Director of Development for Athletics (Administrator II)

Job no: 560173
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Sonoma
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time

Director of Development for Athletics

It is an exciting time to join Sonoma State University as we launch the Director of Development for Athletics search! Sonoma State University is seeking a highly motivated, relationship-driven individual who will serve as a vital component of the educational experience at Sonoma State, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement alongside athletic success. In fall 2027, Sonoma State Athletics will have 10 NCAA Division II teams competing in the California Collegiate Athletic Association conference as part of the broader reimagining of the university and its programs. Seawolf Athletics represents an exciting investment in student life, campus pride, and the future of Sonoma State. This position will have the unique opportunity during this monumental time to manage and cultivate a portfolio of major gift prospects and fundraising efforts to support the Intercollegiate Athletics Program and future programming efforts. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude, an active, energetic mind, and a leadership style that is characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

The Role

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development, working in concert with the Interim Director of Athletics, and the President, the Director of Development for Athletics establishes fundraising strategies and directs and conducts fundraising activities to secure philanthropic support for the Intercollegiate Athletics Program in alignment with Sonoma State University priorities. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, identifying, qualifying, cultivating and soliciting potential donors for the Athletics Program; organizing and providing effective communication with donors and potential donors; stewarding alumni and other individual prospects, sponsors and major donors; coordinating gift processing; recruiting, training and motivating volunteers for the university; and, other fundraising projects.

Qualifications

This position requires a minimum of four years of experience in successful relationship building with prospects, volunteers, and board members, along with a demonstrated aptitude to be successful in face-to-face fundraising, including 4 years of progressively responsible and applicable management and/or supervisory experience. Bachelor's degree required. The incumbent must have a proven track record of successfully working with individual donors, soliciting and securing gifts and demonstrate experience in designing and implementing successful fundraising strategies. Experience in athletic fundraising within a university environment and a strong understanding of university culture and corporate partnerships highly preferred. Please review the position description for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications.

Application Deadline

This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit an application, resume and cover letter addressing the prompt below by 8am on Tuesday, August 11th.

Prompt: Please describe your experience designing and implementing a comprehensive development plan for an organization, agency, or project. In addition, please describe how your qualifications and experience would directly translate to this role and support the future of fundraising for Athletics.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the range of $8,334 - $8,667 a month. This position is a member of the Management Personnel Plan and serves at the pleasure of the President. This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year. Sonoma State University is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer (comprehensive benefits summary PDF).

Advertised: Jul 28 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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