Athletics Development Director — Major Gifts

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

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave benefits

Retirement plan (CalPERS)

Health, dental, vision coverage

Educational opportunities

Volunteer benefits

Job summary

San Diego State University is seeking an Associate Athletic Director, Development to lead major gifts fundraising and donor engagement for SDSU Athletics. You will guide strategies with Athletics and URAD leadership, manage a large prospect portfolio, and oversee endowed and planned giving initiatives to support student‑athlete opportunities.

As a senior fundraising leader, you will advance campaigns, collaborate across campus, and represent SDSU Athletics at events and meetings, driving revenue

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Major Gift Fundraising & Donor Engagement: manage a portfolio of 150+ major gift prospects and oversee donor lifecycle.
• Athletics Development Leadership: set fundraising goals and direct donor cultivation and stewardship efforts.
• Planned Giving & Endowment Support: oversee endowed scholarships and signature donor events.
• Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement: build relationships with alumni, donors and university partners.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Donor relations

Relationship building

Strategic planning

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

Salesforce

Paciolan

Ticketmaster

Ellucian

Job description

San Diego State University is seeking an Associate Athletic Director, Development to lead major gifts fundraising and donor engagement for SDSU Athletics. You will guide strategies with Athletics and URAD leadership, manage a large prospect portfolio, and oversee endowed and planned giving initiatives to support student‑athlete opportunities.

As a senior fundraising leader, you will advance campaigns, collaborate across campus, and represent SDSU Athletics at events and meetings, driving revenue