Associate Athletic Director for Development and Strategic Partnerships

Associate Athletic Director for Development and Strategic Partnerships

University of South Carolina Upstate • Spartanburg, SC

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage a comprehensive revenue generation program through major gifts fundraising and corporate sponsorships for intercollegiate athletics.
• Engage internally with university colleagues to cultivate corporate, foundation, individual, and alumni donors.
• Partner with colleagues to identify, cultivate, and complete proposals and solicitations from prospective prospects, and provide follow‑up and stewardship on completed gifts.
• Create innovative partnership, sponsorship, and NIL fundraising opportunities aligned with institutional values and athletics priorities.
• Build and maintain strong connections with corporate partners, donors, alumni, community leaders, campus partners, and NIL‑related supporters.
• Represent the athletics department at university, community, alumni, donor, corporate, and NIL events, ensuring all commitments are fulfilled professionally and accurately.
• Meet process performance goals set by the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, including personal visits, prospect identification, qualification, and solicitation with focus on gift closures.
• Solicit prospective donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations in coordination with the VCUA and AD; document solicitations in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Collaborate with the advancement team across disciplines on donor strategies; develop annual plan of work with fundraising and stewardship strategies and prospect research.
• Prepare required reports and information as requested.
• Accept and implement other assignments as directed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a job‑related field and 2 or more years of job‑related experience (or equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience).
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Successful background check required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT donor database.
• Graduate degree.
• Experience in NCAA Division I, II, or III athletics, professional sports, collegiate athletics development, or a comparable revenue‑focused environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and methods for planning and conducting comprehensive corporate and foundation philanthropy fundraising programs.
• Track record of visiting and qualifying donors and prospects.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with faculty, alumni, donors, students, volunteers, businesses, and the general public.
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as required.
• Effective computer experience, including database operation and word‑processing.

Salary

$76,904 – $84,000; salary commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits

USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Carolina is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.