Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

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 first 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).  

About Chico State:

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, “Today Decides Tomorrow,” is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century. 

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus.  We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.

Chico State is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

CSU, Chico's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person at CSU, Chico Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available on the web at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.

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