Chief Development Officer (Foundation) Santa Clarita, CA

Two weeks prior to the deadline to submit applications, the diversity of current applicants will be assessed. Upon review, if the pool does not include sufficient diversity at that time, the application window may be extended.
 
The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time Chief Development Officer, Foundation in the Foundation.

Salary Placement:
 
This 12-month Classified Administrator position will be placed on Range 14 of the Administrator Salary Schedule ($11,421.00 – 11,766.00 per month). Step placement is based on experience. Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3 ($11,421.00, $11,594.00, or $11,766.00 per month) of this 20-step salary range.
 
All administrators are on an employment contract and exempt from overtime and compensatory time accumulation.

District Classified Administrator Benefits:
 
Full-time employees are provided with a diversified employee benefits program that includes sick time, vacation time, discretionary time, medical, dental and vision insurance including dependent coverage, disability and life insurance as well as Section 125 options.  These benefits commence on the first of the month following date of hire.   Professional development and educational incentive opportunities are provided to all classified administrative employees.  
 
Classified employees contribute to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan through the State of California.  

Who We Are:

The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, “Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses.” These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences — fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success.
 
Who We Want: 

We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.

Foundation Description:
 
The College of the Canyons Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation focused on the critically important role of raising and stewarding funds to support students and educational programs at the Santa Clarita Community College District. 
 
The Foundation’s total net assets as of June 30, 2023, were over $6 Million, an increase of 743% over the last 23 years. Public Support and Revenues exceed $2.8 Million. Focused and motivated, the staff and Foundation Board are a positive team of “can-do” professionals. The Foundation strengthens the work of the College through fundraising, investment management, stewardship of funds, and advocacy. The Foundation helps the District’s students access high-quality college education and provides financial assistance for academic programs and faculty development.           
 
Position Description:
 
Reporting to the Executive Director of the Foundation and working in collaboration with the College of the Canyons Foundation Board of Directors, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides leadership to all fundraising efforts of the Foundation and its advancement programs. The CDO serves as the senior fundraiser for the Santa Clarita Community College District, and oversees multiple programs to engage donors, alumni, and the community. The CDO works collaboratively with both internal and external individuals and organizations and is expected to develop a comprehensive fundraising program that encompasses all of the District’s campuses and centers.
 
This position directs and supervises all Foundation fundraising efforts including: campaigns, annual giving, planned and deferred giving, corporate and foundation giving, the Foundation’s scholarship program, alumni and corporate relations, and special fundraising campaigns and events. In the execution of these responsibilities, the CDO also works closely to help support special Trusts and committees of the Foundation.
 
The CDO is an employee of the Santa Clarita Community College District. The CDO provides leadership and management of a comprehensive fundraising and advancement program for the District and adheres to an annual budget for all assigned activities.

Example of Duties

Essential Duties:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
 

1. Develop and implement a robust strategic plan for fundraising in alignment with the College’s goals.
2. Create and manage a comprehensive development program that includes major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation support, annual campaigns, and other fundraising activities.
3. Collaborate with the Foundation Board to establish revenue goals and devise strategies to achieve them.
4. Cultivate and manage a portfolio of prospects and donors, including identifying, qualifying, and engaging major and planned gift prospects.
5. Design and execute personalized strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to maximize contributions and donor satisfaction.
6. Drive efforts to increase both the number and value of major gifts to the Foundation, setting and pursuing ambitious targets.
7. Lead and coordinate with College administrators and faculty to identify fundraising priorities and opportunities.
8. Foster partnerships and engage various campus community members in innovative fundraising strategies.
9. Represent the College and Foundation at civic, business, and community events to build and enhance support.
10. Establish and maintain relationships with community leaders, alumni, and other stakeholders.
11. Develop and oversee programs to engage alumni, including regular communication through newsletters and other outreach efforts to strengthen their connection with the College.
12. Oversee the development and execution of strategic and operational plans for the Foundation’s fundraising activities.
13. Manage an annual budget for all assigned fundraising activities and ensure financial targets are met.
14. Perform other duties as assigned to support the Foundation’s goals and objectives.

Demonstrated Knowledge and Abilities:

Position requires knowledge of:

• Expertise in planning, developing, marketing, and executing major fundraising and resource development programs specifically tailored for higher education institutions.
• Understanding of financial investment management techniques, regulations, and practices, including budget development, expenditure tracking, and financial record-keeping procedures.
• Proficiency in leadership techniques, strategic planning, resource allocation, staffing, and supervision to effectively guide teams and initiatives.
• Skills in analyzing complex data and using various methods to present statistical and technical information clearly and effectively.
• Expertise in operating computers and related software, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email applications.
• Knowledge of best practices for financial record-keeping and the ability to gather, organize, and present general and technical data.

