Associate Athletic Director for Development

Description

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) invites applications for the position of Associate Athletic Director for Development. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven leader to help shape the future of Panther Athletics through philanthropic support, corporate partnerships, and innovative revenue-generating initiatives.

Reporting directly to the Director of Athletics, the Associate Athletic Director for Development serves as the department's chief external fundraising officer and is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to expand philanthropic giving, strengthen corporate partnerships, increase premium revenue opportunities, and cultivate long-term financial support for EIU Athletics. The successful candidate will build meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, businesses, and community leaders while identifying creative opportunities to diversify and grow athletic department revenues.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative, relationship-driven leader with a demonstrated record of revenue generation success and a commitment to advancing the mission of Eastern Illinois University and Panther Athletics through philanthropy, strategic partnerships, and innovative revenue generation.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising and revenue generation strategy that supports the strategic priorities of EIU Athletics, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital initiatives, and other philanthropic efforts.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to expand private support and external revenue opportunities.
• Identify, develop, and manage corporate sponsorships, premium seating, special events, hospitality, licensing, and other initiatives that generate sustainable revenue and enhance the visibility of Panther Athletics.
• Collaborate with the Director of Athletics, University Advancement, the EIU Foundation, coaches, and campus partners to establish fundraising priorities, coordinate donor engagement, and pursue innovative revenue opportunities, including NCAA-compliant NIL-related initiatives.
• Direct donor stewardship, fundraising events, prospect management, reporting, and performance metrics while ensuring compliance with NCAA, conference, university, foundation, and applicable state regulations.
• Represent EIU Athletics in cultivating strategic relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and community organizations while promoting the mission and goals of Panther Athletics.

About Panther Athletics

EIU is home to 19 sponsored NCAA Division I teams and roughly 500 student-athletes dedicated to excellence in the classroom and in competition. With a student body of approximately 8,000, the university serves as a vibrant hub of athletic and academic achievement in the region. Over the past 5 years, EIU has made significant facilities investments including structural, aesthetic, and competitive upgrades to O’Brien Stadium, launching Volleyballs Gardella Family Court at McAfee, and Frost Field at Coaches Stadium.

The University and Community: Celebrating more than 130 years of excellence, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a fully accredited, comprehensive regional residential institution located in Charleston, Illinois—ideally positioned between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The University is known for its individualized attention, supportive relationships, and exceptional outcomes, including high graduation, retention, and career placement rates. Academically, EIU combines personalized learning with nationally respected programs. Small class sizes allow for close mentorship from distinguished faculty, while innovative undergraduate and graduate programs and firsthand opportunities prepare students for meaningful professional and personal growth. Campus life at EIU is vibrant and community oriented.

The University features more than 50 buildings within walking distance, extensive recreational facilities, and more than 200 student organizations including NCAA Division I athletics, and 20+ fraternities and sororities. Cultural life thrives at the world-renowned Doudna Fine Arts Center and the Tarble, which bring exceptional artistic and performance experiences to campus and the region. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of a classic college town with convenient access to shops, dining, and outdoor recreation—alongside robust service opportunities coordinated through EIU’s