Associate Athletics Director for Donor Engagement and Operations (Administrator I)

Position Summary

The Associate Athletics Director for Donor Engagement & Operations is a senior leader within SDSU’s Division I Athletics Department working in close partnership with University Relations and Development (URAD)  to create exceptional donor experiences and drive operational excellence. This role leads strategic engagement efforts, oversees donor operations, and plays a key role in advancing a comprehensive athletics campaign that supports student-athlete success, facilities, and long-term program growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Donor Engagement & Stewardship
  • Develop and implement strategies to strengthen donor relationships, satisfaction, and philanthropic impact.
  • Lead high-profile donor events and premium engagement experiences.
  • Serve as a primary liaison for high-level donors and partner with development officers to align engagement with major gift strategies.
• Operational Leadership
  • Oversee donor engagement operations, including staff management, budget management, and resource allocation.
  • Manage donor benefits, premium seating, hospitality programs, and related policies.
  • Partner with Gift Administration to ensure accurate gift processing, documentation, and effective use of engagement technology platforms.
• Collaboration & Campaign Support
  • Partner across Athletics, University Development, Alumni, and external vendors to deliver integrated donor experiences.
  • Support campaign initiatives through strategic engagement and event activation.
• Marketing & Team Leadership
  • Direct donor-facing communications and ensure consistent branding and messaging across all donor engagement channels.
  • Foster a high-performing, service-oriented team culture.

Why Join Us?

• Drive Meaningful Impact
  • Support Division I student-athletes and help advance initiatives that shape the future of SDSU Athletics.
• Lead During a Transformational Campaign
  • Play a central role in a comprehensive athletics campaign focused on legacy-building and long-term excellence.
• Collaborative Leadership Environment
  • Work alongside dedicated colleagues in Athletics and University Relations and Development, Alumni Relations, and external vendors to elevate the donor experience.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• 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 work evenings, weekends, and occasional travel.)
• The individual hired into this role will work at the Experience Center centrally located in the Mission Valley area of San Diego.

Department Summary

Units of URAD work together to create enduring relationships with alumni, parents, donors, students and the community to generate private support for SDSU students, faculty and a diverse number of programs. URAD handles a range of services encompassing stewardship, events, gift administration, communications and more.  The departments of Development, SDSU Alumni, Planned and Annual Giving, Special Events and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Financial Management, Data Management, Prospect Research and Management and Operations are making a tangible difference in the lives of more than 40,000 students.

SDSU has been recognized several times for its exceptional development program by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). With the support of loyal donors and in collaboration with SDSU’s visionary faculty and staff, the university cultivates lifelong relationships with more than 500,000 alumni, friends, and community members—advancing SDSU’s mission for generations to come.

The Department of Athletics, utilizing the services of over 150 employees, is responsible for the intercollegiate athlet