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

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen donor relationships, satisfaction, and philanthropic impact.
• Serve as a primary liaison for high-level donors and partner with development officers to align engagement with major gift strategies.
• Manage donor benefits, premium seating, hospitality programs, and related policies.
• Collaborate with Gift Administration to ensure accurate gift processing, documentation, and effective use of engagement technology platforms.
• Support campaign initiatives through strategic engagement and event activation.
• 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.)

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.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA, conference, and University rules, with a proven commitment to compliance, institutional control, ethical conduct, and timely reporting of violations.
• 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.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $100,000 to $110,000 annually. SDSU Values At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.