Associate Director of Development - Athletics

About Us

Portland State University (PSU) Foundation fuels the mission and priorities of Oregon’s most diverse, innovative, and affordable research university by raising and stewarding philanthropic gifts that transform lives and communities.

Recognized as one of Oregon’s best non-profits to work for five years in a row, we are a community of purpose-driven professionals who lead with heart, act with trust, and keep our mission forward in everything we do. Guided by creativity and collaboration, we foster a strong sense of belonging—empowering every team member to show up authentically and think boldly.

At PSU, more than half of incoming first-year students identify as BIPOC, nearly a quarter are parents, and half are the first in their families to attend college. When PSU graduates thrive, families transform, communities prosper, and innovation expands. The PSU Foundation plays a vital role in advancing this impact by inspiring donors, engaging alumni and community partners, and stewarding resources to Portland State University with integrity and purpose.

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.

This position regularly works with the PSU Athletics Director, coaches and staff, and Foundation colleagues to align fundraising strategy with Athletics priorities.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…