Assistant/Associate AD – Development & Philanthropic Giving

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 67,500 - 82,500; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a passionate fundraising professional to lead philanthropic efforts at Wichita State Athletics. This key role involves developing strategies for annual support while enhancing donor relationships.

The ideal candidate will have extensive fundraising experience, a Bachelor's degree, and a collaborative working style. Responsibilities include overseeing campaigns, fostering community ties, and producing analytical reports. Join us in transforming the future of Shocker Athletics!

Qualifications

• 8+ years of fundraising experience in relevant institutions.
• 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong ethics and integrity related to intercollegiate athletics.

Responsibilities

• Oversees fundraising campaigns and events.
• Cultivates donor and community relationships.
• Develops donor prospects and existing commitments.
• Advises on fundraising strategies.
• Produces reports and analyses for the University.

Skills

Fundraising expertise

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Creative thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field

Job description

Department and Location

Department: Wichita State Intercollegiate Athletics.

Campus Location: Wichita, KS – WSU Main Campus.

Hire Type: Full Time.

Pay: Range beginning at $75,000/yr, negotiated based on qualifications.

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work is performed on‑site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Wichita State Athletics is seeking a passionate, relationship‑driven fundraising professional to serve in this role. This key leadership position within the department's revenue‑generation team will be responsible for securing transformative philanthropic support that advances the mission, vision, and competitive success of Shocker Athletics.

This individual will serve as the department's primary leader for unrestricted philanthropic giving efforts, developing and executing strategies that grow annual philanthropic support while cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, fans, corporate partners, and community stakeholders. They will also play a critical role in identifying, engaging, and stewarding supporters while helping connect philanthropic investment opportunities to the broader priorities of Wichita State Athletics.

Working collaboratively across the Revenue Generation team, you will leverage a comprehensive understanding of collegiate athletics revenue‑generation, including philanthropy, ticketing, premium experiences, donor engagement, and emerging industry opportunities—to create pathways for increased unrestricted support and long‑term donor investment.

The ideal candidate will be a self‑starter with a proven ability to build authentic relationships, identify new opportunities, and drive results in a dynamic and evolving collegiate athletics environment. They will possess a passion for Wichita State Athletics, a commitment to exceptional donor service, and a desire to help create transformative impact through philanthropy.

Job Summary

Assists coaches, donors, and athletic leadership with strategic development of fundraising and University partnerships.

Essential Functions

• Oversees the development and execution of fundraising campaigns and events that engage and enhance the donor experience.
• Assists with the establishment of donor, community, and campus relationships that promote and enhance the strategic objectives of the University. Represents the department and University throughout the community and among organizational donors.
• Develops and builds donor prospects and existing commitments according to fundraising team goals and objectives.
• Develops, counsels and advises program leaders and/or teams on ineffective fundraising strategies for unique prospective donors, sustainers, major gifts and philanthropy.
• Produces reports, proposals, and analyses for the University and for federal, state, educational, and other funding and regulatory agencies.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, athletics or related field.
• Eight (8) years of experience in fundraising at a non‑profit organization, educational institution, intercollegiate athletics entity, or related field, with two (2) years of experience in a leadership role. Every 15 hours of graduate college coursework beyond a bachelor's degree can be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Required License/Certifications/Training

None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Maintain high standard of ethics and integrity related to intercollegiate athletics.
• Exhibit strong creative, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive attitude towards work and assignments.
• Collaborative approach to relationships & teamwork.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements: Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to move, transport, and/or deliver items, supplies, or equipment.