Associate Athletic Director, Development (Administrator I)

San Diego State University•San Diego, CA

49d•$105,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

San Diego State University is seeking a strategic fundraising leader and relationship builder to serve as Associate Athletic Director, Development. This role will advance the mission of SDSU Athletics and the Aztec Club by securing philanthropic support, strengthening donor relationships, and leading major gift initiatives. The position plays a key role in driving fundraising strategy and revenue growth for the department, working closely with Athletics and University Relations and Development leadership to enhance the student-athlete experience and support the long-term success of Aztec Athletics.

Requirements

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.
Demonstrated success as a development professional in a donor-centered fundraising environment.
Experience across multiple areas of advancement, including prospect management, annual giving, donor relations, communications, gift administration, and gift acceptance.
Ability to research, analyze, and interpret biographical, corporate, foundation, and philanthropic information to support fundraising strategies.
Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with donors, volunteers, campus partners, and external stakeholders while representing the university professionally.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, evolving, and goal-oriented organizational environment.
University employees that have direct job responsibilities involving intercollegiate athletics are expected to have knowledge and understanding of NCAA, conference and University rules, policies and procedures governing intercollegiate athletics. Additionally, he or she is required to notify the appropriate personnel of any knowledge of or should have known of any violation or suspected violation of NCAA, conference, or University regulations.
Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Must sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Must satisfactorily complete a background check (including a criminal records check).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field.
Experience fundraising within a large, complex university or intercollegiate athletics environment.
Experience managing a large portfolio of major gift prospects and successfully upgrading donors to higher levels of philanthropic support.
Experience with comprehensive or capital campaigns and fundraising technology platforms such as Salesforce, Paciolan, Ticketmaster, or Ellucian.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 150+ major gift prospects and oversee the full donor lifecycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Secure major and planned gifts in support of SDSU Athletics priorities and initiatives.
Develop and implement donor strategies in collaboration with Athletics leadership, development professionals, coaches, and volunteers.
Represent SDSU Athletics and the university in donor meetings, events, and community engagements.
Help establish and execute short- and long-term fundraising goals for Athletics Development.
Provide strategic direction for donor cultivation and stewardship efforts in partnership with Athletics Development and URAD teams.
Oversee the Assistant Director, Development role, and support the continued growth and effectiveness of Athletics Development operations.
Collaborate with leadership to strengthen fundraising programs and advance departmental priorities.
Oversee athletics endowed scholarship and planned giving initiatives, including the Coryell Legacy Society program.
Coordinate and execute signature donor engagement events, including the annual Coryell Legacy Society Dinner.
Support strategies that encourage long-term philanthropic investment in SDSU Athletics.
Build and maintain relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, community leaders, and university stakeholders.
Serve as an ambassador for SDSU Athletics and advocate for the needs of student-athletes.
Collaborate across the university to advance fundraising priorities, donor engagement, and campus partnerships.
Support special projects and initiatives that contribute to the success of Athletics Development and the broader university mission.

Benefits

15 paid holidays
24 vacation days
12 sick days per year
CalPERS defined benefit pension plan
Reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan
Retiree healthcare benefits
Variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost
California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent
Auto & Home Insurance
Life and Disability Insurances
Legal Plan
Pet Insurance
ScholarShare 529 Plan