Assistant Athletic Director for Annual Giving

About the role

The Assistant Athletic Director for Annual Giving supports the University at Albany’s annual unrestricted gifts campaign, targeting alumni, parents, friends, students, faculty, staff, and corporate donors. This position focuses on growing philanthropic support for UAlbany Athletics through the Great Dane Athletic Club (GDAC), a membership‑based annual giving program.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of athletics annual‑giving prospects and donors, overseeing qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Conduct outreach via face‑to‑face visits, phone calls, virtual meetings, and event‑based engagement.
• Identify major‑gift potential and transition qualified prospects to the Associate Athletic Director for Development.
• Oversee daily GDAC operations, including benefit tracking, seating and parking allocations, gift processing, and game‑day logistics.
• Lead direct‑marketing and solicitation efforts in partnership with the Office of Annual Giving.
• Coordinate stewardship activities with the Office of Donor Relations and Athletics staff, ensuring donor recognition and special access.
• Collaborate with the Alumni Association on fan‑engagement initiatives to boost ticket sales and fundraising.
• Represent the department at external functions, athletic contests, donor trips, and university events.

Required profile

• Four‑year degree required.
• Experience in fundraising, development, or advancement, preferably within collegiate athletics.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for donor engagement.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate across departments.

Required skills