Executive Director of Athletics Development

This position has been filled - Job#: 453376815

Job Summary

Job Description

The Executive Director of Athletics Development will have a dual report to the Vice President for Development and Athletics Director.

The Executive Director is responsible for the creation and implementation of all athletic fundraising efforts for the 18 men's and women's sports programs including athletic facilities.

This position oversees all athletics development staff and is responsible for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a portfolio of major prospects and donors, and works closely with the Athletic volunteer leadership board(s).

The Executive Director works directly with the central development office to meet overall fundraising needs, utilize centralized infrastructure and is critical for the continued fundraising success in athletics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master's degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years experience as a seasoned development leader with a proven track record of major gift fundraising success in higher education is necessary.

Job Specific Qualifications

• The Executive Director will demonstrate success in major gift fundraising for Athletics and the ability to lead and manage a comprehensive development staff and operation.
• Must possess outstanding communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships.
• Must have depth understanding of athletic advancement and development.
• Ability to effectively manage and direct an experienced, professional staff.
• Demonstrated ability to be a team player with excellent interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• In Coordination with the Athletic Director and Vice President for Central Teams, the Exec Director directs the department in strategic planning, organizing, budgeting, implementing, and managing all aspects of the departmental fundraising functions including direct supervision and assignment of ten athletics fundraising and engagement staff.
• Travel nationally to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors and prospects.
• Build and manage a portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects in support of athletics.
• Cultivates relationships between donors and athletics consistent with identified strategies.
• Serves as the liaison between athletics and the central development office assuring the unit is properly aligned with the central development office objectives, measures and evaluates gift officer performance consistent with metrics in the division, and that the use of all available resources and support services are being optimized.
• Oversees all initiatives including planning, solicitation, and acknowledgement related to Donor Priority Point System.
• Oversees the management of athletic endowments and research activities.
• Directs the units efforts in planning, executing, and marketing events and special initiatives aimed at fostering strong collaboration with the department's advisory board, cultivating donors, engaging alumni, and enhancing the visibility and reputation of the athletics department.