Executive Director of Development, Athletics
Listed on 2026-02-06
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Management
Executive Director of Development, Athletics
Join to apply for the Executive Director of Development, Athletics role at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
Job SummaryThe Executive Director of Development, Athletics will serve as the lead professional in the intercollegiate athletics program to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward alumni, parents, friends, foundations and corporations for contributions. The incumbent will direct the implementation and coordination of a comprehensive unit-based development program by identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts; understand and comply with the policies, procedures and best practices established by UDAE;
foster successful major gift fundraising by preparing the Athletic Director and academic leaders to participate routinely and effectively in development activities and prospect appointments; and participate in college based programs that identify and encourage relationships with donors, prospects and alumni.
- Demonstrated ability to manage capital campaigns, major gift cultivation and/or donor solicitation.
- Demonstrated skills in major gifts fundraising, marketing, or planned giving.
- Demonstrated ability in developing and cultivating major gift donor contacts within the development community. Demonstrated ability in independent management of a large, complex, and successful, program with annual and multi-year goals.
- Thorough knowledge of prospect management systems, fiscal administration, and volunteer development, including utilizing the alumni relations database and prospect management systems.
- Thorough knowledge of the financial structure of donations, to include cash, gifts‑in‑kind, stocks, and securities.
- Working knowledge of record keeping, using principles of accounting, and budgeting.
- Bachelor's Degree and eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in development, major gifts fundraising, donor relations, marketing, planned giving or other related professional experience with four years being direct fundraising experience. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one by date of hire.
The anticipated hiring range for this role is $150,000 - $175,000. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected. Cal Poly offers a best‑in‑class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees.
About Cal PolyCal Poly is a nationally‑ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top‑tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands‑on philosophy, small class sizes and close student‑faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world.
EqualOpportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art.
I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws and CSU’s…
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