Chief Development Officer
About The Position
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as the senior executive responsible for all philanthropic and membership-based fundraising efforts in support of South Carolina Athletics. As a key member of the Gamecock Club's leadership team, the CDO provides strategic vision and executive oversight for major gifts, capital campaigns, stewardship, and donor engagement. Reporting directly to the Gamecock Club CEO and working in close partnership with university advancement and athletics leadership, the CDO plays a critical role in advancing the mission, values, and competitive aspirations of Gamecock Athletics.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Extensive leadership experience in athletic development, advancement, or a related field
- Visionary leader with a strong strategic mindset
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
- Proven expertise in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
- Results-oriented with a high degree of initiative and integrity
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree preferred
- Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and leading multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns, ideally in a collegiate athletics or nonprofit environment
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term fundraising strategy for South Carolina Athletics, encompassing major gifts, annual philanthropic giving, and campaigns.
- Identify new revenue opportunities and enhance donor pipelines through data-driven decision-making.
- Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of development officers, donor relations professionals, and administrative support staff.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration aligned with department goals.
- Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, with a focus on securing gifts of $25,000 and above.
- Achieve set annual fundraising goals for both individual and team.
- Lead planning and implementation of major capital campaigns and high-impact fundraising initiatives in alignment with institutional priorities.
- Oversee the design and execution of a comprehensive donor stewardship and recognition strategy.
- Ensure a consistent and meaningful donor experience that strengthens loyalty and long-term investment in Gamecock Athletics.
- Serve as the primary liaison to University Advancement, Athletics leadership, and key external stakeholders to ensure integration and alignment of all development activities.
- Ensure all fundraising practices are in full compliance with NCAA, SEC, and University policies and regulations.
- Uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and transparency.
- Directly oversees a team of development professionals, including major gift officers, stewardship staff, interns, and student workers.
- Responsible for hiring, training, evaluation, and professional development of all direct reports.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