Position requires ability to:

• Strengthen and execute the goals of a comprehensive community college foundation program, including managing revenue-generating campaigns and engaging with business and philanthropic communities.
• Provide effective leadership, prioritize projects, and drive strategic initiatives to achieve organizational objectives.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, to various audiences, including Foundation, College, and corporate boards, administrators, and community groups.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with the media to enhance the Foundation’s Prepare and deliver compelling presentations to diverse audiences, including Foundation boards, College administrators, and business community groups.
• Forge and sustain effective partnerships between the College Foundation and community and industry leaders to advance the Foundation’s mission.
• Develop and nurture relationships of trust with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff.

Qualities of a Successful Community College Leader:

 Every administrator with the College is expected to be:

• Committed to Student Access, Engagement, and Success.
• Willing to take strategic risks related to student-oriented change.
• Capable of building strong teams.
• Motivated to establish urgency for improvement.
• Able to plan lasting internal change.
• Results-oriented, ensuring effective implementation, routine assessment of programs and continuous data-informed improvement.
• Effective at communicating and listening to foster strong relationships, shared priorities, and inspire trust and action.
• Considerate of fiscal responsibilities and sound operations.
• Dedicated to entrepreneurial fundraising that aligns to student access, engagement, and success goals.
• Effective in developing effective external partnerships to achieve broader aims for student success.
• A creative, innovative, energetic instructional leader; a technologically sophisticated professional who is skilled in various technology applications.
• A supporter of consistent and on-going professional development initiatives, in pursuit of the college’s strategic goals.
• A fair-minded, ethical, and honest leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the courage and integrity to lead and accept responsibility.

Qualifications and Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements: 

Experience: 
Four (4) full time equivalent years in a progressively responsible role with proven experience in fundraising and development, with a track record of successful major gift solicitation. 

Education: 
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent job-related work experience which may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities effectively.
• Experience with budget management and strategic planning in a nonprofit or educational setting is preferred.

Physical Characteristics:
Position requires sitting and viewing a computer monitor for extended periods of time; reaching, bending, and stooping; frequently exert 10 to 20 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects; hearing to understand speech at normal levels, speaking to communicate and provide information to others; vision to read printed material and computer monitor. Travel from site-to-site to include other college districts as needed. In the event of an emergency, employees will be relied upon to serve as emergency service workers.

Further Details

Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.

Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.

Board of Trustees approval.

Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment.

Ability to maintain a flexible workweek with hours that may vary, including evening and weekend assignments as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Santa Clarita Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

 The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified employees who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students.  The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not unlawfully discriminate in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law  or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427.

About the District:
Access. Engagement. Success.
College of the Canyons serves more than 37,000 students on two campuses in the Santa Clarita Valley, about 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Better known locally as COC, the college excels at both transfer and career preparation, sending thousands of graduates each year to California’s top public and private four-year universities, and into high-wage careers in Southern California’s fastest-growing industries.
The college has earned numerous regional, state, and national awards for its innovative and collaborative efforts to increase student access, engagement, and success. It was the only California community college to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification from the American Council on Education and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The college is also recognized for its high degree of Hispanic student enrollment and degree achievement, having been named one of the top colleges in the nation for those achievements by The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine.
The college takes seriously its mission to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a 48-percent Hispanic student population, it is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), as well as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).  
College of the Canyons is:

• Guided by an elected five-member Board of Trustees composed of former faculty members and students committed to prudent fiscal management and thoughtful policy development. 
• Supported by an active Foundation that generates more than $1 million of revenue and awards more than $300,000 in student scholarships each year.
• Recognized as a statewide leader in the development and implementation of OER/ZTC (open educational resources/zero textbook costs) materials, saving students millions of dollars in textbook costs. 
• Resourceful, as evidenced by the $16 million in grant revenue generated in the past year. 
• Highly regarded in the community, whose residents voted to approve more than $400 million of bond funds in three separate elections since 2001.
• Focused on making higher education more affordable, as evidenced by the Canyons Promise program that provides the first two years of study free for new, full-time students. 

The best measure of our success is the achievement of our students. Their accomplishments include:

• Transferring to the top University of California campuses, including Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
• Earning national and state academic awards, including Jack Kent Cooke Scholarships, Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars, and Phi Theta Kappa All California Academic Team honors.
• Winning 39 state championships while competing in 17 intercollegiate sports.
• Designing research projects carried aboard NASA spacecraft.
• Garnering numerous awards in Model UN, Forensics (Communications), and Future Business Leaders of America competitions.
• Achieving a 21 percent median wage increase after completing career education courses.

Those who are selected for positions at College of the Canyons will join a team of accomplished administrators, esteemed educators, and dedicated staff members who are innovative and focused on enhancing people’s lives by continually expanding educational access, engagement, and success.

Ready. Set. Grow. 
College of the Canyons is poised to continue growing in its ability to expand access to higher education, to enhance student engagement, and to bolster the ongoing success of our students and wider community.
Currently, we are:

• Building an off-site Advanced Technology Center to provide hands-on training in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and welding.
• Renovating the Student Center to create a more welcoming gathering space for students.
• Enhancing the services we offer to students at our Canyon Country campus with the addition of 110,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, and support spaces in the new Takeda Science Center and adjoining Student Services & Learning Resources Center. 
• Offering 275 associate degree and certificate programs (and always developing more), including new Allied Health training programs in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy Technology, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 
• Creating a safe space for students to share their voices and engage in dialog and connection in our new Intercultural Center. 
• Hosting world-class entertainers in the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at the Valencia campus.
• Offering a wide variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from partner universities at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center.
• Bolstering the economic development of our region by raising $2.5 million in external funding to provide customized workforce training for more than 5,100 local employees. 

