Associate Vice President Development

University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association

At the University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association, we believe philanthropy changes lives. Our work fuels access to education, strengthens academic excellence, and creates opportunity for generations of Coyotes.

Drive – We move with purpose.

Accountability – We mean it and we own it.

Commitment – We show up fully.

Collaboration – We earn trust every day.

The Associate Vice President of Development (AVP) is a senior fundraising leader who helps shape and advance the University of South Dakota’s philanthropic success. Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the AVP provides leadership, coaching, and strategic oversight to development directors while personally managing a portfolio of 40–50 major gift prospects.

This role is ideal for a relationship-driven fundraiser who enjoys mentoring others, thinking strategically, and delivering results all while staying close to donors and the mission.

• Lead & Develop Talent:
  Coach and support development directors, set clear expectations, and foster a high-performance, collaborative culture.
• Raise Major Gifts:
  Manage a personal portfolio, build meaningful donor relationships, and consistently meet or exceed fundraising goals.
• Drive Strategy:
  Contribute to fundraising plans, align donor interests with institutional priorities, and collaborate across USDFAA teams.
• Engage & Steward Donors:
  Represent USDFAA with professionalism and care, ensuring strong stewardship and impactful donor experiences.
• Use Data to Improve:
  Maintain accurate CRM data and leverage analytics to guide decisions and improve performance.

• Demonstrated success securing major gifts and managing donor relationships
• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills
• Ability to build trust with alumni, donors, deans, faculty, and colleagues
• Strategic mindset with the ability to execute in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with CRM systems and fundraising metrics

• Bachelor’s degree required (master’s preferred)
• 5–7 years of fundraising experience, including major gifts
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regionally and overnight
• Eligible for remote work within close proximity to Vermillion, Sioux Falls, or another targeted alumni market

• Competitive health, dental, and life insurance options.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 6% employer matching contribution.
• Paid leave for holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• A culture of excellence, purpose, and collaboration where your work truly matters.

Eligible for a hybrid/remote work in close proximity to Vermillion or Sioux Falls or other targeted alumni market.

Please submit a resume and letter of interest to careers. Additional details can be found on our website at