Associate Athletics Director for Donor Engagement and Operations

Position Summary

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. This role leads strategic engagement efforts, oversees donor operations, and plays a key role in advancing a comprehensive athletics campaign that supports student-athlete success, facilities, and long-term program growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Donor Engagement & Stewardship

  • 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.

• Operational Leadership

  • 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.

• Collaboration & Campaign Support

  • Partner across Athletics, University Development, Alumni, and external vendors to deliver integrated donor experiences.

  • Support campaign initiatives through strategic engagement and event activation.

• Marketing & Team Leadership

  • Direct donor-facing communications and ensure consistent branding and messaging across all donor engagement channels.

  • Foster a high-performing, service-oriented team culture.

Why Join Us?

• Drive Meaningful Impact

  • Support Division I student-athletes and help advance initiatives that shape the future of SDSU Athletics.

• Lead During a Transformational Campaign

  • Play a central role in a comprehensive athletics campaign focused on legacy-building and long-term excellence.

• Collaborative Leadership Environment

  • Work alongside dedicated colleagues in Athletics and University Relations and Development, Alumni Relations, and external vendors to elevate the donor experience.

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.)

• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

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.

• An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.

• Demonstrated success in translating organizational vision into actionable plans and measurable results is preferred.

• Experience with Ellucian and TicketMaster or similar CRMs is preferred.

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.

• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.

• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.

• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $100,000 to $115,000 annually.