Associate Athletics Director for Development

Associate Athletics Director for Development

Location: Chicago, IL

Salary Range: The budgeted salary range for the position is $90,000 - $100,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

Posting Close Date: May 8, 2026

Are you a strategic fundraising leader looking to make a lasting impact? Join UIC as the Associate Athletics Director for Development, where you’ll play a pivotal role in advancing the mission, vision, and philanthropic priorities of the Department of Athletics.

The UIC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Department of Athletics seeks a fundraising professional to serve as the Associate Athletics Director for Development and lead the fundraising efforts for Flames Athletics.  The position will report to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and in close partnership to the Department of Athletics.

Duties and Responsibilities

·         Manages a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors rated $25,000 and above, including alumni and friends of the athletics program, employing appropriate strategies and tactics in prospect and portfolio management. May include individuals, corporations and foundations.

·         Responsible for developing personalized strategies for engagement and solicitation that maximizes each prospect's philanthropic capacity.

·         Identifies, qualifies, cultivates and solicits prospects in support of athletics’ funding priorities.

·         Meets or exceeds annual performance metrics, including asks, closes, and qualifications per year with UIC alumni and donors, to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift donations.

·         Collaborates with key athletics leadership to build a compelling case for support. Presents funding opportunities articulately, persuasively, and with confidence. Prepares and presents proposals to prospects and donors, working with central communications and donor relations when appropriate.

·         Leverage departmental and campus events as strategic cultivation and stewardship touchpoints, engaging prospects in ways that enhance relationship depth and philanthropic outcomes while collaborating with OVCA and Athletics partners to align activities that support these goals.  

·         Facilitates and coordinates all communications with assigned prospects. Tracks development activity and donor interactions by entering key interactions and strategies into the fundraising database.

·         Works closely with director of portfolio management and researchers to identify prospects and move prospects.

·         Promotes a culture of compliance with UIC, Missouri Valley Conference, and NCAA rules.

·         Performs other related duties and participate in special projects related to fundraising as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s Degree or a foreign equivalent. Master’s Degree preferred.

·         A minimum of 5 years of successful experience in fundraising, development or a related field, preferably in a college athletics program or an institution of higher learning.

·         Proven success in securing and conducting face-to-face meetings for major solicitations.

·         Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.

·         General understanding of NCAA rules and regulations as it pertains to donors and extra benefits.

·         Excellent communication, presentation, business development, and organization skills.

·         Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and fundraising software.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

About University of Illinois Chicago Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

UIC is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), distinguished by its robust academic, research, and health programs. Its state-of-the-art athletic facilities are considered best in class within the MVC and Division I. UIC remains committed to enhancing these facilities to support student-athletes, coaches, and fans.

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) aims to develop student-athletes academically, socially, and athletically while boosting UIC’s national athletic profile. In the spirit of Chicago’s rich sports culture, the DIA recruits diverse, high-performing student-athletes and strives for excellence in competition, academics, and sportsmanship across its 18 Division I teams.

The UIC Flames’ 300 student-athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division 1 sports and have won more than 77 conference championships. In the classroom, UIC student-athletes excel at an elite level, with 23 consecutive semesters of a 3.0+ department-wide GPA and a 91% graduation success rate.

Life-Changing Impact

Our work at the University of Illinois Chicago and UIC Athletics transforms lives through research, teaching, and public service, creating meaningful impact for our students, the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and communities around the world.

Culture of Champions

UIC Athletics is committed to Champions by leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a leading public research university and employer in higher education.

In the Heart of Chicago

Located in one of the world’s great cities, UIC provides access to Chicago’s rich cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, renowned arts and dining, professional sports, and a robust public transportation system, along with easy connections throughout Illinois and the Midwest.

A Place for Everyone

UIC is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds are welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

TO APPLY, PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE UIC JOB BOARD.  Click the link https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/19512?c=uic to view the Associate Athletics Director for Development position.

For fullest consideration, please submit a complete application and upload a resume and cover letter (required) by Friday, April 24, 2026.  

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes.  In order to revise your application, you must withdraw and reapply.  You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date.  Please ensure your application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. ​