Assistant Director of Development for Intercollegiate Athletics

Assistant Director of Development for Intercollegiate Athletics

Location

Georgetown, Texas 78626

Job Type

Staff - Full Time, Exempt, Regular

Job Number

202600122

Division

Office of Advancement

Department

Development

Opening Date

11/03/2026

• Description
• Benefits

ABOUT US

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, Parent Giving, the Assistant Director of Development for Intercollegiate Athletics serves as a key member of the Development team, responsible for advancing fundraising efforts through donor acquisition, retention, and revenue growth in support of Southwestern Universitys Athletics programs.

The position focuses on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors while expanding membership in the Pirate Athletic Association and growing the Corporate Partners Program. This role works collaboratively with the Director of Annual Giving, fellow Major Gift Officers, the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, coaches, and other University stakeholders to strengthen donor relationships and achieve the Universitys Athletics fundraising goals.

DUTIES

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with a focus on growing the donor pipeline, securing major gifts, and supporting giving initiatives for Pirate Athletics, including annual, planned, and major gifts.
• Engage in ~12-15 contacts monthly with major gift prospects/ donors.
• Monitor and ensure achievement of annual performance measure goals for contacts, solicitations, and closures.
• Manage and achieve goals for the annual fund, current restricted, endowment, and capital/plant goals assigned to the portfolio each year, emphasizing Athletic fundraising initiatives.
• Collaborate with Prospect Development to regularly add new prospects to the portfolio.
• Utilize a fundraising database and prospect tools. Maintain appropriate electronic documentation, including contact reports, on a timely basis.
• Record timely reports, letters, proposals, or gift agreements following a donor contact.
• Work closely with the Associate Vice President for Development, Senior Director of Development, Parent Giving, the Director of Annual Giving, other Major Gift Officers, the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, coaches, and other University community members to develop an overall Development strategy to support Pirate Athletics.
• Collaborate with the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics to involve coaches in identifying prospects and determining needs within their respective programs. This position also partners with them to cultivate and solicit donors to support those funding priorities.
• Partner with and advise the Associate Vice President for Development and Senior Director of Development on principal giving prospects, preparing briefing documents for the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and the President in preparation for major gift solicitations.
• Work collaboratively with the Annual Giving team to develop annual plans to solicit gifts from alumni, parents, and friends to support Pirate Athletics.
• Promote membership in the Pirate Athletic Association among alumni, parents, and friends of Pirate Athletics to grow annual support and assist with retaining annual donors.
• Promote and expand membership in the Corporate Partners Program among businesses.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects/ donors focusing on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts to the University, primarily for Pirate Athletics.
• Partner with the Prospect Development team to continually prioritize a portfolio of potential donors for cultivation and solicitation, tracking their progress through the fundraising cycle.
• Conduct regular donor meetings throughout the year, traveling when necessary.
• Regularly attend campus athletic events as appropriate to foster enthusiasm and philanthropic support for Pirate Athletics.
• Work with the Associate Vice President for Development, the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Senior Director of Development, Parent Giving and the Director of Stewardship to create and implement personalized donor recognition and stewardship plans.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Participate in goal setting, proposal preparation, strategy development, and stewardship as required for donors in the portfolio.
• Participate in regular Advancement and Athletic staff meetings (Annual Giving, Development, and Advancement) and University special events.
• Work with all Advancement staff to ensure consistent messaging to constituents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelors degree.

Experience:

• Two + years of proven track record securing annual leadership philanthropic gifts ($5,000+) or equivalent experience.

• Experience with Intercollegiate Athletics as a student-athlete, coach, or administrator.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership and time management skills with the ability to effectively and simultaneously manage many diverse relationships.
• The ability to control and move forward on several priorities simultaneously without losing focus on the objectives of the University. This includes switching priorities as required while maintaining momentum.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Strategic thinking and a solid understanding of well-written development documents are essential.
• Ability to function as a catalyst, guide, and doer. This individual must engage donors and prospective donors utilizing a collaborative and facilitative approach.
• Must possess a high level of professionalism and the ability to perform under pressure.
• Integrity and the ability to build trust.
• Demonstrated resilience and the ability to maintain a positive, positive-natured attitude in challenging situations.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information with discretion and integrity.
• Willingness to adhere to the University's core values.
• Ability to develop an understanding of and appreciation for cultural differences and diversity, fostering an inclusive environment within the campus and community.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally with internal and external university stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Willingness to understand and embrace the values of a liberal arts education, with the ability to engage effectively with faculty and the academic community.
• Ability to maintain consistent attendance and adhere to a regular work schedule. Expected to work evenings and weekends as needed for special events, both on and off campus.

Further preferred qualifications which are also desirable for performing the listed duties.

• Master's Degree

• Knowledge of Southwestern University, its culture, and its constituencies.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Salary: $67,500. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting annual salary.

This position is not eligible for employer immigration sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer-sponsored work authorization

All individuals hired are required to complete the federal employment eligibility verification process as required by applicable law.

Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer.

Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report- Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.

Southwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and welfare insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability coverage, generous contributions to a 403(b) retirement account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), various paid time-off programs (for staff positions), undergraduate tuition assistance for you and your dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking, and discounted meal rates, along with other benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.

Employer Southwestern University

Address 1001 E University Ave

Georgetown, Texas, 78626

Phone 5128631435