Job Description

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) invites applications for the position of Associate Athletic Director for Development. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven leader to help shape the future of Panther Athletics through philanthropic support, corporate partnerships, and innovative revenue-generating initiatives.

Reporting directly to the Director of Athletics, the Associate Athletic Director for Development serves as the department's chief external fundraising officer and is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to expand philanthropic giving, strengthen corporate partnerships, increase premium revenue opportunities, and cultivate long-term financial support for EIU Athletics. The successful candidate will build meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, businesses, and community leaders while identifying creative opportunities to diversify and grow athletic department revenues.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative, relationship-driven leader with a demonstrated record of revenue generation success and a commitment to advancing the mission of Eastern Illinois University and Panther Athletics through philanthropy, strategic partnerships, and innovative revenue generation.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising and revenue generation strategy that supports the strategic priorities of EIU Athletics, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital initiatives, and other philanthropic efforts.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to expand private support and external revenue opportunities.
• Identify, develop, and manage corporate sponsorships, premium seating, special events, hospitality, licensing, and other initiatives that generate sustainable revenue and enhance the visibility of Panther Athletics.
• Collaborate with the Director of Athletics, University Advancement, the EIU Foundation, coaches, and campus partners to establish fundraising priorities, coordinate donor engagement, and pursue innovative revenue opportunities, including NCAA-compliant NIL-related initiatives.
• Direct donor stewardship, fundraising events, prospect management, reporting, and performance metrics while ensuring compliance with NCAA, conference, university, foundation, and applicable state regulations.
• Represent EIU Athletics in cultivating strategic relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and community organizations while promoting the mission and goals of Panther Athletics.

About Panther Athletics

EIU is home to 19 sponsored NCAA Division I teams and roughly 500 student-athletes dedicated to excellence in the classroom and in competition. With a student body of approximately 8,000, the university serves as a vibrant hub of athletic and academic achievement in the region. Over the past 5 years, EIU has made significant facilities investments including structural, aesthetic, and competitive upgrades to O’Brien Stadium, launching Volleyballs Gardella Family Court at McAfee, and Frost Field at Coaches Stadium.

The University and Community: Celebrating more than 130 years of excellence, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a fully accredited, comprehensive regional residential institution located in Charleston, Illinois—ideally positioned between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The University is known for its individualized attention, supportive relationships, and exceptional outcomes, including high graduation, retention, and career placement rates. Academically, EIU combines personalized learning with nationally respected programs. Small class sizes allow for close mentorship from distinguished faculty, while innovative undergraduate and graduate programs and firsthand opportunities prepare students for meaningful professional and personal growth. Campus life at EIU is vibrant and community oriented.

The University features more than 50 buildings within walking distance, extensive recreational facilities, and more than 200 student organizations including NCAA Division I athletics, and 20+ fraternities and sororities. Cultural life thrives at the world-renowned Doudna Fine Arts Center and the Tarble, which bring exceptional artistic and performance experiences to campus and the region. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of a classic college town with convenient access to shops, dining, and outdoor recreation—alongside robust service opportunities coordinated through EIU’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism. With its strong alumni network, sustainability efforts, and deep commitment to student success, Eastern Illinois University offers an exceptional environment to live, learn, and work.

Salary and Benefits

Final offer will be commensurate with experience and academic credentials. The position is budgeted for a range of $77,500-$82,500 per year.

This is a 12-month position eligible for the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

For more information on our employee benefit programs, please visit EIU Employee Benefits webpage.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, development, corporate relations, sponsorship sales, business development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in securing philanthropic gifts, sponsorships, or other revenue-generating partnerships.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required; valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in NCAA Division I fundraising, corporate sales, or university advancement.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, or capital campaign support.
• Experience working with university foundations, donor CRM systems, and fundraising analytics.
• Knowledge of NCAA regulations and experience developing innovative external revenue initiatives.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five professional references including name, phone number and email, to https://apply.interfolio.com/191872 Inquiries, nominations, and questions regarding this search, may be directed to Mark Bonnstetter, Search Committee Chair, at mdbonnstetter@eiu.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Eastern Illinois University provides equal opportunity in education and employment for all students, applicants for employment and employees. Discrimination based upon race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis of discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes, is strictly prohibited.

The University further commits to a program of affirmative action as prescribed by statute to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with a disability and qualified protected veterans (disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active duty wartime veterans and Armed Forces service medal veterans).