Associate Director of Development - Athletics

Portland State University (PSU) Foundation fuels the mission and priorities of Oregon’s most diverse, innovative, and affordable research university by raising and stewarding philanthropic gifts that transform lives and communities. Recognized as one of Oregon’s best non-profits to work for five years in a row, we are a community of purpose-driven professionals who lead with heart, act with trust, and keep our mission forward in everything we do. Guided by creativity and collaboration, we foster a strong sense of belonging—empowering every team member to show up authentically and think boldly.

About the Role

The Associate Director of Development, Athletics is responsible for managing a portfolio of annual, special and major gift donors and prospects, with responsibility for advancing philanthropic relationships that result in increased engagement and revenue in support of Portland State University Athletics. This role demonstrates consistent execution of donor strategy, consistent use of CRM systems, and sound fundraising judgment, with an increased expectation to expand the Athletics donor funnel and drive new donor acquisition.

The Associate Director uses data to inform outreach strategies across digital and in-person channels to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, while collaborating closely with Foundation colleagues and campus partners. This role is responsible for collaboratively driving strategy of Athletics-specific annual giving clubs and initiatives. This role regularly attends Athletics games and events and collaborates on strategic donor and alumni engagement tactics.

This position regularly works with the PSU Athletics Director, coaches and staff, and Foundation colleagues to align fundraising strategy with Athletics priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manages a high-impact portfolio of special and major gift donors and prospects, ensuring strategic qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Drives strategic, cross-functional collaboration, including annual planning and goal-setting.
• Represents PSUF at athletics and development-related events, serving as a positive ambassador for the university.
• Attends, actively participates in, and supports athletics and development-related events to foster community and belonging among stakeholders.
• Manages Athletics annual giving clubs, programs, and initiatives, meeting or exceeding new donor and donor retention goals.
• Collaborates with PSU Athletics Director, coaches, staff, and Foundation colleagues to align fundraising strategy with Athletics priorities.
• Occasional travel is required (15% or less), primarily regional in scope.

Measures of Success

• Meet or exceed frontline fundraising metrics, including face-to-face visits, submitted/funded proposals, and individual/unit fundraising goals.
• Effectively manage a portfolio of prospects through all phases of the donor cultivation cycle, with emphasis on cultivating and soliciting gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Demonstrate effective relationship management both internally with PSU partners/units and externally with donors/prospects.

Requirements

• 4+ years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including proven success in securing gifts of $25K+.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area, or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
• Technical fluency in fundraising systems and tools, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, CRM platforms, and cloud-based collaboration tools.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage emerging technologies (including AI-enabled tools) to enhance productivity and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment, collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture through active engagement, open communication, and alignment with organizational values.
• Reliable, regular, and predictable work attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education or for a large complex non-profit organization.
• Familiarity with collegiate Athletics departments and programs.
• Demonstrated success fundraising in higher education for a large public institution with a complex, matrixed environment.
• Working knowledge of Asana or similar project management tools.
• Working knowledge of Portland’s donor community.

Pay

Hiring range: $66,000 – $75,000 per year. Offers are determined based on a candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications, while ensuring internal pay equity.

Schedule

4-day workweek, with business operations closed on Fridays.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical coverage on our base plan.
• 95% employer-paid dental and vision coverage.
• Up to 27 days of paid time off plus 10 paid holidays, including one floating holiday.
• Up to 12% employer contribution to eligible 401(k) plans after applicable waiting periods.
• Employer-paid Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Portland State University affiliated employee benefits, including tuition discount.