By always working to create new opportunities, focusing on innovation, and embracing dynamic partnerships, we create ongoing success that benefits everyone we serve.

Are You Ready to Join Us?
College of the Canyons is looking for faculty, staff, and administrators who are leaders, innovators, and creators focused on putting the needs of students first. Specifically, we seek those who share our commitment to:

• Teaching and Learning – College of the Canyons values high performance in teaching and learning.
• Respect for All People – We expect students and employees to demonstrate honesty, integrity, social responsibility, and ethical behavior that fosters a college climate characterized by civility, collegiality, and acceptance.
• Partnership with Community – We advance the educational, intellectual, artistic, civic, cultural, and economic aspirations of our surrounding community by actively partnering with more than 100 community schools, colleges, universities, businesses, and government and social agencies.
• Excellence – We set the highest standards for ourselves and support the professional development of faculty, staff, and administrators. 
• Creativity and Innovation – We encourage members of the college community to be entrepreneurial, forward-thinking, creative, persistent, spontaneous, and willing to explore new ideas that strengthen our ability to enhance student access, engagement, and success. 

Location. Location. Location. 
The single college within the Santa Clarita Community College District, College of the Canyons is located in Santa Clarita, the third most populous city in Los Angeles County, and serves a 367-square-mile area in the northern part of the county. The college’s two campuses are just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles.
With mild weather and convenient freeway access, the Santa Clarita Valley offers residents and visitors convenient year-round access to what makes Southern California a popular destination. Theme parks, Pacific Ocean beaches, and mountains are nearby, along with the dining, cultural, and sports attractions of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and other iconic destinations.  
Our service area is a hub of advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and film production. By redefining the traditional role of community colleges, we have become the training provider of choice for local companies, which count on us to deliver high-quality, cutting-edge training.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online. Please visit our website at http://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources. If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661)362-3427 or for the hearing-impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661)362-5178.  Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 4 - 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the Review Date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings.   The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite #360 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355.
 
Your application is not complete until the following required materials have been uploaded online or received by the Human Resources office:

• Online District CLASSIFIED Application.
• Detailed resume, which includes month/year dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities at each employer.
• Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties and the abilities section of this announcement.  
• Copies of complete and legible college transcripts clearly indicating all college units earned and any degree awarded. You can submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment. Please see our website for the requirements for evaluation of transcripts from foreign colleges or universities.
• Confidential Recruitment Source Information (voluntary survey). This is voluntary and is a part of the online applicant profile, separate from the application.
• Supplemental Questionnaire. Please answer the following questions as part of your application packet.

1. Do you possess education equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree (60 semester units) or higher from an accredited institution? If yes, list your degree(s) and please provide a legible copy of your college/university transcript(s) in your online application packet. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. If no, and you are using additional years of work experience in lieu of 30 semester units of education, please clearly indicate how you meet the minimum educational requirement through this additional work experience.
2. Describe your experience working with board members, board committees, and college administrators.
3. Describe your progressively responsible experience and demonstrated success in fundraising.
4. Please describe your knowledge of and experience with external funding sources.
5. Please describe your ability to work successfully in a multicultural environment.
6. Why do you want to work in this management position at College of the Canyons?

• Letters of reference are optional.

 
Please note:

• Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required.
• Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
• Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.
• A presentation may be required for those candidates selected for an initial interview. 
• “Experience” generally refers to relevant paid experience. In some instances, unpaid experience may be counted as experience towards meeting the minimum qualifications or requirements for the position only if it entailed responsibilities substantially similar to those of relevant paid positions in the field.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide sufficient information and details to the Human Resources office at the time of submission of their application packet.  Details should include the organization, contact name and contact information, start and end dates, hours per week, and a list of relevant unpaid/volunteer duties or responsibilities performed.  Not all unpaid experience may qualify.  Upon offer of employment, an applicant will be required to obtain written verification(s) of any relevant unpaid/volunteer experience.
• Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.
• Please be aware that, should you be considered as a finalist for this position, reference checks will include current supervisor(s).  
• Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact:

Human Resources Office

(661) 362-3427

TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at

www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources

 
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District.  Materials will not be returned, copied or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form.

The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews between the weeks of January 27, 2025, and February 3, 2025, and conduct final interviews between the weeks of February 3, 2025, and February 10, 2025. This is an estimated timeline and is subject to change. 

Please note that the college will be closed for Winter Break from Tuesday, December 24, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The Human Resources Office will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Interviews may be conducted in-person or remotely via Zoom. 

This is an in-office position, working forty hours per week in the Foundation.
 
Position is offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled. This recruitment may be used for future vacancies.