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Position Number: CLA21-442

College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita Community College District

announces an employment opportunity for

Chief Development Officer, Foundation

A Classified Administrator (Management) Position

Review Date: Open Until Filled

This position is a high priority for our District for the 2022-2023 year and is contingent upon continued available district, grant and state funding.

Widely regarded as one of the leading community colleges in California, College of the Canyons seeks a dynamic, energetic, and innovative leader to serve as the Chief Development Officer of the  Foundation. To ensure candidates have ample time to apply for this critical position, we have elected to make the application deadline open-ended. Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications as soon as they are received and eligible candidates will be scheduled for interviews promptly, so if you are considering this unique opportunity, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.  

 

The diversity of applicants will be assessed. Upon review, if the pool does not include sufficient diversity, the application window may be extended.        

   

The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time Chief Development Officer in the Foundation office.   

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.

The College and the District

College of the Canyons is part of the Santa Clarita Community College District and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), enrolling approximately 32,000 students each academic year. College of the Canyons has a diverse student population that reflects our focus on enhancing the educational attainment and economic well-being of the community we proudly serve. Detailed information about our student population, including data related to student success, can be found on the College of Canyons Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (IRPIE) website. Additionally, College of the Canyons, was recently honored as a 2021 Bellwether College Consortium award winner, was honored in 2018, 2019, and 2021 with the Champion of Higher Education award, was ranked #1 in Los Angeles County during 2019 as the best two-year college for adult learners, and is rated #1 in Los Angeles County for completion rates by college-prepared students. It is distinguished as one of the top transfer institutions in Los Angeles County.

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. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders.

SCOPE OF THE POSITION:

Reporting to the Chancellor, 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 administers an annual budget for all assigned activities.

"BIG PICTURE" RESPONSIBILITY:

Reporting to the Chancellor, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will develop and implement a comprehensive development program designed to meet fundraising goals and revenue growth of the Santa Clarita Community College District. This position is responsible for facilitating the identification, cultivation and solicitation of private financial support from individuals, corporations and foundations to enable the College to accomplish its goals and meet its mission. The CDO will be responsible for developing and implementing customized solicitation strategies based on the strategic objectives of the Foundation and interests of the donor. The CDO will develop, lead and implement methods and strategies to provide for individual giving, corporate giving, planned giving, estate gifts, annuities and trust funds and all other methods of support for the College. This position will primarily provide the leadership for all major gift fundraising and for the direct solicitation and stewardship efforts for the College.

Canyons Hall

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  1. Responsible for, with the assistance of the Foundation Board to develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for generating revenue, including fundraising, to benefit the College of the Canyons. Develops and directs a comprehensive development program for the College, including the cultivation and stewardship of corporate, foundation, and individual donors, as well as the development and implementation of a variety of fundraising strategies which include major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation solicitations and annual fundraising efforts.
  2. Supports the Chancellor in engaging a portfolio of prospects and donors, including planned gift prospects; design and execute identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies for each prospect and determine the best strategy for cultivation and solicitation, i.e. leadership, staff or volunteer involvement.
  3. Increases the number and dollar amount of major gifts to the Foundation based on a baseline target.
  4. Facilitates the development of the Foundation’s strategic plan with the Foundation Board to ensure the Foundation can successfully fulfill its Mission year after year.
  5. Provides leadership, coordinates strategies and works collaboratively with members of the campus community to engage administrators and faculty in prioritizing their fundraising needs and while engaging in creative fund development strategies.
  6. Works with the Chief Operational Officer to prepare Foundation Board and committee agendas, minutes, policies and reports in consultation with the Chancellor, Foundation Board Chair and Executive Committee.
  7. Communicates effectively with the Board and provides, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
  8. Represents the College and Foundation at various civic and business-related organizations for the purpose of building support for the college.
  9. Oversees relationships with alumni through various means, such as correspondence and periodic newsletters, to build and enhance campus support.
  10. Working with the Chief Operational Officer, oversees the fiscal integrity of the Foundation, to include submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and bi-monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
  11. Accountable for the fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.
  12. Supports the Foundation Board and assists with the recruitment and retention of Board members including cultivation of prominent members of the community and alumni to join the Board.
  13. Oversees the development of strategic and annual operating plans for the College Foundation and its fundraising programs and activities.
  14. Works closely with the Foundation Board Chair to coordinate the work of the Board and its committees.
  15. Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Requirements 1 and 2 must be met in order to qualify for the position:

Education (Requirement #1):

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.

Experience (Requirement #2):

Eight (8) years in a progressively responsible role in resource development; revenue generation; fundraising; marketing, and/or public and community relations; or the equivalent.

