Senior Associate Athletic Director-Development

at  South Dakota Board of Regents

POSTING TEXT

Behind the scenes of our 19 competing NCAA Division I Level sports is a team of dedicated professionals who are striving to create the electrifying environment that is Jackrabbit Athletics. We currently have a need for a Senior Associate Director of Development to drive our mission forward by partnering with leadership on the immediate and long-range fundraising efforts for major gifts. We’re looking for a strong collaborator with a passion for athletics and is committed to South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) core values. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position. SDSU competes in The Summit League for all sports except football (Missouri Valley Football Conference), wrestling (Big XII Conference), and women’s equestrian (National Collegiate Equestrian Association).
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree completed by first day of employment;
• Minimum three years of fundraising or closely related experience;
• General knowledge and understanding of fund raising/development practices;
• Experience managing a portfolio of annual fund and major gift prospects/donors;
• Experience with donor relations, cultivation and solicitation;
• Knowledge with using fundraising software;
• Self-directed and motivated; and
• Effective communication (oral, written and interpersonal skills) and demonstrated organizational and time management skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned Master’s degree with a preference in Sports Management, Sports Administration or related field;
• Experience with major gift fundraising;
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans;
• Experience supervising and providing direction to others; and
• Evidence of capital campaign experience.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION AND CULTURAL EXPECTATIONS

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

The Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development will work with the Deputy Athletic Director, Director of Athletics and Vice President of Development on the immediate and long-range fundraising efforts for major gifts. This position will oversee the cultivation and solicitation of major and annual fund donors, assist with the annual Jackrabbit Club membership drive responsible for athletic development events including the Jackrabbit Athletic Scholarship Auction. Assists with the day-to-day operations of the Jackrabbit Club include but not limited to coordinating and maintaining athletic development calendar, student-athlete thank-a-thon, website/social media venue, development of annual giving publications as well as manage and solicit Gift-in-Kind donations.