Sr. Associate Athletic Director, Cougar Athletic Fund

The Sr. Associate Athletic Director, Cougar Athletic Fund (CAF) is responsible for developing, implementing and administering the unit’s development efforts to support the unit’s annual fundraising operation while managing a larger development team. Responsibilities include developing methods to accomplish fundraising goals, leading and directing a development team in support of philanthropic efforts, and planning and conducting programs designed to promote the public’s understanding of a unit’s activities and research with the aim of cultivating donors and raising philanthropic gifts. These efforts may include, but are not limited to annual giving, major gift development, corporate and foundation relations, and planned gift identification and advancement. As the Sr. Associate Athletic Director, CAF you will have a personal, minimum, annual fundraising responsibility of $2,500,000. You will work collaboratively with the Washington State University Foundation development team in support of unit’s and university strategic development goals.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree and seven (7) years of progressively responsible full-time professional fundraising or consultative sales* experience within a complex organization, which includes at least five (5) years as a unit director or equivalent leadership experience. A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Requires one year of Advancement experience within higher education or similar organization.

• * Consultative sales are defined as the sale of real estate, industrial equipment, vehicles, custom services, or bulk commodities, which include long term relationships between salespeople and clients. Consultative sales positions are typically compensated on a commission basis and have the authority to negotiate the terms and conditions of individual sales with customers.

• Experience demonstrating strong interpersonal skills in establishing and maintaining internal and external relationships.

• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, develop and steward client/donor relationships

• Understanding of proposal development and writing, fundraising and/or client development principles and techniques; project management skills; and relevant event planning/management.

• Demonstrated success in proposal writing and submission.

• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards. 

• Evening and weekend work required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fundraising experience closing major gifts of $500,000 and above.

• Proven experience motivating and managing individuals and teams for maximum performance.

• Prior experience working with academic and administration leadership.

• Evidence of ability to plan and execute a fundraising project from conception to realization.

• Advanced degree.