Assistant Director of Development-Athletics
ESU Foundation
Search 2142 - Posted June 23, 2025
The Assistant Director of Athletic Development’s primary responsibility is the development and management of a comprehensive, strategic, integrated effort to build the base of individual athletic donors and increase the level of support through annual and major giving at the University. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Development, the Assistant Director of Athletic Development is a colleague and peer of the Foundation development staff, working in close alignment with Athletics.
Candidates must have initiative and self-starting capacity with excellent fundraising, negotiating, organizational and analytical skills, with attention to detail; experience in building relationships internally and externally with donors and strategic partners; superior written and oral communication skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling case for philanthropic support programs; embody the values of the ESU Foundation; have innovation and the ability to explore and implement new ideas and adaptability to new process and technologies and be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to navigate through computer database systems and software.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a portfolio of donors to be measured on personal visits, proposals presented, gifts closed and dollars raised.
- Develop and execute a strategic moves management plan to engage with prospects through email, phone and personal visits all focused on shaping a sustainable tradition of athletic support.
- Engage the director of athletics, coaches and student athletes with donors and prospects to assist with moves management.
- Assist in the annual giving plan for each sport and the department’s Creating Champions Club.
- Maintain a knowledge of athletic department goals and updates to be able to tell the story of Hornet Athletics to inspire gifts at a higher level.
- Assist in creating content and draft copy for solicitation materials for athletic annual funds.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
- Knowledge of fundraising strategy and tactics gained through relevant work or volunteer experience, preferably in a university foundation or collegiate athletics setting.
- Minimum of three years’ work experience.
COMPENSATION:
- Salary: $55,297 - $75,000 annually
- Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
BENEFITS:
Base pay is one component of Emporia State University’s total rewards package. We are dedicated to supporting the needs of the “whole you” with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family that include:
- Health Insurance
- Free Dental insurance for employees
- Retirement through the Kansas Board of Regents
- Paid parental leave
- Up to 31 days paid vacation and holiday days
- Tuition reduction and tuition assistance
- Dependent tuition waiver
- For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit here.
APPLY:
To apply, upload a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts and contact information for three professional references here.
Consideration of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled.
A background check and official transcripts are required prior to hire.
For more information
Jose Pavon
HR Professional
Emporia State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other factors which cannot be considered by law.