Athletics Development Lead — Major Gifts

Southern Methodist University Inc; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Methodist University Inc in Dallas, TX is seeking an Associate AD for Development to provide strategic leadership for Athletics major and principal gift fundraising.

The role leads the Athletics major giving team, partners with DEA and school units, and works with regional development officers to strengthen the donor pipeline.

Evening/weekend events and travel are required as part of donor engagement, with a focus on advancing priorities and building enduring support for SMU Athletics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required; Master's preferred.
• Seven years of major gift fundraising experience; donor cultivation and solicitation experience.
• Experience developing fundraising strategies and managing major gift portfolios.
• Collaboration across development teams and supervising staff is required.
• Higher education or collegiate athletics fundraising experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects with strategies for identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Lead and supervise the Athletics major giving team with clear goals and performance expectations.
• Coordinate Athletics fundraising strategies with regional development officers and DEA partners.
• Serve as primary Athletics Development liaison to the Athletics Development Board of Directors.
• Represent Athletics Development at events and alumni activities; maintain prospect activity in the CRM.
• Evening or weekend work and frequent travel to support fundraising goals.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

MS Office proficiency

BB/Paciolan familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Blackbaud

Paciolan

Job description

Southern Methodist University Inc in Dallas, TX is seeking an Associate AD for Development to provide strategic leadership for Athletics major and principal gift fundraising.

The role leads the Athletics major giving team, partners with DEA and school units, and works with regional development officers to strengthen the donor pipeline.

Evening/weekend events and travel are required as part of donor engagement, with a focus on advancing priorities and building enduring support for SMU Athletics.