Job Summary

The Digital Giving Specialist reports to the Associate Director of Annual Giving and assists the University Development & Alumni Engagement (UDAE) unit to establish and meet the fundraising goals and objectives of Cal Poly Annual Giving. Incumbent works independently on a broad range of projects primarily focused on digital fundraising strategy, crowdfunding, and donor acquisition and retention through digital communications that promote philanthropic support of the university and/or programs. Using market research data and fundraising performance metrics, the incumbent determines the most effective techniques and approaches for reaching target donor audiences; identifies the philanthropic interests and giving behaviors of various constituent groups; translates research and donor insights into strategic digital fundraising campaigns; and creates marketing and solicitation programs to increase donor participation, revenue, and engagement in support of university priorities.

Department Summary

The role of the University Development and Alumni Engagement (UDAE) is to foster strong relationships with internal and external partners to enhance support for Cal Poly. University Development and Alumni Engagement establishes and implements an overall advancement program, including coordinating fundraising, donor relations, gift processing, trust and endowment management, training and systems support for the donor database, and Cal Poly Foundation support and administration. 

Key Qualifications

• Working knowledge of annual giving principles, digital fundraising strategies, and current best practices in advancement and philanthropy.
• Demonstrated ability to independently analyze fundraising performance data, donor engagement metrics, and campaign outcomes to develop data-informed recommendations and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Proficiency in digital fundraising and donor management platforms (e.g., crowdfunding platforms, e-solicitation tools, CRM/advancement databases) and the ability to train others on their use.
• Skilled in developing compelling fundraising content and communications across digital channels including email, social media, web, and multimedia formats tailored to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple fundraising campaigns, projects, and events within time and budget constraints.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and maintain effective working relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including campus partners, donors, and vendors.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and 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

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $68,508 - $85,188 per year

Classification Range: $63,288 - $92,208 per year

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. 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 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.