Donor Relations Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job no: 559474
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: San Diego
Categories: MPP, Athletics, At-Will, Fundraising & Alumni Relations, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

San Diego State University is looking for a strategic fundraising leader and relationship builder to serve as Associate Athletic Director, Development. In this role, you will help advance the mission of SDSU Athletics and the Aztec Club by securing philanthropic support, strengthening donor relationships, and leading major gift initiatives that enhance the student‑athlete experience and support the long‑term success of Aztec Athletics. Working closely with Athletics and University Relations and Development leadership, you will play a key role in driving fundraising strategy and revenue growth for the department.

• Manage a portfolio of 150+ major gift prospects and oversee the full donor lifecycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Secure major and planned gifts in support of SDSU Athletics priorities and initiatives.
• Develop and implement donor strategies in collaboration with Athletics leadership, development professionals, coaches, and volunteers.
• Represent SDSU Athletics and the university in donor meetings, events, and community engagements.
• Help establish and execute short‑ and long‑term fundraising goals for Athletics Development.
• Provide strategic direction for donor cultivation and stewardship efforts in partnership with Athletics Development and URAD teams.
• Oversee the Assistant Director, Development role, and support the continued growth and effectiveness of Athletics Development operations.
• Collaborate with leadership to strengthen fundraising programs and advance departmental priorities.
• Planned Giving & Endowment Support
  • Oversee athletics endowed scholarship and planned giving initiatives, including the Coryell Legacy Society program.
  • Coordinate and execute signature donor engagement events, including the annual Coryell Legacy Society Dinner.
  • Support strategies that encourage long‑term philanthropic investment in SDSU Athletics.
• Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement
  • Build and maintain relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, community leaders, and university stakeholders.
  • Serve as an ambassador for SDSU Athletics and advocate for the needs of student‑athletes.
  • Collaborate across the university to advance fundraising priorities, donor engagement, and campus partnerships.
  • Support special projects and initiatives that contribute to the success of Athletics Development and the broader university mission.

• Make a lasting impact on student‑athletes – Help secure the philanthropic support that enhances opportunities, resources, and experiences for SDSU student‑athletes.
• Lead fundraising efforts for a nationally recognized athletics program – Play a key role in advancing the future of Aztec Athletics through major gifts, planned giving, and donor engagement.
• Build meaningful relationships – Connect with alumni, supporters, community leaders, and university partners who are passionate about SDSU Athletics.
• Join a collaborative leadership team – Work alongside Athletics and University Relations and Development leaders to shape strategy, drive growth, and strengthen the university’s impact through philanthropy.

• This is a full‑time, at‑will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. Ability to travel and attend off‑campus appointments and events. Evening, weekend, and other work outside of normal business hours is required to support events and departmental needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work in the Experience Center in the Mission Valley area of San Diego.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, in a relevant field or combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of major gifts fundraising or closely related experience managing high‑value, relationship‑based revenue portfolios.
• Demonstrated success closing relationship‑based commitments of $50,000+ (one‑time or cumulative over time), preferably in a philanthropic setting.

• Demonstrated success as a development professional in a donor‑centered fundraising environment.
• Experience across multiple areas of advancement, including prospect management, annual giving, donor relations, communications, gift administration, and gift acceptance.
• Ability to research, analyze, and interpret biographical, corporate, foundation, and philanthropic information to support fundraising strategies.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with donors, volunteers, campus partners, and external stakeholders while representing the university professionally.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, evolving, and goal‑oriented organizational environment.
• University employees that have direct job responsibilities involving intercollegiate athletics are expected to have knowledge and understanding of NCAA, conference and University rules, policies and procedures governing intercollegiate athletics. Additionally, he or she is required to notify the appropriate personnel of any knowledge of or should have known of any violation or suspected violation of NCAA, conference, or University regulations. The University reserves the right and option to terminate or suspend a staff member with or without salary payment for cause at any time. Failure to comply with any of the terms or conditions of the contract is considered “cause”.

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience fundraising within a large, complex university or intercollegiate athletics environment.
• Experience managing a large portfolio of major gift prospects and successfully upgrading donors to higher levels of philanthropic support.
• Experience with comprehensive or capital campaigns and fundraising technology platforms such as Salesforce, Paciolan, Ticketmaster, or Ellucian.

Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $105,000 to $115,000 annually.

• Generous Leave Benefits: 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU 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), other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Apply by July 9, 2026, to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as‑needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

Jun 25 2026 Pacific Daylight Time