Job Overview
Under the direction of the Associate Vice President of Development, the Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship program designed to strengthen donor relationships, demonstrate the impact of philanthropy, and inspire continued investment in California State University San Marcos. The Director develops and implements innovative stewardship strategies that enhance the donor experience through meaningful engagement, personalized outreach, timely acknowledgment, impact reporting, recognition programs, and donor-centered communications. Working collaboratively across University Advancement and the university, the Director ensures donors experience exceptional stewardship at every stage of their philanthropic journey.
Serving as a strategic partner to frontline development officers and leadership and annual giving program, the Director advances fundraising success by developing individualized stewardship plans for annual, major and principal gift donors, identifying meaningful engagement opportunities, and implementing scalable stewardship processes that deepen donor relationships and increase retention. The Director leads efforts to strengthen stewardship infrastructure through process improvement, stewardship standards, donor recognition programs, and data-informed practices while partnering with University Communications, Advancement Services, Fund Administration, and campus leadership to deliver coordinated, high-quality donor experiences that reflect the university's mission and philanthropic priorities.
The Director supervises the stewardship team and cultivates a culture of gratitude across the university by equipping colleagues with stewardship tools, best practices, and innovative approaches to donor engagement. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and continuous assessment, the Director ensures stewardship activities not only acknowledge generosity but also foster long-term donor loyalty, increased philanthropic investment, and lasting partnerships that advance the university's mission.
Position Summary
Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship (Administrator II)
This is a full-time, exempt position in the Management Personnel Plan (MPP). MPP positions serve at the pleasure of the President.
For a complete list of responsibilities and required qualifications, please review the position description linked at the top of the page.
Pay, Benefits, and Work Schedule
Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $8,334 - $9,164 per month
CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,053 - $16,221 per month
Salary is commensurate with the background and experience of the individual selected.
This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year; 14 scheduled on specific days and a Personal Holiday that may be taken any time during the year.
A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by visiting our Benefits Portal. The CSU Total Compensation Calculator demonstrates the significance of the benefits package.
California State University San Marcos
A mid-size university located in San Diego's vibrant North County, we are dedicated to service, innovation, leadership and student success. We have an attentive faculty and state-of-the-art facilities which offer our students hundreds of opportunities to learn, lead, play and serve.
California State University San Marcos is a new kind of university, pushing the boundaries of innovation to prepare tomorrow's leaders, build stronger communities and solve pressing issues.
Cutting-edge research meets hands-on application at our campus and in the real world.
Application Process
This position is open until filled. For assurance of full consideration, please submit application, cover letter and resume by 11:59pm on July 19, 2026.
Application requires a cover letter or letter of interest to be attached.
Applicants who require an accommodation during the application or testing process due to a disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/CA Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) should notify the Office of Human Resources at (760) 750-4418 or e-mail: [email protected].
Supplemental Information
Following a conditional offer of employment, satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.
This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The incumbent in this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
California State University San Marcos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, and veteran or military status.
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act Notification can be found at https://www.csusm.edu/clery/annualreports.html.
Pursuant to the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy, as of January 1, 2022, the California State University is prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
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 San Marcos is not a sponsoring agent for staff or management positions (i.e. H1-B visas).
