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Inside Higher Ed · 3 weeks ago

Senior Associate Athletics Director-Development

Towson, MD

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

3+ years exp

Inside Higher Ed is seeking a Senior Associate Athletics Director-Development to lead development efforts for TU Athletics. This role involves achieving fundraising goals, cultivating donor relationships, and managing a high-performing development team to enhance the student-athlete experience and support Towson University’s initiatives.

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Responsibilities

Serve as the Lead Development Officer for TU Athletics

Achieve all assigned financial, donor, and activity goals to support the successful execution of annual and multi-year fundraising objectives for Towson Athletics

Partner regularly with the Director of Athletics and coaches to identify priority needs, develop compelling funding opportunities, and advance philanthropic initiatives that elevate the student-athlete experience

Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects with the capacity and inclination to support Athletics and the broader priorities of Towson University

Develop and implement Athletics-specific fundraising and communications strategies that strengthen constituent engagement, increase philanthropic revenue, and grow the number of donors to Athletics

Promote and cross-sell philanthropic opportunities across the university, ensuring that prospects connected to Athletics are also aware of additional institutional priorities where their interests may align

Conduct a minimum of 10 meaningful external visits each month with prospects and donors, including at least two visits conducted jointly with the Director of Athletics and/or coaching partners

Actively engage every prospect within the assigned portfolio, advancing individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies that move prospects through the giving cycle

Collaborate with internal and external revenue-generating units, including University Ticketing Operations and other campus partners, to coordinate outreach, align messaging, and ensure a seamless donor and fan experience

Manage and Develop a High-Performing Athletics Development Team

Supervise, mentor, and support Athletics development staff to increase philanthropic support for Athletics and achieve annual and multi-year fundraising goals

Hold regular individual and team meetings to review workplans, assess progress toward goals, develop cultivation and solicitation strategies for top prospects, and provide coaching to strengthen fundraising effectiveness and improve yield ratios

Design and implement annual giving cultivation, engagement, and solicitation strategies that enhance donor satisfaction, deepen affinity, and increase donor retention across Athletics

Grow membership in Athletics leadership giving societies through targeted outreach, personalized stewardship, and strategic engagement

Monitor team performance and intervene proactively to ensure goals are met, identifying opportunities for professional development, resource alignment, and strategic adjustments when necessary

Collaborate closely with colleagues across University Advancement to cultivate, engage, and steward donors in a coordinated, positive, and professional manner that reflects TU’s values and supports institutional priorities

Serve as a Strategic Resource Across the Athletics Department

Collaborate with members of the Athletics Leadership Team and staff to advance departmental goals and support priority initiatives that strengthen the overall success, visibility, and reputation of TU Athletics

Facilitate and steward external relationships—including alumni, donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders—to benefit Athletics beyond philanthropic support and enhance the broader student-athlete and fan experience

Qualification

Philanthropic giving knowledgeDonor cultivation expertiseMajor gift solicitationNon-profit leadership experienceTeam development skillsPhilanthropy trendsSupervisory experienceMaryland regionInterpersonal skillsRelationship-building skills

Required

Bachelor's degree

Three years of non-profit leadership and major gift cultivation and solicitation experience required

Comprehensive knowledge of philanthropic giving vehicles and charitable contribution strategies, including those utilized by individuals, families, donor-advised funds, and family foundations

Expertise in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship practices that broaden and deepen constituent engagement with Towson University and Towson Athletics

Demonstrated ability to motivate, inspire, and develop professional staff and volunteers, fostering a high-performing, goal-oriented team committed to achieving fundraising success

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the character, judgment, and professionalism needed to establish and sustain productive partnerships with internal and external stakeholders

Knowledge of current trends in philanthropy, along with the ability to anticipate needs, adapt strategies, and proactively implement business and development plans that address both immediate and long-term objectives

A proven record of securing significant philanthropic support, including repeated success cultivating, soliciting, and closing six-figure gifts and above

Preferred

Supervisory experience in a sales or revenue-generating environment, with a preference for candidates who have led teams within a nonprofit or higher-education advancement setting

Personal experience and strong familiarity with the Maryland and Mid-Atlantic region's athletic, philanthropic, and community landscapes, with the ability to leverage established networks to advance Towson University's fundraising goals