Associate Director of Development - Athletics

Associate Director Of Development, Athletics

The Associate Director of Development, Athletics is responsible for managing a portfolio of annual, special and major gift donors and prospects, with responsibility for advancing philanthropic relationships that result in increased engagement and revenue in support of Portland State University Athletics. The Associate Director of Development will also work collaboratively to support planning and implementing solicitation strategies for Athletics priorities.

Building on disciplined fundraising experience, this role demonstrates consistent execution of donor strategy, consistent use of CRM systems, and sound fundraising judgment, with an increased expectation to expand the Athletics donor funnel and drive new donor acquisition. The Associate Director uses data to inform outreach strategies across digital and in person channels to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, while collaborating closely with Foundation colleagues and campus partners.

This role is responsible for collaboratively driving strategy of Athletics-specific annual giving clubs and initiatives.

This role regularly attends Athletics games and events and collaborates on strategic donor and alumni engagement tactics.

Position Overview

• Manages a High-Impact Portfolio:
  Leads a dynamic portfolio of special and major gift donors and prospects, ensuring strategic qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Maintains accountability for achieving individual fundraising goals while fostering trust and collaboration across teams.
• Drives Strategic,
  
  Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Contributes to complex, cross-organizational initiatives—including annual planning and goal-setting.
• Represents PSUF at Events:
  Attends, actively participates in and supports athletics and development-related events, serving as a positive ambassador for the university and fostering a sense of community and belonging among stakeholders.
• Occasional travel is required (15% or less) - most travel is regional in scope requiring travel by driving.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Measures of Success

• Meet or exceed frontline fundraising metrics, including, but not limited to, face-to-face visits, submitted/funded proposals, individual and unit fundraising.
• Effective management of portfolio of prospects through all phases of the donor cultivation cycle, with special emphasis on cultivating and soliciting gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Effective relationship management both internally with PSU partners/units and externally with donors/prospects.
• Manage Athletics annual giving clubs, programs and initiatives, and meet or exceed new donor and donor retention goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• 4+ years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including proven success in securing gifts of $25K+.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant area, or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
• Technical fluency in fundraising systems and tools.
• Proficiency with commonly used workplace technologies, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, CRM platforms, and other cloud-based collaboration and document management tools; demonstrated ability to leverage emerging technologies (including AI-enabled tools) to enhance productivity, accuracy, and overall work quality.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment, collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
• Commitment to fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture through active engagement with colleagues, open communication, and alignment with organizational values and culture initiatives.
• Demonstrate reliable, regular, and predictable work attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education or for a large complex non-profit organization.
• Familiarity with collegiate Athletics departments and programs.
• Demonstrated success fundraising in higher education for a large public institution with complex matrix-ed environment.
• Working knowledge of Asana or similar project management tools.
• Working knowledge of Portland's donor community.

Compensation &…