Director of Development, Athletics

Job no: 561127
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Pomona
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Fundraising & Alumni Relations, Full Time

Job Classification : Administrator II

Anticipated Hiring Range :$100,000-$115,008 annually (Commensurate with skills and qualifications)

Work Hours : Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, unless otherwise notified

Recruitment Closing Date : September 7, 2026

THE DEPARTMENT:

The Division of University Advancement is one of five central divisions of the university whose primary purpose is to enhance the private support and knowledge of the university. This is accomplished by initiating programs, events and activities that stimulate the involvement and interest of alumni, friends, parents, corporations and foundations to develop relationships that will foster and stimulate giving to the university. The office the Vice President of University Advancement oversees the offices of development, alumni and external relations, advancement services, annual giving and government and external affairs. The division manages and operates the Cal Poly Pomona Philanthropic Foundations which serves as the official entity to receive and manage all contributions to the University. Under the telework policy it is understood that your physical presence may be required on individual scheduled remote days based on the needs of the campus, division, department, or request of your HEERA Manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program-Based Development Officer

• Serves as the lead Advancement professional for Athletics fundraising and develops, implements, and evaluates comprehensive fundraising strategies in support of Athletics and University priorities.
• Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, closes, and stewards individual, corporate, foundation, planned, and principal gift prospects, with primary emphasis on gifts of $25,000 and above.
• Manages an active portfolio of approximately 125 or more major gift prospects and is accountable for annual fundraising, visit, solicitation, proposal, and stewardship goals.
• Develops written prospect strategies, prepares donor proposals and briefings, documents activity in the University's donor database, and coordinates next steps with appropriate campus partners. Partners with the Director of Athletics, Athletics leadership, coaches, University Advancement leadership, the Philanthropic Foundation, and other campus stakeholders to identify funding priorities, develop compelling gift opportunities, and align donor interests with institutional priorities.
• Provides advancement-related guidance to Athletics partners regarding donor engagement, fundraising timelines, stewardship expectations, and coordinated prospect strategy.
• Represents University Advancement and Athletics at donor meetings, alumni activities, community events, Athletics events, and campus functions. Exercises independent judgment in managing confidential donor and institutional information, prioritizing complex donor engagement activities, and advancing strategies that support philanthropic outcomes.
• Recommends improvements to fundraising strategies, donor engagement practices, stewardship activities, and related advancement processes based on portfolio activity, donor feedback, campaign priorities, and fundraising outcomes.

University Advancement Leadership and Professional Responsibilities

• Participates as a member of the University Advancement team by contributing to divisional planning, goal setting, professional development, and cross-functional initiatives that support the University's philanthropic priorities. Uses the University's donor and prospect management systems to document contacts, update prospect strategies, track proposals, maintain accurate records, and support coordinated fundraising activity across University Advancement. Ensures fundraising activities are conducted in accordance with applicable University, CSU, Philanthropic Foundation, IRS, CASE, NCAA, CCAA, and campus policies, procedures, ethical standards, and reporting expectations. Maintains professional relationships with donors, alumni, volunteers, campus partners, Athletics personnel, and external constituents. Represents Cal Poly Pomona, University Advancement, and Athletics with professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned that are consistent with the purpose, scope, and classification of the position

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree - from an accredited college or university.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in major gift fundraising, advancement, development, or business development, with a demonstrated track record of identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding major gifts or comparable business opportunities.
• Experience managing an active portfolio or pipeline of prospects and successfully building long-term relationships that result in philanthropic investments, strategic partnerships, or new business opportunities is required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage an active portfolio or pipeline of prospects and to build long-term relationships that result in philanthropic investments, strategic partnerships, or comparable outcomes.
• Working knowledge of fundraising principles, donor engagement strategies, prospect management practices, stewardship practices, and related financial concepts.
• Ability to analyze and