Assistant/Associate Director of Development, Athletics

Job Description

A humble college founded before Texas was a state, Baylor now stands as one of the premier institutions of higher education in the world. Baylor has continued to invest in research and doctoral education, both solidifying and elevating its unique status as a preeminent Christian research university. Baylor is among 187 R1 institutions, just 52 of which are private universities.


Since 2011, Baylor has been named as one of the nation's "Great Colleges to Work For". Great Colleges to Work For® is one of the country's largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. Each year, Great Colleges recognizes the colleges and universities that get top employee ratings regarding workplace practices and policies across 10 areas. This recognition is based on faculty and staff responses to a related annual survey. The survey, conducted by ModernThink, is a way for colleges and universities to gain a deeper understanding of how their employees experience and view various aspects of the institution. This continued recognition further affirms Baylor as a rewarding place to build a career.


What We're Looking For

The Assistant/Associate Director of Development, Athletics role will support the mission of the University by building and deepening relationships with philanthropically minded individuals who share a passion for Baylor Athletics and its broader impact. This position plays a key role in growing private support for the University by connecting donors to opportunities that align with their values and Baylor's strategic vision. Success in this role requires a collaborative spirit, strategic thinking, and a commitment to operating with integrity within all applicable institutional and NCAA guidelines.

A bachelor's degree and one year of relevant experience are required. A master's degree and three years of relevant experience in a major gift fundraising or sales role, preferably in college athletics, is preferred.

A successful candidate will have/possess strong character and self-starting/driven work ethic, curiosity to learn more about people, high emotional intelligence, a coachable spirit, and a persistence to initiate and cultivate key donor relationships.


A valid US Driver License with a clear driving record of at least two years is required.


Must be able to travel outside of the state of Texas.


This position will be based in Waco, Texas.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a Full-Time basis.

What You Will Do

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a specific portfolio for major gifts to support Baylor University, especially Baylor Athletics facilities, scholarships, endowment, and strategic initiatives, inspiring donors to consider purpose driven, impact-oriented investment
• With the leadership of the Sr. Director of Development/Associate AD, establish yearly measurable goals and objectives and related metrics for new gift commitments secured, proposals made, and prospect meetings held
• Develop and execute individualized annual plans for each donor/prospect in the caseload, aligning institutional priorities with donor passions, with clear goals for visits, meaningful moves, and solicitations
• Participate fully in University Development's prospect management and related prospect development programs in order to inspire trust, encourage creative thinking, and collaborate with other Baylor staff and volunteers to significantly increase private gifts to Baylor
• Partner with coaches and sport administrators to engage donors in ways that deepen their understanding of Baylor Athletics' vision and impact (e.g., thoughtfully planned practices, facility tours, and program briefings), using access strategically to advance long term philanthropic relationships rather than one off transactions
• Collaborate with the Prospect Management Team, Baylor Bear Foundation, and National Engagement teams to identify, qualify, and thoughtfully transition high potential annual fund donors into a major gift portfolio; coordinate strategies to ensure a seamless donor experience while respecting the Baylor Bear Foundation's benefits driven model
• Maintain working knowledge of and adherence to all NCAA, Big 12 Conference, and institution rules and regulations and communicate immediately any possible infractions
  of such rules and regulations to the Athletics Compliance staff.
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor's mission
• Ability to comply with University policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family's wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus. To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Baylor in Deeds. Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally. If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco!

About Us

Baylor University, a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor complies with statutory Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity requirements. Baylor's full official Notice of Non-Discrimination may be read online.