Associate AD for Development (HR title: Director of Strategic Development)

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body. 

DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Senior Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development. 

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. 

The Associate AD for Development provides strategic leadership for SMU Athletics major and principal gift fundraising. 

The position leads the Athletics major giving team, develops and executes fundraising strategies, and coordinates closely with regional development officers, school and unit development teams, Parent Giving, and other DEA partners to maximize philanthropic support for Athletics priorities. 

The Associate AD for Development manages a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and serves as the primary Athletics Development liaison to the Athletics Development Board of Directors. The position works closely with Athletics and DEA leadership to strengthen the donor pipeline and advance Athletics fundraising priorities.

Essential Functions:

• Major and Principal Gift Fundraising: Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, developing and executing individualized strategies for identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Establish and achieve annual goals for donor engagement, solicitations and philanthropic revenue. Partner with Athletics and DEA leadership to identify funding opportunities and secure significant philanthropic support for Athletics priorities.
   

• Major Giving Strategy and Team Leadership: Lead and supervise the Athletics major giving team, establishing fundraising priorities, goals and performance expectations. Develop coordinated strategies for major and principal gift prospects and provide direction, coaching and accountability to frontline fundraisers. Monitor fundraising activity and results and identify opportunities to strengthen the Athletics major gift pipeline.

  
   

• University-Wide Fundraising Collaboration:  Coordinate Athletics fundraising strategies with regional development officers, school and unit development teams, Parent Giving, and other DEA partners. Facilitate collaborative prospect strategies, clarify fundraising priorities and strengthen coordination of donor engagement across SMU.  
   

• Athletics Development Board of Directors: Serve as the primary Athletics Development liaison to the Athletics Development Board of Directors. Partner with Athletics leadership to engage board members in advancing fundraising priorities, donor cultivation, prospect identification and philanthropic advocacy. Develop strategies to maximize board engagement and effectiveness in support of Athletics Development goals. 
   

• Athletics and Donor Engagement: Represent Athletics Development at athletic events, donor and alumni programs, and other University activities. Maintain accurate and timely prospect strategies, contact reports and related information in the University’s prospect management system. Perform other duties as assigned.
   

• Position requires evening or weekend work to attend athletics sporting events and other alumni events
   

• Position requires frequent travel in alignment with fundraising goals and in support of athletic teams