Associate Athletic Director, Development (Administrator I)

SDSU Alumni; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Sick days

Health insurance

CalPERS pension

Educational benefits

ScholarShare 529

Job summary

San Diego State University invites applications for Associate Athletic Director, Development – San Diego State University. This role leads major gift fundraising, planned giving, and donor engagement to advance SDSU Athletics and the Aztec Club.

You will manage 150+ major gift prospects, develop donor strategies with Athletics leadership, and collaborate with University Relations & Development leadership to meet priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum five years in major gift fundraising or related experience.
• Demonstrated success closing commitments of $50,000 or more.

Responsibilities

• Manage 150+ major gift prospects through the full donor lifecycle.
• Secure major and planned gifts supporting Athletics priorities.
• Develop donor strategies with Athletics leadership and development teams.
• Represent SDSU Athletics in donor meetings, events, and community engagements.
• Establish short- and long-term fundraising goals for Athletics Development.
• Oversee the Coryell Legacy Society and endowed scholarship initiatives.
• Coordinate signature donor engagement events such as the Coryell Legacy Society Dinner.
• Build relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, and university stakeholders.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Donor engagement

Portfolio management

Planned giving

Donor relations

Relationship building

NCAA knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Position Summary

Associate Athletic Director, Development – San Diego State University The role leads major gift fundraising, planned giving, and donor engagement to advance SDSU Athletics and the Aztec Club. Responsibilities include portfolio management of 150+ major gift prospects, strategic donor cultivation, and collaboration with Athletics and University Relations & Development leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Major Gift Fundraising & Donor Engagement
  • Manage 150+ major gift prospects through the full donor lifecycle.
  • Secure major and planned gifts supporting SDSU Athletics priorities.
  • Develop donor strategies with Athletics leadership and development teams.
  • Represent SDSU Athletics in donor meetings, events, and community engagements.
• Athletics Development Leadership
  • Establish short‑ and long‑term fundraising goals for Athletics Development.
  • Provide strategic direction for donor cultivation and stewardship.
  • Oversee the Assistant Director, Development and support departmental growth.
  • Collaborate with leadership to strengthen fundraising programs and advance priorities.
• Planned Giving & Endowment Support
  • Oversee athletics endowed scholarship and planned giving initiatives, including the Coryell Legacy Society program.
  • Coordinate signature donor engagement events, such as the annual Coryell Legacy Society Dinner.
  • Support long‑term philanthropic investment strategies for SDSU Athletics.
• Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement
  • Build relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, community leaders, and university stakeholders.
  • Act as ambassador for SDSU Athletics and advocate for student‑athletes.
  • Collaborate across the university to advance fundraising priorities and campus partnerships.
  • Support special projects and initiatives contributing to Athletics Development and the broader university mission.

Why Join Us?

• Create lasting impact on student‑athletes through philanthropic support.
• Lead fundraising for a nationally recognized athletics program.
• Build meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners.
• Collaborate with a leadership team focused on growth and impact via philanthropy.

Position Information

• Full‑time, at‑will role; student‑athlete-focused organizational culture.
• Exempt under FLSA; no overtime compensation.
• Standard work hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (may vary with operational needs).
• Work location: Experience Center, Mission Valley, San Diego.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of major‑gift fundraising or related experience with high‑value, relationship‑based portfolios.
• Demonstrated success closing relationship‑based commitments of $50,000 or more.

Key Qualifications

• Proven donor‑centered fundraising expertise.
• Experience in prospect management, annual giving, donor relations, communications, gift administration, and acceptance.
• Strong research, analysis, and interpretation of biographical and corporate foundation information.
• Exceptional relationship‑building with donors, volunteers, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Adaptability to a dynamic, evolving, goal‑oriented environment.
• Knowledge of NCAA, conference, and university regulations pertaining to intercollegiate athletics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience fundraising within a large, complex university or intercollegiate athletics setting.
• Proven ability to manage a large major‑gift portfolio and upgrade donor support.
• Experience with campaign platforms such as Salesforce, Paciolan, Ticketmaster, or Ellucian.

Licenses/Certifications

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

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $105,000 – $115,000 annually.
• Generous leave: 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement: CalPERS defined‑benefit pension with UC plan reciprocity and retiree healthcare.
• Health coverage: health, dental, and vision plans at reduced or no cost.
• Educational benefits: California State University fee‑reduction program for self or eligible dependent.
• Optional voluntary benefits: Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, ScholarShare 529 Plan.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence Statement

• San Diego State University provides equal employment opportunity to all under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation are prohibited in all university programs and practices.
• All applicants and employees are treated fairly regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.

Supplemental Information

• Application deadline: July 9, 2026.
• Position remains open until filled.
• Applicants must provide authorization to work in the United States and may be subject to background checks.
• Reasonable accommodations available for qualified disabled applicants.