Deputy Athletic Director​/Chief Development Officer Athletics

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Deputy Athletic Director serves as the Chief Development Officer for SMU Athletics, providing strategic leadership for all philanthropic efforts supporting Mustang Athletics. As the senior fundraising leader for Athletics, this individual will develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy designed to increase philanthropic support, deepen donor engagement, and advance the priorities of the Director of Athletics and the University.

The Deputy Athletic Director will serve as a member of the Director of Athletics’ Leadership Team and as a key partner to the SVP for Development and External Affairs (DEA), and University development leadership. The position will ensure that Athletics fundraising is fully integrated with SMU’s broader development strategy, campaign priorities, prospect management practices, and donor engagement efforts.

The Deputy Athletic Director will personally manage a portfolio of principal and major gift prospects and donors and will play a central role in developing and closing SMU Athletics’ most significant philanthropic commitments. The position will also lead the Athletics development team and oversee major and leadership annual giving, premium seating, the Mustang Club, the Boulevard Society, donor stewardship, development operations, events, and fundraising for capital projects.

The successful candidate will be an experienced fundraiser, strategist, and team leader who can operate effectively in the fast-paced environment of Division I athletics while building sophisticated, long-term philanthropic relationships on behalf of SMU.

Serve as the chief fundraising strategist for SMU Athletics, developing and implementing a comprehensive philanthropic strategy aligned with the priorities of the Director of Athletics and SMU.

Advise the Director of Athletics, Chief Strategy Officer, coaches, Athletics leadership, and University development leadership on fundraising strategy, donor engagement, campaign priorities, and philanthropic opportunities.

Serve as a member of the Director of Athletics’ Leadership Team and contribute to broader strategic planning and decision-making for Athletics.

Establish annual and multi-year fundraising goals, strategies, metrics, and accountability measures for the Athletics development program.

Partner closely with the SVP for Development and External Affairs and University development leadership to ensure…