Director of Annual Giving (HR Title: Mngr, Athletics Development) (ID: DEA00000507)

The position develops and implements annual giving strategies, solicitation campaigns, donor communications, and premium seating operations, with direct responsibility for carrying out the day-to-day work necessary to achieve fundraising, participation, retention, and revenue goals.

The Director personally manages a portfolio of annual giving donors and prospects and executes strategies to acquire, retain, upgrade, and engage donors. In coordination with the Leadership Annual Giving (LAG) team, the Director actively identifies and advances donors with the capacity and interest to become future Boulevard Society members and increase their philanthropic support. 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 Position:
This role is an on-campus, in-person position.
The Director of Annual Giving leads and executes SMU Athletics annual giving programs and serves as the lead annual giving officer for the Mustang Club.
The position develops and implements annual giving strategies, solicitation campaigns, donor communications, and premium seating operations, with direct responsibility for carrying out the day-to-day work necessary to achieve fundraising, participation, retention, and revenue goals.
The Director personally manages a portfolio of annual giving donors and prospects and executes strategies to acquire, retain, upgrade, and engage donors. In coordination with the Leadership Annual Giving (LAG) team, the Director actively identifies and advances donors with the capacity and interest to become future Boulevard Society members and increase their philanthropic support.
Essential Functions:

Annual Giving Strategy and Fundraising: Develop, lead, and execute the comprehensive annual giving strategy and solicitation calendar for Athletics priority funds. Plan, implement, and evaluate fundraising campaigns designed to achieve revenue, donor acquisition, retention, participation, and stewardship goals, including SMU Giving Day. Serve as the lead annual giving officer and personally manage a portfolio of annual giving donors and prospects through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Execute sport-specific fundraising initiatives, communications, reporting, and alumni engagement efforts. Work directly with the Ticket Office to manage annual giving operations, including priority points, season ticket waitlists, seat upgrades, Mustang Club benefit fulfillment, and donor requirements.
Mustang Club Marketing and Communications: Develop and execute Mustang Club fundraising communications and marketing campaigns, including email, direct mail, digital solicitations, renewal campaigns, and targeted donor outreach. Create and coordinate messaging, audience segmentation, solicitation lists, campaign schedules, and donor communications to increase acquisition, renewals, upgrades, and annual giving revenue. Monitor campaign performance and donor response and make adjustments to improve results. Work directly with Athletics and University partners to move campaigns from planning through execution.
Donor Pipeline Development: Actively identify, cultivate, solicit, and advance annual giving donors with increased philanthropic capacity and potential. Use donor and giving data to identify prospects, develop individualized engagement strategies, and create opportunities for increased support. In coordination with the Leadership Annual Giving (LAG) team, build and actively manage a pipeline of future Boulevard Society members and facilitate donor movement toward higher levels of philanthropic support. Maintain consistent donor contact and follow-up to advance relationships and giving opportunities.
Premium Seating Operations: Manage Athletics Development premium seating operations, including donor upgrades, interest and wait-list management, seat-related philanthropic requirements, and donor communications. Manage suite renewals, invoices, contracts, and related donor follow-up. Partner with Ticket Operations and other Athletics units to resolve donor needs, maximize premium seating opportunities, enhance the donor experience, and support philanthropic and revenue goals.
Athletics and Donor Engagement: Represent Athletics Development at athletic events, donor programs, and University activities and actively engage donors, alumni, fans, and other constituents. Build and maintain relationships through direct donor interaction, follow-up, cultivation, and stewardship. Collaborate with Athletics and Development and External Affairs partners to execute annual giving priorities and identify opportunities for increased philanthropic engagement.
The position requires regular evening and weekend work to support athletic events, donor engagement, and fundraising activities.
The position requires occasional travel for donor engagement, fundraising activities, and athletic events.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred.
A minimum of five (5) years of p rogressively responsible experience in annual giving, fundraising, development, marketing, or a related field is required.
Demonstrated experience developing fundraising strategies, executing multi-channel solicitation campaigns, managing donor relationships, and using data to drive donor acquisition, retention, and revenue growth is also required.
Experience in higher education or Division I collegiate athletics development is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
Candidates must possess strong organizational, strategic planning, and project management skills. Demonstrated expertise in annual giving, fundraising, and marketing is required.
Candidate must demonstrate the ability to develop solicitation strategies, analyze donor data, manage multiple priorities, and build collaborative relationships with donors and University partners.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience with fundraising/CRM databases and digital communication platforms are required. Experience with Blackbaud, Paciolan/PAC Fund, or comparable advancement CRM and ticketing systems is preferred.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Physical:

Bend
Reach above shoulder level
Carry/Lift up to 25 lbs.
Sit for extended periods
Squat
Climb
Handle objects (dexterity)
Carry/Lift over 25 lbs. to 50 lbs.
Kneel
Stand
Walk for long distances
Push/Pull

Environmental:

Drives motorized equipment

Deadline to Apply:
The position is open until filled.
Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 18, 2026.
EEO Statement
SMU is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Benefits:
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities , including tuition benefits .