Associate Athletics Director for Donor Engagement and Operations (Administrator I)

Job no: 559246
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: San Diego
Categories: MPP, Athletics, At-Will, Fundraising & Alumni Relations, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Position Summary

The Associate Athletics Director for Donor Engagement & Operations is a senior leader within SDSU's Division I Athletics Department working in close partnership with University Relations and Development (URAD) to create exceptional donor experiences and drive operational excellence. This role leads strategic engagement efforts, oversees donor operations, and plays a key role in advancing a comprehensive athletics campaign that supports student-athlete success, facilities, and long-term program growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Donor Engagement & Stewardship
  • Develop and implement strategies to strengthen donor relationships, satisfaction, and philanthropic impact.
  • Lead high-profile donor events and premium engagement experiences.
  • Serve as a primary liaison for high-level donors and partner with development officers to align engagement with major gift strategies.
• Operational Leadership
  • Oversee donor engagement operations, including staff management, budget management, and resource allocation.
  • Manage donor benefits, premium seating, hospitality programs, and related policies.
  • Partner with Gift Administration to ensure accurate gift processing, documentation, and effective use of engagement technology platforms.
• Collaboration & Campaign Support
  • Partner across Athletics, University Development, Alumni, and external vendors to deliver integrated donor experiences.
  • Support campaign initiatives through strategic engagement and event activation.
• Marketing & Team Leadership
  • Direct donor-facing communications and ensure consistent branding and messaging across all donor engagement channels.
  • Foster a high-performing, service-oriented team culture.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. (Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional travel.)
• The individual hired into this role will work at the Experience Center centrally located in the Mission Valley area of San Diego.

Department Summary

Units of URAD work together to create enduring relationships with alumni, parents, donors, students and the community to generate private support for SDSU students, faculty and a diverse number of programs. URAD handles a range of services encompassing stewardship, events, gift administration, communications and more. The departments of Development, SDSU Alumni, Planned and Annual Giving, Special Events and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Financial Management, Data Management, Prospect Research and Management and Operations are making a tangible difference in the lives of more than 40,000 students.

SDSU has been recognized several times for its exceptional development program by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). With the support of loyal donors and in collaboration with SDSU's visionary faculty and staff, the university cultivates lifelong relationships with more than 500,000 alumni, friends, and community members-advancing SDSU's mission for generations to come.

The Department of Athletics, utilizing the services of over 150 employees, is responsible for the intercollegiate athletics program at San Diego State University. Currently, there are 18 sport programs, approximately 425 student-athletes, and 17 offices in the department. The offices include the following: The Aztec Club, Administration, Athletic Medicine, Business Office, Compliance, Corporate Sales, Development, Equipment, Event Management/Facilities and Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Media Relations, Strength and Conditioning, Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, Ticket Office, and Video.

For more information regarding the Athletics department, click here.

Education and Experience

A bachelor's degree is required. Candidates should bring a minimum of five years of progressive experience in donor relations, athletics administration, or a closely related field, with demonstrated success in cultivating relationships and supporting organizational goals.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA, conference, and University rules, with a proven commitment to compliance, institutional control, ethical conduct, and timely reporting of violations.
• Record of exercising sound judgment, discretion, and integrity in a highly regulated collegiate athletics environment.
• Proven experience engaging donors with credibility, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated operational mastery with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Demonstrated success working collaboratively and adapting to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing collegiate athletics and student-athlete success.
• Experience in event planning, project management, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Success in fostering a high-performing, service-oriented team culture.
• An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in translating organizational vision into actionable plans and measurable results is preferred.
• Experience with Ellucian and TicketMaster or similar CRMs is preferred.

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid California Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that's just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $100,000 to $110,000 annually.