Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About the Department:

Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body.

DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Senior Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development.

About the Position:

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

The Associate AD for Development provides strategic leadership for SMU Athletics major and principal gift fundraising.

The position leads the Athletics major giving team, develops and executes fundraising strategies, and coordinates closely with regional development officers, school and unit development teams, Parent Giving, and other DEA partners to maximize philanthropic support for Athletics priorities.

The Associate AD for Development manages a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and serves as the primary Athletics Development liaison to the Athletics Development Board of Directors. The position works closely with Athletics and DEA leadership to strengthen the donor pipeline and advance Athletics fundraising priorities.

Essential Functions:

• Major and Principal Gift Fundraising: Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, developing and executing individualized strategies for identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Establish and achieve annual goals for donor engagement, solicitations and philanthropic revenue. Partner with Athletics and DEA leadership to identify funding opportunities and secure significant philanthropic support for Athletics priorities.
• Major Giving Strategy and Team Leadership: Lead and supervise the Athletics major giving team, establishing fundraising priorities, goals and performance expectations. Develop coordinated strategies for major and principal gift prospects and provide direction, coaching and accountability to frontline fundraisers. Monitor fundraising activity and results and identify opportunities to strengthen the Athletics major gift pipeline.
• University-Wide Fundraising Collaboration: Coordinate Athletics fundraising strategies with regional development officers, school and unit development teams, Parent Giving, and other DEA partners. Facilitate collaborative prospect strategies, clarify fundraising priorities and strengthen coordination of donor engagement across SMU.
• Athletics Development Board of Directors: Serve as the primary Athletics Development liaison to the Athletics Development Board of Directors. Partner with Athletics leadership to engage board members in advancing fundraising priorities, donor cultivation, prospect identification and philanthropic advocacy. Develop strategies to maximize board engagement and effectiveness in support of Athletics Development goals.
• Athletics and Donor Engagement: Represent Athletics Development at athletic events, donor and alumni programs, and other University activities. Maintain accurate and timely prospect strategies, contact reports and related information in the University's prospect management system. Perform other duties as assigned.
• Position requires evening or weekend work to attend athletics sporting events and other alumni events
• Position requires frequent travel in alignment with fundraising goals and in support of athletic teams

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree is required. Master's preferred.

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in major gift fundraising, development or a related field, including demonstrated success cultivating and soliciting significant philanthropic gifts.

Experience developing fundraising strategies, managing major gift portfolios, collaborating across development teams and supervising professional staff is also required.

Higher education or collegiate athletics fundraising experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must have strong quantitative analytical and creative evaluation skills with the ability to synthesize data and insights to guide decision-making and advance the goals of the Athletics Development unit.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.

Candidate must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook). Familiarity with constituent databases, especially Blackbaud and/or Paciolan is a plus.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, squat, stand, climb, kneel
• Walk for distances
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Push/pull
• Carry/lift 25-50 lbs.
• Drives motorized equipment

Deadline to Apply:

The position is open until filled.

Priority consideration may be given submissions received by September 18, 2026.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities , including tuition benefits .