Director of Development - Athletics

Director of Development for Athletics Full-Time/TermSoutheast Missouri State University is seeking a motivated, relationship-driven Director of Development to grow philanthropic support for SEMO Athletics and the SEMO Athletics Fund. This position will serve as a frontline fundraiser focused primarily on major gifts, capital project fundraising, leadership annual fund support, and sport-specific fundraising.The position will work closely with Athletics leadership, University Advancement, coaches, athletics staff, and other campus partners to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors in support of Redhawk student-athletes and Athletics priorities.Primary ResponsibilitiesManage a portfolio of Athletics donors and prospects, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and ongoing relationship managementDevelop and execute fundraising strategies to secure major gifts, sport-specific gifts, annual leadership gifts, capital project support, endowment support, and other philanthropic commitments for SEMO AthleticsBuild and maintain relationships with alumni, former student-athletes, season ticket holders, parents, community leaders, corporate partners, and friends of SEMO AthleticsHelp grow investment in SEMO Athletics by identifying donor upgrade opportunities, cultivating mid-level donors, supporting donor renewals, and assisting with annual giving strategies as neededPrepare donor proposals, case statements, stewardship reports, impact communications, and other materials that clearly communicate the value and impact of supporting SEMO AthleticsCoordinate donor engagement and solicitation strategies in partnership with University Advancement, including prospect management, gift processing, stewardship, database activity, campaign alignment, and reportingPartner with coaches and sport administrators across all SEMO sports to identify fundraising priorities, engage prospects, and support approved sport-specific fundraising initiativesSupport the successful operation of fundraising events, home athletic events, emerging revenue generation initiatives, and other external engagement opportunitiesUse Raiser's Edge NXT, Paciolan/PacFund, and other platforms to manage prospects, track sales activity, document partner communication, monitor inventory, measure performance, and support revenue forecastingRepresent SEMO Athletics at home athletic events, select away athletic events, fundraising events, donor functions, community events, University gatherings, and regional engagement opportunities, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel as requiredEnsure all fundraising activity is conducted with professionalism, confidentiality, ethical fundraising practices, and compliance with University policies, Foundation procedures, NCAA rules, conference regulations, and applicable state and federal guidelinesPerform other duties as assigned in support of University Advancement and SEMO Athletics prioritiesRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree from an accredited institutionMinimum two years of professional experience in fundraising, athletics development, university advancement, alumni relations, nonprofit fundraising, sales, or another relationship-based revenue generation fieldDemonstrated ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, manage prospects, donors, or customers, and move individuals through a cultivation, solicitation, sales, or stewardship processDemonstrated ability or readiness to identify prospects, conduct outreach, make visits, present opportunities, ask for support, close gifts or revenue commitments, and provide appropriate follow-up and stewardshipStrong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to write professional correspondence, develop proposals or presentation materials, and clearly communicate funding prioritiesStrong organizational skills, attention to detail, personal initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, relationships, and follow-up activity in a fast-paced environmentAbility to work collaboratively with a variety of audiences, including Athletics and University leadership, coaches, staff, donors, alumni, volunteers, community partners, and campus colleaguesAbility to use donor databases, CRM systems, or similar technology to manage relationships, track activity, and support data-informed outreachAbility to work frequent evenings and weekends, including home and away athletic events, fundraising events, donor functions, community events, University gatherings, and regional engagement opportunities, with occasional travel as requiredCommitment to NCAA rules compliance, University policies, donor confidentiality, and ethical standardsPossess and maintain a valid driver's licenseApplication ProcessTo ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by October 20, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.Complete the online application by clicking on the APPLY button on the top of the page. You must submit the following in order for your application materials to be complete: • Letter of interest addressing all required position qualifications • Resume • Names and contact information of three professional references may be asked for later, if not previously submittedAbout Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO): Founded in 1873 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University provides student-centered education and experiential learning with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, embracing a tradition of access, exceptional teaching and commitment to student success that significantly contributes to the development of the region and beyond. SEMO values access to high quality, affordable education with a broadly representative student body, faculty and staff that respects and celebrates a diverse learning community in a global society.