Chief Development Officer

COLUMBIA, SC 29208

Start Date   04/21/2026

End Date   05/15/2026

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Overview

Salary Range

$145,000.00 - $185,000.00 Salary

Position Type

View Full Description

Chief Development Officer

COLUMBIA, SC 29208

Start Date   04/21/2026

End Date   05/15/2026

Apply

Overview

Salary Range

$145,000.00 - $185,000.00 Salary

Position Type

Full Time

Job Shift

Day

Education Level

Bachelors Degree

Category

Executive

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Description

Job Title: Chief Development Officer
Department: Gamecock Club
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer, Gamecock Club

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Position Summary

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as the senior executive responsible for all philanthropic and membership-based fundraising efforts in support of South Carolina Athletics. As a key member of the Gamecock Club's leadership team, the CDO provides strategic vision and executive oversight for major gifts, capital campaigns, stewardship, and donor engagement. Reporting directly to the Gamecock Club CEO and working in close partnership with university advancement and athletics leadership, the CDO plays a critical role in advancing the mission, values, and competitive aspirations of Gamecock Athletics.

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Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Leadership — 25%

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term fundraising strategy for South Carolina Athletics, encompassing major gifts, annual philanthropic giving, and campaigns.
• Identify new revenue opportunities and enhance donor pipelines through data-driven decision-making.

Team Leadership and Staff Development — 25%

• Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of development officers, donor relations professionals, and administrative support staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration aligned with department goals.

Major Gift Management and Campaign Direction — 25%

• Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, with a focus on securing gifts of $25,000 and above. Achieve set annual fundraising goals for both individual and team. 
• Lead planning and implementation of major capital campaigns and high-impact fundraising initiatives in alignment with institutional priorities.

Donor Engagement and Stewardship — 15%

• Oversee the design and execution of a comprehensive donor stewardship and recognition strategy.
• Ensure a consistent and meaningful donor experience that strengthens loyalty and long-term investment in Gamecock Athletics.

Cross-Campus Collaboration and Integration — 5%

• Serve as the primary liaison to University Advancement, Athletics leadership, and key external stakeholders to ensure integration and alignment of all development activities.

Compliance and Integrity — 5%

• Ensure all fundraising practices are in full compliance with NCAA, SEC, and University policies and regulations.
• Uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and transparency.

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Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly oversees a team of development professionals, including major gift officers, stewardship staff, interns, and student workers. Responsible for hiring, training, evaluation, and professional development of all direct reports.

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Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Extensive leadership experience in athletic development, advancement, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and leading multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns, ideally in a collegiate athletics or nonprofit environment

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Key Competencies and Attributes

• Visionary leader with a strong strategic mindset
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
• Proven expertise in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Results-oriented with a high degree of initiative and integrity
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment

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