Associate Athletic Director for Development

Eastern Illinois University; Charleston (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Illinois University is seeking an Associate Athletic Director for Development to lead external fundraising and develop strategic partnerships that expand philanthropic giving and revenue for Panther Athletics.

Reporting to the Director of Athletics, the role focuses on major gifts, annual giving, capital initiatives, and innovative revenue opportunities while cultivating relationships with alumni, donors and community partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, development, corporate relations, sponsorship sales, business development, or related field.
• Demonstrated success in securing philanthropic gifts, sponsorships, or other revenue-generating partnerships.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising and revenue strategy for EIU Athletics.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and community leaders.
• Identify and manage corporate sponsorships, premium seating, events, and other initiatives to generate revenue.
• Collaborate with athletics leadership and campus partners to align fundraising priorities and donor engagement.
• Direct donor stewardship, events, and performance metrics with adherence to NCAA and university policies.

Skills

Communication

Fundraising

Relationship building

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Donor analytics

Job description

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13664252

Intercollegiate Athletics

Associate Athletic Director for Development

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) invites applications for the position of Associate Athletic Director for Development. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven leader to help shape the future of Panther Athletics through philanthropic support, corporate partnerships, and innovative revenue-generating initiatives. Reporting directly to the Director of Athletics, the Associate Athletic Director for Development serves as the department's chief external fundraising officer and is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to expand philanthropic giving, strengthen corporate partnerships, increase premium revenue opportunities, and cultivate long-term financial support for EIU Athletics. The successful candidate will build meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, businesses, and community leaders while identifying creative opportunities to diversify and grow athletic department revenues. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, relationship-driven leader with a demonstrated record of revenue generation success and a commitment to advancing the mission of Eastern Illinois University and Panther Athletics through philanthropy, strategic partnerships, and innovative revenue generation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising and revenue generation strategy that supports the strategic priorities of EIU Athletics, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital initiatives, and other philanthropic efforts.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to expand private support and external revenue opportunities.
• Identify, develop, and manage corporate sponsorships, premium seating, special events, hospitality, licensing, and other initiatives that generate sustainable revenue and enhance the visibility of Panther Athletics.
• Collaborate with the Director of Athletics, University Advancement, the EIU Foundation, coaches, and campus partners to establish fundraising priorities, coordinate donor engagement, and pursue innovative revenue opportunities, including NCAA-compliant NIL-related initiatives.
• Direct donor stewardship, fundraising events, prospect management, reporting, and performance metrics while ensuring compliance with NCAA, conference, university, foundation, and applicable state regulations.
• Represent EIU Athletics in cultivating strategic relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and community organizations while promoting the mission and goals of Panther Athletics.

Minimal Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, development, corporate relations, sponsorship sales, business development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in securing philanthropic gifts, sponsorships, or other revenue-generating partnerships.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required; valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in NCAA Division I fundraising, corporate sales, or university advancement.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, or capital campaign support.
• Experience working with university foundations, donor CRM systems, and fundraising analytics.
• Knowledge of NCAA regulations and experience developing innovative external revenue initiatives.

Salary and Benefits