Associate Athletic Director, Development (Administrator I)

Careers In Government; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15 paid holidays

24 vacation days

Comprehensive health coverage

Job summary

San Diego State University seeks an Associate Athletic Director for Development to lead strategic fundraising efforts. This role focuses on securing philanthropic support and enhancing donor relationships to boost athletics success.

The ideal candidate will manage a major gifts portfolio and support various development initiatives. The position offers a competitive salary range of $105,000 to $115,000 annually and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of major gifts fundraising experience managing high-value portfolios.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with donors and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in donor-centered fundraising environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 150+ major gift prospects.
• Secure major and planned gifts for SDSU Athletics.
• Develop donor strategies in collaboration with Athletics leadership.

Skills

Fundraising

Relationship Management

Strategic Planning

Communication Skills

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Master’s degree in related field (preferred)

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Associate Athletic Director, Development (Administrator I)

San Diego State University is looking for a strategic fundraising leader and relationship builder to serve as Associate Athletic Director, Development. This role will advance the mission of SDSU Athletics and the Aztec Club by securing philanthropic support, strengthening donor relationships, and leading major gift initiatives that enhance the student‑athlete experience and support the long‑term success of Aztec Athletics. The associate will work closely with Athletics and University Relations and Development leadership to drive fundraising strategy and revenue growth for the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Major Gift Fundraising & Donor Engagement
  • Manage a portfolio of 150+ major gift prospects and oversee the full donor lifecycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Secure major and planned gifts in support of SDSU Athletics priorities and initiatives.
  • Develop and implement donor strategies in collaboration with Athletics leadership and development professionals.
  • Represent SDSU Athletics in donor meetings, events, and community engagements.
• Athletics Development Leadership
  • Help establish and execute short‑ and long‑term fundraising goals for Athletics Development.
  • Provide strategic direction for donor cultivation and stewardship efforts in partnership with Athletics Development and URAD teams.
  • Oversee the Assistant Director, Development role and support the continued growth and effectiveness of Athletics Development operations.
  • Collaborate with leadership to strengthen fundraising programs and advance departmental priorities.
• Planned Giving & Endowment Support
  • Oversee athletics‑endowed scholarship and planned giving initiatives, including the Coryell Legacy Society program.
  • Coordinate and execute signature donor engagement events, including the annual Coryell Legacy Society Dinner.
  • Support strategies that encourage long‑term philanthropic investment in SDSU Athletics.
• Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement
  • Build and maintain relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, community leaders, and university stakeholders.
  • Serve as an ambassador for SDSU Athletics and advocate for the needs of student‑athletes.
  • Collaborate across the university to advance fundraising priorities, donor engagement, and campus partnerships.
  • Support special projects and initiatives that contribute to the success of Athletics Development and the broader university mission.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field or combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of major gifts fundraising or closely related experience managing high‑value, relationship‑based revenue portfolios.
• Demonstrated success closing relationship‑based commitments of $50,000+ (one‑time or cumulative over time), preferably in a philanthropic setting.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated success as a development professional in a donor‑centered fundraising environment.
• Experience across multiple areas of advancement, including prospect management, annual giving, donor relations, communications, gift administration, and gift acceptance.
• Ability to research, analyze, and interpret biographical, corporate, foundation, and philanthropic information to support fundraising strategies.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with donors, volunteers, campus partners, and external stakeholders while representing the university professionally.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, evolving, and goal‑oriented organizational environment.
• Knowledge of NCAA, conference, and University athletics rules and regulations is required for University employees with direct responsibilities involving intercollegiate athletics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience fundraising within a large, complex university or intercollegiate athletics environment.
• Experience managing a large portfolio of major gift prospects and successfully upgrading donors to higher levels of philanthropic support.
• Experience with comprehensive or capital campaigns and fundraising technology platforms such as Salesforce, Paciolan, Ticketmaster, or Ellucian.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $105,000 to $115,000 annually.
• Generous leave benefits: 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement security: CalPERS defined benefit pension plan and reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, with retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive health coverage: various low‑cost or no‑cost health, dental, and vision plans.
• Educational opportunities: California State University system fee reduction program for employees or qualified dependents.
• Voluntary benefits: optional auto & home insurance, life and disability insurance, legal plan, pet insurance, and ScholarShare 529 college savings plan.

San Diego State University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. All individuals are considered equally, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The university complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws related to equal employment opportunity.