Executive Associate Athletic Director, Philanthropy & Engagement
About the University of Pittsburgh
Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is one of the nation’s leading public research universities and a proud member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Guided by its motto Veritas et Virtus (“Truth and Virtue”), Pitt combines world-class scholarship with a deep commitment to innovation and community impact. The University enrolls more than 34,000 students across 17 schools and colleges, offering over 600 degree and certificate programs in fields spanning the arts and sciences, engineering, health sciences, business, and law. Pitt consistently ranks among the top 20 institutions in federal research and development funding, and is internationally recognized for groundbreaking discovery—from Dr. Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine to today’s advancements in medicine, data science, and sustainability.
In April 2023, Joan T.A. Gabel became Pitt’s 19th Chancellor and the first woman to lead the University in its 236-year history. Her strategic framework, the Plan for Pitt 2028, emphasizes academic excellence, innovation, inclusion, and civic partnership. Chancellor Gabel has underscored athletics as a vital connector to these priorities—advancing Pitt’s mission through engagement, visibility, and shared pride. In her remarks welcoming new Director of Athletics Allen Greene, she highlighted that “Pitt’s pursuit of excellence extends from the classroom to the competitive arena; when our student-athletes thrive, the University thrives.”
About Pitt Athletics
The University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics (Pitt Athletics) is a proud member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and sponsors 19 varsity sports and spirit programs. Guided by the leadership of Allen Greene, who was appointed Director of Athletics in 2024, Pitt Athletics is entering a bold new era focused on competitive excellence, student-athlete well-being, and engagement with alumni and the broader Pitt community.
Greene, who previously served as Athletics Director at Auburn University and held leadership roles at Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Buffalo, has been recognized nationally for his commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and strategic growth. Since his arrival, Greene has emphasized the importance of uniting the University’s athletic and academic missions, stating that Pitt “will be both bold and strategic—doubling down on what makes this institution special: world-class academics, proud traditions, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Pitt’s athletic programs have achieved national distinction in recent years, including multiple NCAA Final Four appearances in women’s volleyball, College Cup berths in men’s soccer, and NCAA titles in wrestling. The University also boasts a storied football history, producing all-time greats such as Dan Marino, Larry Fitzgerald, Aaron Donald, and Darrelle Revis. Pitt student-athletes continue to excel academically, maintaining a department-wide GPA above 3.0 for more than a decade.
The philanthropic heartbeat of Pitt Athletics is the Panther Club, which supports scholarships, facilities, and programmatic enhancements through the generosity of alumni, parents, and friends. The Executive Associate Athletic Director, Philanthropy & Engagement will lead this effort—advancing a culture of philanthropy that fuels Pitt’s competitive and academic aspirations under Greene’s leadership and in alignment with Chancellor Gabel’s institutional vision.
About the Position
The Executive Associate Athletic Director, Philanthropy & Engagement serves as the chief advancement and philanthropic strategist for Pitt Athletics and a key member of the Athletics Executive Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the Director of Athletics, this position provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for all fundraising, donor engagement, and alumni relations initiatives.
Working in close partnership with the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) and University Advancement, this individual will design and implement a comprehensive, modern fundraising program that strengthens Pitt Athletics’ long-term financial foundation and enhances its ability to deliver on its mission of competitive success and student-athlete development.
This position will oversee all areas of fundraising—including major gifts, annual giving, donor experience, stewardship, and events—and serve as a visible ambassador for Pitt Athletics in interactions with donors, alumni, corporate partners, and the community.
The Executive Associate AD will play a critical role in driving transformational support for capital projects, student-athlete scholarships, and strategic priorities, positioning Pitt Athletics as a leader among Power Four programs and a source of pride for the University and region.
Roles and responsibilities:
Directs and oversees all aspects of Major Gift and Panther Club fundraising, including but not limited to stewardship, events, communication, social media, and programming.
Leads and manages a staff of professionals across all fundraising units—including major gifts, Panther Club, operations, signature events, donor experience, and annual giving.
Fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration that positions Pitt Athletics for long-term success.
Serves as the primary advisor to the Director of Athletics on all matters related to development, alumni engagement, and philanthropic strategy.
Leverages new and existing donor recognition tools to build long-term relationships with donors, carrying a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and donors.
Creates an aggressive and modern fundraising model that achieves both short- and long-term goals in support of Athletics’ strategic priorities.
Develops and executes a comprehensive fundraising plan that aligns Athletics’ goals with the University’s advancement objectives, while fostering a transparent and collaborative culture across all units.
Secures funding for current and future capital projects, including new facilities and program upgrades as determined by the Director of Athletics.
Leads philanthropic planning and execution for capital, endowment, and facility priorities, creating and managing opportunities to secure funds for capital needs across all 19 varsity sports, the spirit squad, and band.
Collaborates with Athletics leadership and University partners to develop compelling cases for support and gift opportunities that advance Pitt Athletics’ strategic mission.
Directs and mentors a high-performing team of professionals across development functions. Establishes clear performance metrics and accountability measures aligned with departmental and institutional goals.
Promotes professional development and an inclusive team culture within the Panther Club organization.
Works collaboratively with central Advancement, University leadership, and key campus partners to align efforts and strengthen institutional impact.
Serves as a visible and credible ambassador for Pitt Athletics at donor, alumni, and community events. Strengthens relationships with trustees, alumni leaders, and community influencers to advance Athletics’ fundraising objectives and the University’s broader mission.
Represents Pitt Athletics with integrity and professionalism, enhancing the visibility and reputation of the University and its athletic programs.
Executes additional responsibilities as requested by the Director of Athletics.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree; 7 years relevant experience.
Ability to understand, interact with and effectively organize, manage and lead individuals and teams of people.
Excellent interpersonal, oral and written skills.
Application Process:
The University of Pittsburgh invites letters of nomination, applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted at Parker Executive Search’s website by December 5th, 2025. For additional information, please contact:
Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director
DeLaina Sarden, Principal
Khristian Carr, Executive Recruiting Coordinator
770-804-1996 ext. 119 || 70-804-1996 ext.134
danielparker@parkersearch.com | dsarden@parkersearch.com | kcarr@parkersearch.com
The University of Pittsburgh is an Equal Opportunity Employer.