Engineering is committed to shaping the next generation of leaders in engineering and construction management. With deep roots in innovation, applied research, and industry partnerships, the college provides students with hands-on experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and pathways into high-demand careers in the Central Valley and beyond. 

Home to programs in civil, electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering, as well as construction management and geomatics engineering, the college emphasizes entrepreneurship, sustainability, and real-world problem-solving. Faculty engage in community-based projects and research that address regional challenges in agriculture, energy, water, and infrastructure—preparing students to make an immediate impact in their professions. 

• Learn more about the Lyles College of Engineering: https://engineering.fresnostate.edu/  

• Learn more about University Advancement: https://advancement.fresnostate.edu/index.html 

What you will be doing:   

As the Director of Development, you will lead fundraising efforts for the Lyles College of Engineering by identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major and principal gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. You will serve as a strategic partner to the Dean of the College and report to the Associate Vice President for Development and Comprehensive Campaigns, working closely with campus leaders to align philanthropic goals with Fresno State’s broader mission and campaign priorities. 

This role includes donor and volunteer engagement, development planning, prospect strategy, proposal development, and stewardship efforts that contribute to both the college’s and university’s long-term success. 

The anticipated yearly salary range for this position is: $92,000 - $97,000 based on experience.  

How you will be spending your time:  

• Participate as a member of the Lyles College of Engineering leadership team, attend regular meetings with the Lyles College of Engineering dean to coordinate fundraising strategies to achieve the units’ annual and campaign fundraising goals.  

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and secure major and principal gifts, including those exceeding $250,000 and occasionally over $1M, in collaboration with senior administrators 

• Regularly interact with philanthropic partners to ensure meaningful stewardship and long-term donor engagement. 

• Occasionally organize and present special events designed to engage prospective philanthropic partners. 

• Frequently interact with volunteer leaders and boards to engage them in the philanthropic mission of the Lyles College of Engineering. 

• Occasionally manage college-based solicitations and special campaigns, interfacing often with the central Annual Giving office on strategies and scripts for solicitation. 

• Serve on the College’s leadership team, meet regularly with the Dean, and collaborate with University Advancement and senior campus leadership to align efforts with university-wide fundraising initiatives. 

What you will bring:  

• Bachelor's degree required from a regionally accredited institution.  

• Minimum of four years of increasingly responsible and successful fundraising experience or professional experience with transferable skills such as sales, marketing, or public relations.  

• Experience with a nonprofit organization.  

• Experience with comprehensive campaigns and/or specific experience in major gift solicitation, corporate/foundation relations, or constituent relations. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Master's or other advanced degree preferred.  

• Experience/background in higher education.  

• Experience with alumni/donor databases and campus applications such as Advance, Reeher or Raiser’s Edge. 

What’s in it for you: 

Why a career with CSU is for You  https://adminfinance.fresnostate.edu/hr/benefits/index.html   

The CSU system offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf  

• Immerse yourself: Being on campus allows you to enjoy renowned sporting events, artist events, world-renowned speakers. Stroll through trails, museums, and enjoy all campus has to offer.  

• Tuition waiver: up to 2 courses, or 6 units, per semester for employee, spouse, registered domestic partner or eligible dependent child for any of the 23 campuses.   

• Mission driven culture: Transforming the lives of a diverse student body, including first-generation students and under-represented communities.  

• Jury duty: The CSU will continue an employee’s salary while they are on jury duty, regardless of length of jury service.  

• CalPERS Retirement Plan: CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement pension plan. Lifetime medical benefits for you, your spouse, or registered domestic partner. Learn more here: http://www.calpers.ca.gov/  

• 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (Similar to a 401k plan)  

• Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or services)    

• A healthier you. Access to athletic and gym facilities on campus   

• Transportation support. Pre-tax commuter benefits  

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination:  

The California State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all CSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA , and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us. 

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Salary : $92,000 - $97,000