Development Associate, Athletics

VISION: Transform the university through the power of generosity.

MISSION: Unite donor passions with university priorities to elevate the impact of Oklahoma State University.

DEPARTMENT

PURPOSE:

The Athletics team contributes to the mission by engaging donors and generating private philanthropic support for Oklahoma State University Athletics.

PRIMARY

PURPOSE:

The Development Associate, Athletics provides critical support to the major gift and annual giving programs within Oklahoma State Athletics and the OSU Foundation. This position is responsible for assisting in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors, while helping manage key engagement activities that strengthen philanthropic support for athletics initiatives.

The role plays an integral part in supporting both major gift officers and annual fund operations by coordinating prospect engagement efforts, supporting revenue‑generating strategies, and ensuring a high level of donor and member experience. Serving as a front‑facing representative of Oklahoma State Athletics, the Development Associate contributes to building strong, long‑term relationships that advance fundraising goals across annual, capital, and membership programs.

• Manage a portfolio of 75–100 major gift prospects with a focus on solicitations of $50,000 and above, primarily targeting mature prospects.
• Emphasis on portfolio development and program building, particularly during the first two years of employment.
• Conduct a minimum of 200 strategic, in‑person donor/prospect visits annually.
• Participate in at least 12 solicitation meetings per year.
• Achieve consistent annual fundraising production of $1M+ within 18 months of hire.
• Proactively identify and formally qualify new major and planned gift prospects by developing and executing short‑ and long‑term engagement strategies.

• Support the OSU Foundation and Assistant Athletics Director of the Annual Fund in expanding the Annual Fund with an emphasis on philanthropic and seat‑related giving
• Develop and implement strategies to increase Cowboy VIP membership, revenue, and participation
• Support overall annual fund and campaign revenue goals.
• Contribute to growth initiatives tied to both athletic seating and philanthropic support.

• Assist in project management and execution of Annual Fund initiatives focused on increasing non‑seat‑related philanthropic revenue.
• Develop, communicate, and implement strategies to grow unrestricted annual support.
• Support planning and execution of revenue‑generating initiatives tied to annual giving goals.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure alignment of messaging, outreach, and fundraising priorities.
• Support retention and sales strategies for premium seating across Oklahoma State Athletics ticketed sports.
• Assist with planning and execution of annual retention and renewal strategies.
• Support fulfillment of benefits associated with POSSE and Cowboy VIP memberships.
• Collaborate with the Oklahoma State Athletics Ticket Office to ensure a seamless customer experience.

• Serve as a front‑facing representative of Oklahoma State Athletics and the OSU Foundation, delivering high‑quality customer service to key stakeholders.
• Provide exemplary service to POSSE members, season ticket holders, and external partners.
• Strengthen donor and member engagement through responsive, professional communication.
• Represent the organization in a manner consistent with its mission and values.

Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing and communications, nonprofit management, humanities, or related fields required.

• Minimum of 0‑2 years in fundraising, development, or related experience preferred.
• Experience in a higher education setting preferred.
• Proven sense of humor and ability to have fun!
• Effective Communication: Proactively ensures effective communication throughout the organization; makes relevant…