Job Details

Associate AD - Athletics Development

The Associate Athletic Director for Development is responsible for driving philanthropic growth for Furman Athletics. This role cultivates, solicits, and stewards major and planned gifts, with a core emphasis on strengthening the Furman Athletics Fund (FAF) and building athletic endowments. Working closely with both athletic and university leadership, this position supports student-athlete scholarships, facilities enhancements, and long-term strategic initiatives.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Major & Planned Gifts Management - Oversee a portfolio of high-potential major gift and planned giving prospects. Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for six- and seven-figure commitments.
• Endowment & FAF Strategy - Advance the Furman Athletics Fund (FAF) by prioritizing endowment growth and supporting long-term fundraising goals. Collaborate with development leadership and sport administrators to integrate endowment priorities into overall strategy.
• Prospect Development & Research - Partner with University Advancement to identify and research new major gift and planned giving prospects. Maintain a dynamic prospect pipeline based on capacity, affinity, and engagement.
• Gift Documentation & Impact Reporting - Create compelling proposals, gift agreements, and impact reports that align donor interests with athletic priorities. Ensure accurate tracking of donor data and stewardship milestones.
• Internal Collaboration - Work closely with the Senior Associate AD, sport administrators, coaches, and advancement partners to support integrated gift strategies. Provide support in donor communication and relationship maintenance alongside the Director of Administration & Events.
• Athletics Development Team Participation - Contribute to athletics development strategy. Coach and mentor junior staff on best practices in collegiate athletic development and major gift strategy.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• At least 5 years of major gift or planned giving experience, preferably in intercollegiate athletics or higher education.
• Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure gifts and cultivating planned gifts or endowment vehicles.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently managing a complex portfolio and to collaborate across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in NCAA athletics program fundraising.
• Familiarity with endowment structures and legacy giving strategies.
• Strategic mindset with ability to align donor interests with institutional and athletic goals.
• Comfort with travel and evening/weekend donor engagement.

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel for cultivation and stewardship visits.
• Evening and weekend availability required.
• Primarily based at Furman's Athletic Complex, with flexibility as needed for development activities.

Education Requirements

Certification Requirements

Job Posting End Date (if date is blank, posting is open ended):