Assistant Athletic Director, Principal Giving

Assistant Athletic Director, Principal Giving

• 511396
• Main Campus - Starkville, MS
• Mississippi - Main Campus
• 890133 - Athletics - Bulldog Club
• Professional
• Regular Full-Time 12-month
• Opening on: Oct 20 2026

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Position Function:

The Assistant Athletic Director of Principal Giving of the Bulldog Club will maintain a portfolio of leadership and principal gift prospects and assist in generating major gift solicitations for general athletic support and facility projects at Mississippi State University. Responsibilities include assisting in developing donor relationships, managing individual donor portfolios, identifying donor prospects, cultivating relationships, and donor stewardship. This position will report to the Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives.

Salary Grade: 16

Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Identify, Cultivate, Solicit and Steward major and principal gift prospects and corporate sponsors for annual, capital, and endowment programs through the proper clearance process.

2. Strategically assess funding from other sources including Corporations & Foundations

3. Assist in the development of positive relationships with Athletic donors, coaches, and other units of the University and foster collaborative work amongst all parties.

4. Assist in the solicitation of personal contact with current and prospective donors, prepare proposals and solicit prospects for major gifts to secure an annual goal.

5. Assist with needs analysis with direct supervisor and athletic staff on a continual basis to establish development objectives.

6. Assist with fundraising projects and assist in planning and directing special events for major gift donors and prospects.

7. Assist with the development and maintain active portfolios of major gift prospects.

8. Manages a large portfolio of potential major gift donors.

9. Make 200-250 fundraising visits per year.

10. Ensure compliance with NCAA rules and regulations regarding outside interest groups, to include informing alumni and "booster" groups about applicable rules that could affect the operation of the intercollegiate athletics program.

11. Will be required to work occasional evenings and weekends throughout the year, as well as travel on a frequent basis.

12. Foster a work environment that recognizes and rewards collaboration with colleagues across campus for the best interest of Mississippi State University

13. Be a champion for inclusion and diversity both internally and externally

14. Support Strategies related to,

• Name, Image, Likeness
• Multimedia rights holders (Learfield IMG College)
• M - Club and efforts to engage former Mississippi State student-athletes

15. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Authority

May supervise staff and student workers and volunteers.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree.

Experience: Five years of experience in fundraising or related areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master''s Degree with 6+ years of direct experience in fund-raising or advancement in a higher education setting, preferably in educational fund-raising.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• This role is an integral member of the development team, and the position requires an ability to communicate effectively both in written and oral form.
• Ability to problem-solve in a timely fashion.
• Sensitivity to the needs of a wide range of internal and external constituencies is required.
• The ability to take direction.
• The ability be flexible, work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects, prioritize a high-volume of work in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Familiarity with MS Office suite.
• The ability to manage confidential information with appropriate discretion and tact is essential.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Frequent external imposed deadlines set and revised beyond one's control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Occasionally requires lifting, bending, or other physical exertion. Often, it involves exposure to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dirt, chemicals, etc.
• Job frequently requires walking, standing, lifting, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects with hands.
• Requires handling of heavy weight objects up to 100 lbs. on a regular basis and on occasion up to 150 lbs.

Instructions for Applying:

Please attach your resume and cover letter to the application.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

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