Assistant Athletic Director, Development

Assistant Athletic Director, Development

Washington State University Athletics, Cougar Athletic Fund, is hiring two positions for an Assistant Athletic Director of Development at either the Director of Development 4 or Director of Development 5 level. Positions may be based in Pullman, WA, or Seattle, WA. Applications must be received before 11:59pm on June 21, 2026.

In the role of Director of Development 4 or 5, you will be responsible for supporting unit fundraising goals by planning and conducting outreach designed to promote constituent understanding of unit activities and research, cultivating donors, and raising money. Efforts may include annual giving, major gift development, and planned gift identification and advancement. Extensive travel within Washington State, the Pacific Northwest, and elsewhere is required.

Director of Development 4: secures 12‑16 major gifts or pledges, opens at least 20 solicitations, and meets a minimum annual fundraising goal of $1,000,000.

Director of Development 5: manages a portfolio of 75‑100 donors, secures 12‑16 major gifts or pledges, opens at least 20 solicitations, meets a minimum annual fundraising goal of $2,000,000, and closes one‑third of major gifts at $250,000 or higher.

Pullman:
Director of Development 4 – $6,012.09 – $8,750;
Director of Development 5 – $6,733.54 – $9,666.67
Seattle:
Director of Development 4 – $6,493.05 – $9,697.96;
Director of Development 5 – $7,272.22 – $10,848.94. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation; optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

• Bachelor's degree and required years of progressively responsible experience (five years for Director of Development 4 or six years for Director of Development
  5), including full‑time fundraising experience, proposal writing success, and evidence of planning and executing a fundraising project.
• Demonstrated success in face‑to‑face solicitations of gifts of $50,000 or more (or comparable comparable experience).
• Strong interpersonal skills in establishing and maintaining internal and external relationships.
• Ability to cultivate, develop, and steward client/donor relationships.
• Understanding of proposal development, fundraising, client development principles, and relevant event planning/management.
• Valid driver’s license and meeting departmental driving standards.
• Evening and weekend work required.

• Experience closing major gifts ($100,000+ for Director of Development 4, $250,000+ for Director of Development
  5).
• Experience planning and executing a fundraising project from conception to realization.
• Experience engaging faculty and translating research for donors (Director of Development
  4).
• Experience with alumni/donor database applications.
• Advanced degree (Director of Development
  5).

Position is full‑time (100 % FTE), permanent, with overtime eligibility based on final salary placement. The position term is 12 months. The position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non‑U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509‑335‑4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service:
Voice Callers: 1‑800‑833‑6384; TDD Callers: 1‑800‑833‑6388, 509‑335‑1259(f), or hrs. In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational…