Director of Development, Planned Giving; Administrator II

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.

The Director of Development, Planned Giving serves as the institution’s lead strategist and frontline fundraiser for planned and deferred gifts. This position is responsible for building, growing, and sustaining a comprehensive planned giving program that advances the University’s long-term philanthropic priorities. As a senior member of the Development team, the Director focuses on securing estate commitments and other deferred gifts, generating a minimum of 2 million annually in documented planned gift commitments.

The role emphasizes donor education, legacy society stewardship, strategic marketing, and collaboration with development colleagues to integrate planned giving into overall fundraising strategy. Although titled Director of Development, this position does not manage a traditional major gift portfolio. Instead, it serves as the subject-matter expert and primary driver of planned giving strategy, cultivation, and execution across the University.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of three years of experience in major gift and annual leadership gift fundraising for higher education or an equivalent.

• Advanced degree or professional credential such as CFRE, CAP, or similar.
• Experience building or significantly expanding a planned giving program.
• Experience in higher education advancement or a complex nonprofit organization.
• Familiarity with planned giving marketing platforms and third-party website vendors.
• Experience managing legacy societies and structured stewardship programs.
• Comfort collaborating with legal, financial, and tax professionals.

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan: 12/12

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Summer:
Monday-Thursday 7:00 am-5:30 pm

Anticipated Hiring Range: 110, per year. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-

Applicants will be required to disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions regarding sexual harassment within the last seven years after meeting minimum qualifications. Successful candidates will also complete a background check, including criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting, prior to assuming this position. Completion of these checks may impact the job offer or continued employment.

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. 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.