Associate Athletics Director for Donor Engagement and Operations (Administrator I)
About the role
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.
Responsibilities
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.
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.
Collaborate with other departments to deliver integrated donor experiences.
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.
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.
Benefits
This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits. 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.
Position Information
This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
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.
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.
Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $100,000 to $110,000 annually.
Supplemental Information
Apply by July 6, 2026, to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.