Senior Associate Athletic Director of Development - Sacramento State - Another source : Job Details

Senior Associate Athletic Director of Development - Sacramento StateID102120Application Deadline9/21/2025CategoryDevelopmentCompanyCSU SacramentoJob LocationsUS-CA-SacramentoAt a glance

Big news at Sac State! Help shape the future of Hornet Athletics and lead fundraising for a $400M stadium project as the new Senior Associate Athletic Director of Development. Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, with a dotted line to the Director of Athletics, this newly created role will oversee a development team, manage a portfolio of major donors, and drive fundraising strategy as the Hornets prepare to join the Big West Conference in 2026. With strong institutional support and outstanding CSU benefits-including five weeks of vacation, 13 paid holidays, CalPERS retirement, and an employee fee waiver program-this is your chance to make a lasting impact at a growing university in the heart of California's capital.

Why Sacramento?

Affordable, family-friendly city with a tight-knit community-1 in 7 locals is a Sac State alum
• Centrally located with easy access to Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, San Francisco, and the Sierra Nevada

Description: What you'll be doing

Another Source's client, California State University, Sacramento State, is recruiting a Senior Associate Athletic Director of Development to join their team on-site in Sacramento, CA.

Be a Force Behind the Future of Sacramento State Athletics

This is a unique opportunity to join Sacramento State during a transformational moment for Hornet Athletics. The newly created Senior Associate Athletic Director of Development role will take the lead on philanthropic strategy for a $400 million stadium project and other major initiatives-all at a time when university and athletic leadership are aligned and ready to act.

Reporting directly to the Vice President for University Advancement, with a dotted line to the Director of Athletics, this role sits on both the University Advancement Leadership Team and the Athletics Department Leadership Team. You'll lead a high-performing team (including the Director of Development and Annual Giving roles), steward principal gift-level donors, and drive long-term fundraising vision.

About Sacramento State:

Located in the capital of the world's fifth-largest economy, Sacramento State is home to over 30,000 students and 21 NCAA Division I sports programs. With a proud tradition of athletic and academic excellence, the Hornets are poised to reach even greater heights-with your leadership and fundraising expertise at the helm.

What Makes this Opportunity Unique:

• Transform a Program: Play a key leadership role in elevating a D1 athletics program, now transitioning into the Big West conference in 2026.

• Shape Major Capital Initiatives: Be the strategic fundraising architect behind a new $400M stadium project.

• Collaborate at the Top: Work alongside the VP of Advancement, Athletics Director, and campus leadership.

• Enjoy Strong Institutional Support: The President, Provost, and senior leadership are fully backing this initiative.

• Excellent CSU Benefits: Up to 5 weeks of vacation, 13 paid holidays, generous sick time, and CSU's robust fee waiver program.

What You'll Do:

• Fundraising Strategy (35%)

• Manage a personal portfolio of high-capacity donors and guide Athletics' major gift strategy.

• Lead pipeline development and campaign strategy in partnership with Advancement.

• High-Level Donor Engagement (20%)

• Support the AD, University Advancement, and President's Office in engaging top prospects.

• Develop and execute strategic plans for principal and transformational gifts.

• Operations & Leadership (30%)

• Coordinate all development activities with the AD.

• Supervise and mentor a 3-4 person team.

• Collaborate on strategic planning and campaign performance metrics.

• Cross-Functional Leadership (10%)

• Drive annual planning, goal setting, and strategy development.

• Represent Sacramento State Athletics at community and campus events.

You'll Be a Great Addition If You Have:

• Significant experience (ideally 5+ years) in university advancement or athletic fundraising.

• A track record of success in capital campaign fundraising, principal gifts, and campaign planning.

• Leadership and supervisory experience in a complex, fast-paced environment.

• A strategic mindset and collaborative spirit-able to partner across Advancement and Athletics.

• Experience with ticket sales, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) initiatives, or capital project messaging is a plus.

• An advanced degree is preferred.

What's In It For You:

Salary Range:

$120,000 - $144,000 annually

Benefits: Joining Sac State isn't just about your career today-it's about building a strong foundation for your future. Check out these benefits below:

• EDUCATION BENEFITS: