Entry Level Development Director Jobs
New grad development director jobs are open to recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong portfolio or internship work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings mix on-site, remote, and hybrid settings across Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Science & Research, with employers like Encompass Health, Robert Half, and Dairy Management hiring at this level now.
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Open roles31
Top stateUtah
Top employerEncompass Health
Top cityLogan, UT
Work type65% On-site
Top industryEducation
Showing 5 of 31+ Entry Level Development Director jobs
Assistant Director, Academic & Student-Athlete Development
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Added 5d ago
University of Portland
Assistant Director, Academic & Student-Athlete Development
Portland, Oregon
Added 5d ago
Development Director
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Added 2w ago
Weber State University
Development Director
Ogden, Utah
Added 2w ago
Assistant Director of Development
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Added 2w ago
University of North Florida
Assistant Director of Development
Jacksonville, Florida
Added 2w ago
Associate Director of Development
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Added 3w ago
The Nature Conservancy
Associate Director of Development
Rhode Island
Added 3w ago
Assistant Director of Development
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Added 3w ago
American University
Assistant Director of Development
Washington, Washington DC
Added 3w ago
Added 5d ago
Assistant Director, Academic & Student-Athlete Development
University of Portland·Portland, Oregon
Job functions:
$47k/yr
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's degree in sports management
Full Time
501-1,000 employees
Job Description
Job Title
Assistant Director, Academic & Student-Athlete Development
Department
Athletic Administration
Job Code
A21325
Job category
Full Time Staff
Terms and Hours
Full Time Exempt
Salary Range
Starting Salary $46,640; commensurate with experience
Job Summary
The Assistant Director, Academic & Student-Athlete Development supports the academic success, personal development, and overall well-being of student-athletes through comprehensive advising, academic support, and developmental programming. The position manages an assigned student-athlete caseload, monitors academic progress and NCAA academic eligibility requirements, develops individualized intervention strategies, and connects student-athletes with appropriate University resources. The Assistant Director also develops and assesses student-athlete development initiatives focused on leadership, career readiness, life skills, and personal growth, while collaborating with coaches, faculty, Athletics staff, and campus partners to foster student success, retention, degree completion, and preparation for life beyond collegiate athletics. This position reports to the Senior Associate Athletic Director, Academics and Student-Athlete Development in University Athletics.
University of Portland Athletics is committed to change and stand against racism and systemic discrimination, in our department, program, on our campus, and in our community. We are committed to the well-being, education and equality of every person, and are committed to taking action to drive societal and systematic change.
University of Portland Athletics is committed to change and stand against racism and systemic discrimination, in our department, program, on our campus, and in our community. We are committed to the well-being, education and equality of every person, and are committed to taking action to drive societal and systematic change.
Core Duties
- Provide academic advising, support, and case management for assigned student-athletes, monitoring academic progress, degree progression, course enrollment, academic performance, and individual success plans to promote retention, persistence, and timely degree completion.
- Monitor the academic progress of assigned student-athletes and identify students requiring additional support, developing and implementing individualized intervention strategies in collaboration with student-athletes, coaches, faculty, academic advisors, and appropriate campus resources.
- Communicate regularly with coaches regarding academic expectations and academic performance of student-athletes.
- Compile, distribute, and update missed-class-time calendars for all teams.
- Coordinate academic support services for assigned student-athletes, including tutoring, academic mentoring, progress reporting, academic check-ins, and other targeted support programs; evaluate student needs and recommend appropriate resources and interventions on campus..
- Assist student athletes with the priority registration process each semester.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with departmental faculty, Academic Advisors, Health & Counseling Center, Shepard Academic Resource Center, Accessible Education Services, and other campus partners to provide comprehensive and coordinated support for student-athletes.
- Prepare and communicate academic progress reports and relevant student-athlete success information to Athletics leadership, coaches, compliance personnel, and other appropriate stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality and adherence to applicable University requirements.
- Supervise, train, and mentor graduate assistants, academic mentors, tutors, student employees, or other assigned personnel, including participation in hiring, onboarding, work assignment, performance feedback, and professional development, as applicable.
- Maintain current knowledge of NCAA, conference, University, and Athletics policies and requirements related to student-athlete academic success and development, performing assigned responsibilities in accordance with applicable standards. Division I academic-services roles specifically emphasize adherence to NCAA, conference, and institutional requirements.
- Provide key support as a representative of Athletics and Academic & Student-Athlete Development on assigned University committees, departmental initiatives, recruiting activities, orientations, and other events, serving as a resource regarding student-athlete academic success and development programs.
- Serve as Athletics liaison to the Office of Residence Life and Bon Appetit dining services to coordinate student-athlete housing and meals, including break periods and summer enrollment.
- Ability to travel with assigned Teams as needed and may be required to drive student athletes and/or Athletics personnel to practice, games, or other functions.
- Manage administration of NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund.
Other duties as relevant to the duties of the position or as assigned by supervisor or designee.
Please note that the above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s purview and responsibility.
Please note that the above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s purview and responsibility.
Education & Experience
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in higher education, education, sport management or a related field.
- Required: One to two years of professional experience in academic advising, student success, student-athlete development, student affairs, collegiate athletics, or a related higher education environment.
- Strongly preferred: Previous experience working with student-athletes in a Division I athletic department.
- Preferred: Experience coordinating programs, workshops, educational initiatives, or student development activities.
- Preferred: Master’s degree in relevant field of study.
- Or equivalent education and/or experience.
Certifications & Licenses
- Valid Drivers License
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Ability to monitor student academic progress, identify areas of concern, develop appropriate intervention and support strategies.
- Knowledge of student development, academic success, retention, and student support practices.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with students, coaches, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
- Ability to analyze student or program data, maintain accurate records, and use information to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when working with sensitive and confidential student information.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong orientation towards taking ownership of projects and assignments and being proactive with projects, assignments, and process improvements.
- Ability to learn and apply applicable University and other applicable policies.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Competence with and commitment to inclusive excellence; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships, professional rapport, and effectively accomplish work within a University setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes.
- Effective ability to use and learn computers, technology, software, and applications at level of sophistication required for the duties of the position, including, without limitation, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), the internet, and computerized management systems.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently: sit, perform desk-based computer tasks; use fine manipulation and grasp; use a telephone; write by hand; sort and file paperwork.
- Occasionally: stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, and pull objects that up to 25 pounds.
- Frequently: ability to attend events and activities on or off campus.
- Frequently: ability to interact and communicate with members of the University and others as necessary.
- Occasionally: Travel by car or air, drive as requested.
Working Conditions
- Hours of employment: sometimes may require working flexible and/or longer hours, when necessitated by projects, including some early mornings, evenings/nights, and weekends.
- Work-related stress: sometimes there may be stress from work-related situations such as those involving challenging, important, urgent, time-sensitive, or multiple matters.
- Travel: sometimes may require travel.
Work Standards
- Respect for the University’s mission and Catholic identity: demonstrates commitment to learning, respecting, and contributing to the mission of the University, a Catholic and Congregation of Holy Cross institution. The University’s mission statement states in relevant part: “we pursue teaching and learning, faith and formation, service and leadership in the classroom, residence halls, and the world.”The University’s Statement of Inclusion states in relevant part: “Our belief in the inherent dignity of each person is founded upon the social teaching of the Catholic Church. At the center of that teaching is the fundamental mandate that every person, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social or economic class, age, or disability shall be treated with respect and dignity.”
- The full Mission Statement is at: www.up.edu/about/mission.
- The full Statement of Inclusion is at: www.up.edu/disclosures/inclusion.
- Promote culture of safety: demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Compliance with laws, policies, and procedures: subject to and expected to comply with all applicable laws as well as University, departmental, and other applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel, business, and/or other policies of the University, NCAA, and WCC or other applicable organizations.
- Promotion of integrity and reputation: all Athletics Department positions share responsibility for promoting and maintaining the integrity and reputation of the University of Portland and its intercollegiate athletics program. In fulfilling the responsibilities of this position, the person hired is required to comply with both the letter and spirit of all University policies and procedures, laws, and NCAA and WCC rules and regulations.
- Compliance with driving related laws and requirements: when conducting university business while driving, must comply with the Oregon Vehicle Code and University of Portland driving requirements.
- Interpersonal skills: demonstrates the ability to work professionally with all University of Portland community members, external organizations, and any other person or organization employee interacts with related to his or her University position.
Benefits
Medical and dental insurance, life insurance, sick time and vacation time consistent with University policies, long-term disability insurance, flexible spending account benefits, tuition remission benefits generally starting after 90 days (employee) or 2 years (spouse and children) of employment, retirement contributions generally starting after 2 years of employment, and eligibility for the University’s home purchase assistance program consistent with program requirements. (Benefits are subject to all relevant University policies, practices, contracts, and any other relevant materials.)
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S401-2023
Number of Vacancies
2
Estimated Start Date
Open Date
Close Date
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions Summary
University of Portland
Assistant Director, Academic & Student-Athlete Development
Portland, Oregon
Added 5d ago501-1,000 employees
Job functions:
$47k/yr
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's degree in sports management
Full Time
Job Description
Job Title
Assistant Director, Academic & Student-Athlete Development
Department
Athletic Administration
Job Code
A21325
Job category
Full Time Staff
Terms and Hours
Full Time Exempt
Salary Range
Starting Salary $46,640; commensurate with experience
Job Summary
The Assistant Director, Academic & Student-Athlete Development supports the academic success, personal development, and overall well-being of student-athletes through comprehensive advising, academic support, and developmental programming. The position manages an assigned student-athlete caseload, monitors academic progress and NCAA academic eligibility requirements, develops individualized intervention strategies, and connects student-athletes with appropriate University resources. The Assistant Director also develops and assesses student-athlete development initiatives focused on leadership, career readiness, life skills, and personal growth, while collaborating with coaches, faculty, Athletics staff, and campus partners to foster student success, retention, degree completion, and preparation for life beyond collegiate athletics. This position reports to the Senior Associate Athletic Director, Academics and Student-Athlete Development in University Athletics.
University of Portland Athletics is committed to change and stand against racism and systemic discrimination, in our department, program, on our campus, and in our community. We are committed to the well-being, education and equality of every person, and are committed to taking action to drive societal and systematic change.
University of Portland Athletics is committed to change and stand against racism and systemic discrimination, in our department, program, on our campus, and in our community. We are committed to the well-being, education and equality of every person, and are committed to taking action to drive societal and systematic change.
Core Duties
- Provide academic advising, support, and case management for assigned student-athletes, monitoring academic progress, degree progression, course enrollment, academic performance, and individual success plans to promote retention, persistence, and timely degree completion.
- Monitor the academic progress of assigned student-athletes and identify students requiring additional support, developing and implementing individualized intervention strategies in collaboration with student-athletes, coaches, faculty, academic advisors, and appropriate campus resources.
- Communicate regularly with coaches regarding academic expectations and academic performance of student-athletes.
- Compile, distribute, and update missed-class-time calendars for all teams.
- Coordinate academic support services for assigned student-athletes, including tutoring, academic mentoring, progress reporting, academic check-ins, and other targeted support programs; evaluate student needs and recommend appropriate resources and interventions on campus..
- Assist student athletes with the priority registration process each semester.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with departmental faculty, Academic Advisors, Health & Counseling Center, Shepard Academic Resource Center, Accessible Education Services, and other campus partners to provide comprehensive and coordinated support for student-athletes.
- Prepare and communicate academic progress reports and relevant student-athlete success information to Athletics leadership, coaches, compliance personnel, and other appropriate stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality and adherence to applicable University requirements.
- Supervise, train, and mentor graduate assistants, academic mentors, tutors, student employees, or other assigned personnel, including participation in hiring, onboarding, work assignment, performance feedback, and professional development, as applicable.
- Maintain current knowledge of NCAA, conference, University, and Athletics policies and requirements related to student-athlete academic success and development, performing assigned responsibilities in accordance with applicable standards. Division I academic-services roles specifically emphasize adherence to NCAA, conference, and institutional requirements.
- Provide key support as a representative of Athletics and Academic & Student-Athlete Development on assigned University committees, departmental initiatives, recruiting activities, orientations, and other events, serving as a resource regarding student-athlete academic success and development programs.
- Serve as Athletics liaison to the Office of Residence Life and Bon Appetit dining services to coordinate student-athlete housing and meals, including break periods and summer enrollment.
- Ability to travel with assigned Teams as needed and may be required to drive student athletes and/or Athletics personnel to practice, games, or other functions.
- Manage administration of NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund.
Other duties as relevant to the duties of the position or as assigned by supervisor or designee.
Please note that the above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s purview and responsibility.
Please note that the above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s purview and responsibility.
Education & Experience
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in higher education, education, sport management or a related field.
- Required: One to two years of professional experience in academic advising, student success, student-athlete development, student affairs, collegiate athletics, or a related higher education environment.
- Strongly preferred: Previous experience working with student-athletes in a Division I athletic department.
- Preferred: Experience coordinating programs, workshops, educational initiatives, or student development activities.
- Preferred: Master’s degree in relevant field of study.
- Or equivalent education and/or experience.
Certifications & Licenses
- Valid Drivers License
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Ability to monitor student academic progress, identify areas of concern, develop appropriate intervention and support strategies.
- Knowledge of student development, academic success, retention, and student support practices.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with students, coaches, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
- Ability to analyze student or program data, maintain accurate records, and use information to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when working with sensitive and confidential student information.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong orientation towards taking ownership of projects and assignments and being proactive with projects, assignments, and process improvements.
- Ability to learn and apply applicable University and other applicable policies.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Competence with and commitment to inclusive excellence; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships, professional rapport, and effectively accomplish work within a University setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes.
- Effective ability to use and learn computers, technology, software, and applications at level of sophistication required for the duties of the position, including, without limitation, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), the internet, and computerized management systems.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently: sit, perform desk-based computer tasks; use fine manipulation and grasp; use a telephone; write by hand; sort and file paperwork.
- Occasionally: stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, and pull objects that up to 25 pounds.
- Frequently: ability to attend events and activities on or off campus.
- Frequently: ability to interact and communicate with members of the University and others as necessary.
- Occasionally: Travel by car or air, drive as requested.
Working Conditions
- Hours of employment: sometimes may require working flexible and/or longer hours, when necessitated by projects, including some early mornings, evenings/nights, and weekends.
- Work-related stress: sometimes there may be stress from work-related situations such as those involving challenging, important, urgent, time-sensitive, or multiple matters.
- Travel: sometimes may require travel.
Work Standards
- Respect for the University’s mission and Catholic identity: demonstrates commitment to learning, respecting, and contributing to the mission of the University, a Catholic and Congregation of Holy Cross institution. The University’s mission statement states in relevant part: “we pursue teaching and learning, faith and formation, service and leadership in the classroom, residence halls, and the world.”The University’s Statement of Inclusion states in relevant part: “Our belief in the inherent dignity of each person is founded upon the social teaching of the Catholic Church. At the center of that teaching is the fundamental mandate that every person, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social or economic class, age, or disability shall be treated with respect and dignity.”
- The full Mission Statement is at: www.up.edu/about/mission.
- The full Statement of Inclusion is at: www.up.edu/disclosures/inclusion.
- Promote culture of safety: demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Compliance with laws, policies, and procedures: subject to and expected to comply with all applicable laws as well as University, departmental, and other applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel, business, and/or other policies of the University, NCAA, and WCC or other applicable organizations.
- Promotion of integrity and reputation: all Athletics Department positions share responsibility for promoting and maintaining the integrity and reputation of the University of Portland and its intercollegiate athletics program. In fulfilling the responsibilities of this position, the person hired is required to comply with both the letter and spirit of all University policies and procedures, laws, and NCAA and WCC rules and regulations.
- Compliance with driving related laws and requirements: when conducting university business while driving, must comply with the Oregon Vehicle Code and University of Portland driving requirements.
- Interpersonal skills: demonstrates the ability to work professionally with all University of Portland community members, external organizations, and any other person or organization employee interacts with related to his or her University position.
Benefits
Medical and dental insurance, life insurance, sick time and vacation time consistent with University policies, long-term disability insurance, flexible spending account benefits, tuition remission benefits generally starting after 90 days (employee) or 2 years (spouse and children) of employment, retirement contributions generally starting after 2 years of employment, and eligibility for the University’s home purchase assistance program consistent with program requirements. (Benefits are subject to all relevant University policies, practices, contracts, and any other relevant materials.)
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S401-2023
Number of Vacancies
2
Estimated Start Date
Open Date
Close Date
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions Summary
See All 31 Entry Level Development Director Jobs
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Find JobsEntry Level Development Director Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education13
- Healthcare & Medical Services7
- Science & Research2
- Staffing & Recruiting2
- Banking & Financial Services2
Entry Level Development Director Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level development director job?
Entry level development director roles typically look for candidates who can demonstrate project coordination experience, even from internships, volunteer work, or academic settings. A portfolio showing donor engagement, fundraising campaigns, or community outreach gives you a concrete edge. Highlighting transferable skills like relationship-building, proposal writing, and data tracking helps hiring managers see your readiness, even without years of professional experience.
Which companies hire entry level development directors?
Companies hiring entry level development directors right now include Encompass Health, Robert Half, and Dairy Management, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Nonprofits, educational institutions, and mission-driven organizations represent a large share of employers hiring at this level, as they often build internal talent and promote early-career professionals into development roles.
Are there remote entry level development director jobs?
Yes, though availability varies by employer and sector. About 35% of entry level development director openings are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, making flexible work accessible at this stage. Nonprofits and national organizations tend to offer the most remote options, while local community-focused employers often prefer on-site candidates.
Are these new grad development director jobs?
Yes, many of these listings are new grad and junior roles that welcome recent graduates with little or no professional experience. A new grad-friendly posting typically notes that it welcomes zero to two years of experience, considers internships or volunteer work, or values a strong portfolio over a lengthy resume. Searching for junior and entry level titles alongside development director broadens what you'll find.
Which industries hire the most entry level development directors?
Entry Level development director roles concentrate in Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. These sectors rely heavily on fundraising, grants, and donor relations to sustain operations, which creates consistent demand for early-career development professionals who can grow into more senior roles over time.