Assistant Director for Annual Giving, Catamount Athletics - #251078

EXPIRED

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number

EHRA972P

Quick Link for Internal Postings

https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/31017

Classification Title

Assistant Director

Working Title

View Full Description

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number

EHRA972P

Quick Link for Internal Postings

https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/31017

Classification Title

Assistant Director

Working Title

Assistant Director for Annual Giving, Catamount Athletics - #251078

Department

Office, Assistant VC of Development

Anticipated Hiring Range

Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.

About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site at the Cullowhee, NC campus.

Are you passionate about collegiate athletics and inspired by the power of philanthropy to elevate the student-athlete experience? Western Carolina University invites applications for a dynamic and driven individual to join our team as the Assistant Director for Annual Giving, Catamount Athletics. This is your opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on WCU Athletics by helping to shape the future of our programs and the lives of our student-athletes.

Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving and working in close partnership with the Catamount Club team, this position plays a visible, hands-on role within both the Athletics Department and the Division of Advancement. The Assistant Director will lead the strategic execution of all direct response fundraising initiatives for Catamount Athletics—including direct mail, email solicitations, membership renewals, level upgrades, and sport-specific campaigns.

This role is rooted in collaboration. You’ll work across teams—partnering with coaches, Athletics leadership, the WCU Print Shop, advancement services, and the Catamount Club membership manager—to deliver a coordinated, compelling, and high-impact annual giving strategy in alignment with our overall athletics development plan.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive annual fundraising results through strategic solicitation campaigns and targeted donor communications.
• Collaborate with the Catamount Club team to manage the Student Catamount Club, including staffing SCC events, acquiring and renewing members, and participating in philanthropy education events focused around WCU Athletics.
• Participate in game-day donor hospitality and high-impact special events, including the Catamount Golf Tour and the Catamount Club Gala.
• Support donor engagement and stewardship efforts, including parking and ticketing priorities.
• Play a key role in growing the Catamount Club through regional prospecting and personal outreach.
• Partner with University Advancement and Athletics to engage student-athlete alumni in philanthropy.
• Execute marketing and promotional strategies that inspire pride, loyalty, and investment in Catamount Athletics.

This position is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in a team-oriented environment and believes in the transformative potential of college athletics. If you’re ready to build something meaningful at a place where student success and school spirit run deep—join us.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position:

Fundraising Knowledge

• Expertise in fundraising principles, including annual giving and stewardship.
• Familiarity with fundraising technology (e.g., CRM systems) and best practices.
• Understanding of collegiate athletics fundraising and donor engagement.

Communication Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for creating donor appeals, stewardship materials, and solicitation strategies.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with donors, volunteers, and colleagues.

Project Management & Strategy

• Ability to manage multiple fundraising campaigns, ensuring goals are met and deadlines are adhered to.
• Proficiency in donor segmentation and performance analysis to optimize fundraising strategies.

Relationship Management

• Skilled in cultivating and stewarding long-term relationships with donors at all levels.
• Capacity to engage alumni, student-athletes, and other key constituencies in giving.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including Athletics, Advancement, Marketing, and Alumni Relations.

Flexibility & Time Management

• Adaptable and able to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

• Strong analytical skills to track campaign performance and optimize strategies.
• Ability to resolve challenges quickly, adapting fundraising efforts as needed.

Attention to Detail

• Precision in maintaining accurate donor records and producing high-quality, error-free communications.
  

Cultural Competence

• Ability to work with a diverse range of donors and stakeholders, respecting cultural and generational differences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States of America without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Experience with Microsoft Office
• Experience working in or around a fundraising or sales environment

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in marketing, communications, or fundraising in a higher education institution. Experience with Guided Fundraising engagement software
Experience with Raiser’s Edge fundraising CRM

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

40

Number of Months Per Year

12

Posting Text

| Open Date | 05/23/2025 | | Close Date | | | Open Until Filled | Yes | | Special Instructions to Applicants |
To be considered, you must apply online.

Please attach a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references (including complete contact information) to complete the application.

For questions and additional information, please contact the Division of Advancement at 828-227-7124. | | Background/E-Verify |
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment. | | Credential Verification |
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements. | | EOE |
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu. | | University Safety |
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety. |

Applicant Documents

Required Documents 1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application 2. Resume 3. List of references

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you require sponsorship?
   • Yes
   • No

Apply Now

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