 

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

  • Methods, techniques, and procedures used to plan, develop, market, and deliver major fundraising and resource development program in higher education.
  • Financial investment management techniques and regulations.
  • Leadership techniques.
  • Strategic planning, resources allocation, staffing, and supervision.
  • Analysis and various complex methods for the presentation of data and ideas.
  • Operation of a computer and related software including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and email.
  • Financial record keeping practices and procedures.
  • Methods to gather and present general, statistical, and technical data.
  • Budget development, and expenditure tracking.

Ability to:

  • Strengthen and implement the goals of a major comprehensive community college foundation program, including overseeing revenue generating campaigns and outreach to the business and philanthropic communities.
  • Provide leadership and prioritize projects.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Develop a positive relationship with the media.
  • Prepare and make effective presentations to Foundation, College and corporate boards, administrators, and business community groups.
  • Develop effective partnerships between the College Foundation and community and industry leaders.
  • Develop relationships of trust with internal and external constituents.
  • Demonstrate a sensitivity to 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.

SALARY PLACEMENT:

This 12-month Classified Administrator position will be placed on Range 16 of the Administrator Salary Schedule ($11,026.00 – $11,359.00 per month).

Step placement is based on experience. Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3 ($11,026.00, $11,192.00, $11, 359.00 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. 

RETIREMENT: Classified employees contribute to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan through the State of California.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Frequently sedentary position requiring use of a computer and related equipment for extended periods of time; frequently exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force to move objects; communicating and providing information to others; work indoors and outside on all parts of District locations and in varying weather conditions. Travel from site-to-site. In the event of an emergency, employees will be relied upon to serve as emergency service workers.

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.
  • This is an in-office position that requires the ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including evening and weekend hours. 
  • Position is contingent upon funding and is subject to change.

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.

Students

ABOUT THE DISTRICT:

Innovative. Collaborative. Entrepreneurial. These characteristics not only define College of the Canyons, they are embodied by the faculty, staff and administrators who make this college unique among the 116 California Community Colleges.

Established in 1969, College of the Canyons is among the fastest-growing colleges in California and the nation. It is widely recognized as a model community college for enhancing student access, success and equity. Its completion rates rank among the highest in the state. The college has established a well-deserved reputation for bolstering economic development and offering innovative career technical education responsive to industry needs.

Guided by visionary leadership, the college serves a 367-square-mile area of northern Los Angeles County that includes the dynamic, growing Santa Clarita Valley. A steady influx of new residents and businesses creates a spirit of possibilities that inspires the college to be flexible, creative and attuned to the community’s evolving needs. The growing diversity of the community is mirrored by the college, which qualifies as a Latino-serving institution.

The college’s influence in the community is best illustrated by the dozens of collaborative partnerships it has forged with local school districts, government entities and service organizations. Examples include the Performing Arts Center’s K-12 Arts Education Outreach initiative, which allows thousands of children to experience the arts each year, and Academy of the Canyons, an early/middle college high school at the Valencia campus that is ranked among the top 10 percent of high schools in the nation.

With campuses in Valencia and Canyon Country, the college offers 96 associate degree programs, including 31 associate degree for transfer (AD-T) options, as well as 148 certificate programs. Classes are offered during traditional fall and spring semesters, as well as shorter, intensive summer and winter sessions. Additional educational opportunities exist at the University Center, whose four-year colleges and universities offer approximately 30 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well certificate and credential programs.

Because of the college’s commitment to meeting the needs of the community, local voters have approved two bond measures valued at more than $470 million since 2001. The college also secures substantial funds from the state and millions of dollars in grants each year that allow new, cutting-edge programs to be developed and facilities built to accommodate them.

Given its commitment to growth and innovation, College of the Canyons sets a new standard for what a college can achieve. It is a vital cultural, educational and economic force in the region. Join us to discover unexpected possibilities, the freedom to innovate and an opportunity to shape the future.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION:

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, 2021 was over $5 Million, an increase of 571% over the last 21 years. Public Support and Revenues exceed $1.5 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 student’s access high-quality college education and provides financial assistance for academic programs and faculty development.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online at https://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 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:

  • An 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, the demonstrated knowledge, and the abilities section of this announcement.
  • Copies of complete and legible college transcripts clearly indicating all college units earned and any degree(s) 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 a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent job-related work experience which may be substituted on a year-for-year basis? (yes/no) If yes, submit all applicable transcripts (front/back).
    2. Do you possess five (5) or more years of nonprofit management experience including supervising staff and budget/accounting procedures? (yes/no)
    3. Describe your progressively responsible experience and demonstrated success in fundraising.
    4. Please describe your knowledge of and experience with external funding sources.
  • 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.
  • “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

https://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 the week of August 24, 2022 and final interviews the week of August 30, 2022. This is an estimated timeline, and is subject to change.

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

This is an in-office position that requires the ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including evening and weekend hours. 

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.

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