Associate Director of Development, Special Events and Stewardship

Associate Director of Development, Special Events and Stewardship

Job #  | 042272
Department Code  | 34203-7032
Department  | Athletics
Job Title  | Associate Director of Development, Special Events and Stewardship
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Pay Range  | $78,000 - $80,000
Pay Determination  | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level  | S5
FLSA Status  | Exempt
Hours  | Standard University business hours.

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type  | Full-time
Campus  | Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable

Job Description  | The Associate Director of Development, Special Events & Stewardship is a full-time employee of Cuse Athletics Fund reporting to the Assistant Athletic Director for Development, Operations, and Campaign Strategy. Responsible for directing all `Cuse Athletics Fund events, both locally in Syracuse and Central New York as well as regional events throughout the country. Oversee Cuse Athletics Fund and Legends Society member stewardship, focusing on the timely delivery of all Cuse Athletics’ Fund member benefits as well as coordinating with the Associate Vice President for Athletics Development to enhance the stewardship of all Athletics principal and major gift donors.

The cross-functional role will work closely with divisional colleagues, particularly those in the University and Advancement Events team, (in the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement), Donor Relations Team (in the Office of Strategic Communications & Donor Experience) the Department of Athletics leadership to ensure alignment between all events efforts and overall fundraising initiatives aimed at raising private donor support for Syracuse Athletics. Serve as a liaison to development officers in their cultivation/stewardship of Athletic prospects and/or Legends Society members.

Education and Experience  | 3-5 Years of event and/or fundraising experience. Bachelor’s Degree. Knowledge of donor database systems. Experience with operating communication platforms including Adobe Creative Suite, social media, email, and website. Knowledge of intercollegiate athletics and/or higher education fundraising. Supervisory experience (for internship program responsibilities). Valid Driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are required.

Skills and Knowledge  | Proven ability to manage multiple events and projects and lead events from conception to execution, meeting all deadlines with precision and ensuring seamless coordination with stakeholders. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; adept at drafting and proofreading professional documents with accuracy, clarity and consistency. Resourceful and proactive in resolving challenges, maintaining composure under pressure, and delivering creative, cost-effective solutions during high-stakes events. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and has the ability to learn and utilize new systems including Encompass, Citrus/Blackbaud, Data Insights, CaterTrax, Prismm, Cobblestone and Qualtrics. Delivers high-level customer service with professionalism and discretion while maintaining confidentiality, a polished demeanor and courteous communication-style with all constituents. Collaborative team member with the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed. The position requires work during non-business hours which may include, but is not limited to nights, weekends, holidays and/or academic break periods.

Responsibilities  | Plan and execute a diverse portfolio of events that elevate the Syracuse Athletics brand, while driving engagement and philanthropy including signature programs, Jersey Retirements, VIP experiences, alumni engagement events, donor/prospect cultivation and/or stewardship events, and/or corporate philanthropy programs. Collaborate closely with University and Advancement Events colleagues to ensure event strategies and execution align with institutional priorities, participation objectives, and fundraising goals. Provide strategic leadership and coordination for major donor engagement and stewardship initiatives, with a primary focus on the Legends Society. Oversee exclusive donor travel and access opportunities, including the design and execution of high-touch travel experiences. Manage branded engagement strategies and deliver tailored communications that deepen connection and loyalty among Legends Society members. Lead and enhance stewardship efforts for all CAF members, while thoughtfully integrating third-party NIL opportunities. Serve as a key liaison to development officers, ensuring consistent, strategic, and personalized engagement for Athletics prospects and Legends Society donors in alignment with Syracuse University’s advancement goals. Manage all Cuse Athletics Fund operations on game days, including hospitality for Football, Men’s Basketball, and Women’s Basketball. Coordinate logistics such as suite management, ticketing, credentials, compliance requirements, and leadership briefings for University, Athletics, and CAF executives. Direct postseason operations for ACC Tournaments, Bowl Games, and Final Fours, ensuring seamless donor and leadership experiences. Responsible for properly tracking and managing events in CRM systems (Citrus/iModules), including attendee engagement, retrievals and/or reports associated with preparing and executing athletics events, and providing stewardship acknowledgements. Utilize data to inform enhancements to future strategy. Lead communication for CAF for all event activity across AEA and liaise with colleagues in Strategic Communications & Donor Experience as needed, to ensure alignment of communications strategies that support donor cultivation and stewardship. Develops and executes social media strategy and creates graphic content for CAF’s social media account.
Physical Requirements  | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment  | Not Applicable
Application Instructions  | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University  | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area  | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement  | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans  | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community  | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link  | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/110975
Job Posting Date  | 09/19/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 

Applicant Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

621 Skytop Road | Suite 1001 | Syracuse, NY 13244 – 5300 | 315.443.4042
© 2017 - Syracuse University, All Rights Reserved. | Accessibility | Privacy | Accreditation | syr.edu