Director of Development and Community Engagement

Director of Development and Community Engagement

Salary

$73,165.00 - $121,931.00 Annually

Location

Main Campus, Moraga, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600046

Division

Advancement Division

Department

Alumni Engagement & Events Department

Opening Date

07/06/2026

Closing Date

7/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

.

About Saint Mary's College

Founded in 1863, Saint Mary's College of California is a residential institution in the Moraga Valley, 20 miles east of San Francisco, rooted in the Catholic, Lasallian, and Liberal Arts traditions. Enrolling more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the College integrates liberal and professional education within a mission shaped by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Known for academic excellence, innovation, and responsiveness, Saint Mary's fosters shared inquiry, meaningful student engagement, and a strong commitment to diversity, leadership, and service.

Why Join Saint Mary's College?

At Saint Mary's, your work has visible impact. As a close-knit residential college, employees work collaboratively across departments-your ideas, leadership, and contributions directly shape the student experience and the future direction of the institution. Colleagues partner across divisions, decisions are grounded in mission, and innovation is encouraged. If you are seeking a workplace where purpose, community, and professional growth intersect-and where your work truly matters-Saint Mary's offers that opportunity.

Job Title

Director of Development and Community Engagement

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, the Director operates with a high degree of independence and is responsible for developing and implementing fundraising, partnership, and community engagement strategies on behalf of the President and Saint Marys College. The Director represents the College in strategic external relationships and serves as a key liaison between the institution and community, civic, governmental, and philanthropic stakeholders.

Essential Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with responsibility for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Secure leadership-level gifts in support of institutional priorities, including scholarships, academic programs, and strategic initiatives.
• Partner with Advancement leadership to develop and execute fundraising strategies, including campaign and annual giving efforts.
• Prepare compelling proposals, impact reports, and communications.
• Maintain a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors with responsibility for achieving annual fundraising goals of approximately $1 million.
• Independently cultivate, solicit, and close gifts ranging from $25,000 to $1 million or more in support of institutional priorities.
• Play a significant role in campaign fundraising efforts and leadership gift strategies.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies aligned with institutional priorities and presidential initiatives.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and sustain relationships with local and regional community leaders, organizations, and partners that advance the Colleges mission.
• Design and implement engagement strategies that deepen connections with alumni, parents, and community stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration that enhance visibility, reputation, and financial support.
• Serve as a connector across campus and community, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
• Represent the College on external boards and committees that advance the mission.
• Serve as the Colleges representative with the Town of Moraga, City of Walnut Creek, East Bay Leadership Council, Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce, state and federal elected officials, and other strategic community partners.
• Develop and implement community engagement strategies that support fundraising outcomes, institutional visibility, mission advancement, and presidential priorities.
• Represent the College in civic, governmental, and community partnerships that enhance institutional reputation and strategic influence.

Events & Strategic Engagement

• Collaborate on and support key engagement events, including donor gatherings, community forums, and mission-driven programs.
• Represent the College at community and regional events, strengthening its presence and reputation.
• Leverage internal and external events as strategic tools for relationship-building and donor cultivation.
• Develop strategic engagement opportunities that strengthen relationships with donors, community leaders, elected officials, and key stakeholders.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with colleagues across campus including those from Advancement, Alumni Engagement, Admissions, Career Services, and Academic Affairs.
• Partner with faculty and campus leaders to align institutional needs with donor and community resources.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, accountability, and mission-centered work within the Advancement team.
• Provide strategic leadership and recommendations regarding institutional partnerships, fundraising opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.
• Exercise independent judgment and decision-making authority in managing external relationships and advancing institutional priorities.
• Manage assigned budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of College resources supporting development and engagement activities.

Experience and Qualifications

Education:Bachelor's degree required.

Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, external relations, sales, community engagement, governmental relations, or related field.

Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated success in building strategic partnerships that result in tangible outcomes.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated success cultivating and securing major gifts and managing high-level external relationships.
• Relationship builder with strong emotional intelligence.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.
• Skilled communicator and storyteller.
• Deep appreciation for mission-driven work and community impact.
• Initiative, adaptability, and sound judgment.
• Ability to influence and build trust with senior institutional leaders, donors, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently while advancing complex strategic initiatives.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit advancement, governmental relations, or mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Familiarity with Catholic/Lasallian educational values preferred.
• Experience managing donor portfolios and using CRM systems preferred.
• Experience supporting comprehensive fundraising campaigns and leadership giving initiatives preferred.

Licenses & Certifications:

Valid driver's license required.

Saint Mary's College of California Employee Benefits Guide

Saint Marys College of California provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits program designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of eligible faculty and staff.

This Benefits Guide provides a general overview of available programs. It is not a contract and does not modify plan documents, insurance policies, or official College policies. In the event of any discrepancy, official plan documents and College policies govern.

Health Insurance

The College offers a range of medical plan options to allow employees to select coverage that best meets their individual and family needs. Plan offerings may include:

• PPO medical plans

• HMO medical plans

• High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP), where applicable

Specific carriers and plan designs are outlined in the annual open enrollment materials.

Eligible Dependents

Eligible dependents may include:

• A legally married spouse

• A state-registered domestic partner

• Qualifying children up to age 26

Dependent eligibility is subject to plan terms and required documentation.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Saint Mary's College offers employees the opportunity to participate in pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts, which may include:

• Health Care FSA - for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses

• Dependent Care FSA - for eligible childcare or dependent care expenses

Annual contribution limits are established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Life Insurance

The College provides employer-paid basic life insurance coverage for eligible employees. Additional voluntary life insurance options may be available, including:

• Basic Term Life

• Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)

• Optional Employee Life Insurance

• Optional Dependent Life Insurance

• Optional AD&D coverage

Coverage levels, eligibility, and enrollment details are outlined in plan materials.

Dental & Vision Insurance

Eligible employees may enroll in dental and vision coverage. In some cases, dental and vision plans may be elected independently of medical coverage, providing flexibility based on individual needs.

Plan details, network information, and coverage summaries are provided during enrollment.

Disability Benefits

Saint Mary's College provides disability coverage designed to protect income in the event of a qualifying illness or injury. Benefits may include:

• Short-Term Disability (STD)

• Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined according to plan documents.

Retirement Benefits

Saint Mary's College offers retirement benefits to support long-term financial planning. Eligible employees may participate in:

• A defined contribution retirement plan

• Employer contributions in accordance with College policy

• Voluntary employee pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, subject to IRS limits

Plan details, vesting schedules, and eligibility requirements are outlined in official retirement plan documents.

Employees are encouraged to review plan materials carefully and consult with financial advisors as needed to fully understand retirement options.

Additional Benefits & Campus Resources

As part of the Saint Mary's College community, faculty and staff may also enjoy:

• Tuition Assistance Programs

• Access to campus fitness and wellness programs

• Access to the College library and the Hearst Art Gallery

• Discounts at the campus bookstore and dining services

• Access to cultural events and campus activities

• Community partnerships and local discounts in the Lamorinda area

Equal Employment Opportunity

Saint Mary's College of California is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment consistent with its Lasallian values.

Important Notice

All benefits, policies, and programs described in this guide are subject to change without notice. Participation and eligibility are governed by official plan documents, College policies, and applicable federal and state laws.

Contact Information

For additional information regarding employee benefits:

Human Resources

Saint Mary's College of California

Moraga, CA 94575

Email: hr@stmarys-ca.edu

01

Do you possess at least a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least seven (7) years of experience cultivating, managing, or stewarding donor, client, alumni, community, or stakeholder relationships?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have experience developing and implementing outreach, engagement, fundraising, business development, or relationship-management plans?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you currently located within the San Francisco Bay Area or willing to relocate to the area if selected for this position?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you available and willing to travel as needed to meet with donors, community partners, and other stakeholders?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you available to work in a hybrid environment, Monday through Friday for this position, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have legal authorization to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Saint Marys College of California

Address 1928 Saint Marys Road

Moraga, California, 94575

Website http://jobs.stmarys-ca.edu