Job Summary

The Development Specialists provide comprehensive operational support to the Development and Corporate and Foundation fundraising teams. The primary responsibilities include research and analysis in areas of donor engagement, donations, best practices and emerging trends in advancement and philanthropy. The incumbent will develop and implement fundraising steps to support the team members.

The duties may also include monitoring project timelines, calendars and deliverables for multiple advancement projects and creating reports. Use of the current donor management systems including fact checking for accuracy and accurate data entry will be required. The incumbent will interact with donors and university partners, in conjunction with development officers. Additional duties may include meeting and event logistics and assisting with stewardship efforts.

Overall, this position supports the team’s effort for building and maintaining relationships with donors by taking care of office and operational requirements for the fundraisers so they can concentrate on being successful in their position.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare contact reports, briefing materials, gift summaries, prospect research materials, and other documents to support fundraising activity
• Coordinate department calendars, team meetings, and schedules to support fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and events
• Manage and update the development operational handbooks
• Onboarding support for new staff
• Responsible for updating the development opportunities calendar
• Work with development officers to track deadlines, follow-up items, proposals, solicitations, and stewardship commitments
• Assist with prospect management, portfolio reports, and development performance tracking
• Prepare and enter standardized institutional content into online funding request and proposal submission platforms.
• Steward grant proposals for appropriate signatures and completion requirements
• Collaborate with colleagues across Advancement, academic and administrative departments, and campus offices
• Respond professionally to questions from donors, alumni, parents, campus partners, and members of the public
• Answer ad hoc questions regarding the status of gifts, invoices or other inquiries
• Maintain accurate records, assist with data entry and reporting, and ensure compliance with data management policies and procedures
• Responsible for CFR invoice processes, working with donors, fundraisers and gift records from start to completion in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate records, assist with data entry and reporting, and ensure compliance with data management policies and procedures
• Support the planning and execution of meetings for both CFR and Development meetings including team, group or individual meetings, by coordinating logistics and preparing materials

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Skilled in networking and ability to be flexible
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• High level of initiative, attention to detail, and organization skills
• Skilled in successfully managing multiple projects on tight deadlines and under pressure in a dynamic and open environment
• Ability to define problems, gather data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite and ability to utilize fundraising database programs, and learn new tech platforms for project management
• Working knowledge and understanding of advancement principles and current best practices
• Demonstrates competence in independently applying judgment to resolve non-standard problems and issues; includes interpretation of applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines
• Strong analytical and organizational skills to plan, organize, prioritize, and ensure the successful completion of fundraising campaigns or events within time and budget constraints
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills to effectively coordinate multiple stakeholder relationships and guide the development of appropriate fundraising and promotional materials
• Knowledge of event planning and fundraising principles and processes
• Excellent customer service skills and public relations
• Ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field
• Two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• SJSU Alumni
• 2 years of experience working in higher education or nonprofit
• Experience being detail oriented, including calendar management and data entry

Compensation

Classification: Advancement Professional II
Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,940/month - $6,180/month (Step 7 – Step 9)
CSU Salary Range: $5,274/month - $7,684/month (Step 1 – Step 20)

San José State University 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.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: October 21, 2026 through November 4, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

People and Culture
jobs@sjsu.edu

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be 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 offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities.