Director - Development - Athletics

Position Announcement

The Director of Development for Athletics at Utah Valley University offers a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in advancing the growth and success of UVU Athletics. Under the guidance of the Senior Associate Athletic Director and the Senior Director of Development, this position collaborates with key stakeholders, including the Athletic Director and UVU’s Development and Alumni Office, to drive comprehensive fundraising efforts.

The Director will personally manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, ensuring strong engagement, cultivation, and stewardship, while securing major gifts to elevate UVU Athletics. By operating within the University's strategic guidelines, the Director will directly impact the future of UVU Athletics through transformative giving, empowering student-athletes and enhancing the university’s athletic programs.

This role offers the chance to be an integral part of a dynamic team, shaping the future of UVU Athletics and fostering relationships that will support the university's mission and athletic excellence.

Position Announcement

The Director of Development for Athletics at Utah Valley University offers a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in advancing the growth and success of UVU Athletics. Under the guidance of the Senior Associate Athletic Director and the Senior Director of Development, this position collaborates with key stakeholders, including the Athletic Director and UVU’s Development and Alumni Office, to drive comprehensive fundraising efforts.

The Director will personally manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, ensuring strong engagement, cultivation, and stewardship, while securing major gifts to elevate UVU Athletics. By operating within the University's strategic guidelines, the Director will directly impact the future of UVU Athletics through transformative giving, empowering student-athletes and enhancing the university’s athletic programs.

This role offers the chance to be an integral part of a dynamic team, shaping the future of UVU Athletics and fostering relationships that will support the university's mission and athletic excellence.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Raises funds from external constituencies. Manages an assigned portfolio of donors and prospects, identifies and qualifies prospects, engages and cultivates current and prospective donors, and directly solicits donors for major gifts and stewards donor relationships. Drafts and executes development gift agreements, gift acceptance letters, funding proposals, or other presentations associated with development. Represents UVU Athletics at key development and alumni events and fundraising or donor engagement opportunities. Travels to various functions around the country.
• Organizes and implements development strategy internally. Prepares and implements development plans for the college or unit. Organizes and develops leadership within the unit’s fundraising-oriented advisory or volunteer organizations. Monitors Athletics alumni relations efforts and manages volunteers assisting with those efforts. Supports central development efforts, including a majority of colleges or campus units, e.g. the President’s Scholarship Ball. Collaborates with development staff across campus to achieve the goals of Athletics and of the University.
• The Director of Development is expected to document development efforts, build a donor pipeline, and identify and research potential funding sources and opportunities. The Director must also maintain records on donor prospects according to university standards, including pertinent information on individuals and organizations and their interest in and ability to support the school’s initiatives and programs. May supervise full or part- time support personnel and/or student workers or interns.
• Other duties as assigned, which may include supporting university-level priorities in corporate sponsorship and engagement-focused events.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor's degree in a related discipline plus three years of staff level experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the Summary of Duties totaling seven years.

Preferred Qualifications
Have personal transportation or means to travel to meetings at other sites related to the nature of this position. (Licenses/Certifications:) Valid Utah driver’s license.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of and significant direct experience with fundraising procedures, techniques, and the ability to apply this knowledge in personal fundraising.
• Strong knowledge of effective web-based search engines and search strategies.
• Knowledge of academic operations, governance, and culture.
• Knowledge of gift planning strategies. Skills
• Strong aptitude with standard office productivity software which must include Microsoft Office programs.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Strong strategic planning and critical thinking skills. Abilities
• Demonstrated ability to work with business, philanthropic, and community leaders.
• Ability to plan effective development strategies for donors.
• Ability to think conceptually, globally, and understand the comprehensive operation of an institution of higher education.
• Ability to appropriately represent the dean/unit leader and the interests of their unit.
• Experience with administration, including methods and techniques for the preparation, analysis, and conformity with budgets.
• Ability to effectively manage records and databases.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Possess a professional outlook and keen sense of accountability and be highly energetic, focused, and outcome-oriented.
• Ability to freely navigate multiple campus sites, including visits to other campus locations.

EEO Statement:

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant’s qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.