Associate Athletic Director for Development and Strategic Partnerships

Whosonthemove; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 76,904 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Valuable benefits package

Job summary

Whosonthemove is seeking an Associate Athletic Director for Development and Strategic Partnerships at the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg. The role encompasses managing a comprehensive fundraising program through major gifts and corporate partnerships. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in fundraising and strong communication skills.

Preferred qualifications include experience in NCAA athletics and familiarity with donor database systems. This role also offers a competitive salary between $76,904 and $84,000.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a job-related field and 2+ years of job-related experience.
• Successful background check required.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate a comprehensive revenue generation program through fundraising.
• Engage with university colleagues to cultivate donors.
• Build connections with corporate partners and alumni.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Relationship building

Communication skills

Database operation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a job-related field

Graduate degree (preferred)

Tools

Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT

Job description

Associate Athletic Director for Development and Strategic Partnerships

University of South Carolina Upstate • Spartanburg, SC

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage a comprehensive revenue generation program through major gifts fundraising and corporate sponsorships for intercollegiate athletics.
• Engage internally with university colleagues to cultivate corporate, foundation, individual, and alumni donors.
• Partner with colleagues to identify, cultivate, and complete proposals and solicitations from prospective prospects, and provide follow‑up and stewardship on completed gifts.
• Create innovative partnership, sponsorship, and NIL fundraising opportunities aligned with institutional values and athletics priorities.
• Build and maintain strong connections with corporate partners, donors, alumni, community leaders, campus partners, and NIL‑related supporters.
• Represent the athletics department at university, community, alumni, donor, corporate, and NIL events, ensuring all commitments are fulfilled professionally and accurately.
• Meet process performance goals set by the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, including personal visits, prospect identification, qualification, and solicitation with focus on gift closures.
• Solicit prospective donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations in coordination with the VCUA and AD; document solicitations in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Collaborate with the advancement team across disciplines on donor strategies; develop annual plan of work with fundraising and stewardship strategies and prospect research.
• Prepare required reports and information as requested.
• Accept and implement other assignments as directed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a job‑related field and 2 or more years of job‑related experience (or equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience).
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Successful background check required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT donor database.
• Graduate degree.
• Experience in NCAA Division I, II, or III athletics, professional sports, collegiate athletics development, or a comparable revenue‑focused environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and methods for planning and conducting comprehensive corporate and foundation philanthropy fundraising programs.
• Track record of visiting and qualifying donors and prospects.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with faculty, alumni, donors, students, volunteers, businesses, and the general public.
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as required.
• Effective computer experience, including database operation and word‑processing.

Salary

$76,904 – $84,000; salary commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits

USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Carolina is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.