Associate Athletic Director for Development

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) invites applications for the position of Associate Athletic Director for Development. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven leader to help shape the future of Panther Athletics through philanthropic support, corporate partnerships, and innovative revenue-generating initiatives.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Director of Athletics, the Associate Athletic Director for Development serves as the department's chief external fundraising officer and is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to expand philanthropic giving, strengthen corporate partnerships, increase premium revenue opportunities, and cultivate long-term financial support for EIU Athletics. The successful candidate will build meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, businesses, and community leaders while identifying creative opportunities to diversify and grow athletic department revenues.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative, relationship-driven leader with a demonstrated record of revenue generation success and a commitment to advancing the mission of Eastern Illinois University and Panther Athletics through philanthropy, strategic partnerships, and innovative revenue generation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising and revenue generation strategy that supports the strategic priorities of EIU Athletics, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital initiatives, and other philanthropic efforts.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to expand private support and external revenue opportunities.
• Identify, develop, and manage corporate sponsorships, premium seating, special events, hospitality, licensing, and other initiatives that generate sustainable revenue and enhance the visibility of Panther Athletics.
• Collaborate with the Director of Athletics, University Advancement, the EIU Foundation, coaches, and campus partners to establish fundraising priorities, coordinate donor engagement, and pursue innovative revenue opportunities, including NCAA-compliant NIL-related initiatives.
• Direct donor stewardship, fundraising events, prospect management, reporting, and performance metrics while ensuring compliance with NCAA, conference, university, foundation, and applicable state regulations.
• Represent EIU Athletics in cultivating strategic relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and community organizations while promoting the mission and goals of Panther Athletics.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, development, corporate relations, sponsorship sales, business development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in securing philanthropic gifts, sponsorships, or other revenue-generating partnerships.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required; valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in NCAA Division I fundraising, corporate sales, or university advancement.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, or capital campaign support.
• Experience working with university foundations, donor CRM systems, and fundraising analytics.
• Knowledge of NCAA regulations and experience developing innovative external revenue initiatives.

Benefits

Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience.