Director of Athletic Advancement

Job Description Summary

The Director of Athletic Advancement is responsible for developing and managing the University’s athletic fundraising program, including donor engagement, Bear Club operations, and annual, leadership, and major gift fundraising efforts. The position builds relationships with donors and prospects to generate philanthropic support aligned with athletics priorities.
This role serves as the primary staff lead for athletic fundraising and operates with a high degree of independence in managing donor relationships, establishing fundraising priorities, and advancing revenue goals. The position works closely with the Athletic Director and coaching staff to align fundraising efforts with program needs and collaborates with Advancement staff to support coordinated fundraising strategies and donor engagement.

_ Position will be posted until filled; for best consideration, apply by August 3, 2026. _

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

FUNCTIONS:

1. Athletic Fundraising Strategy and Major Gift Development
2. Bear Club Leadership and Donor Engagement
3. Athletics Partnership and Fundraising Coordination

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Job Description Summary

The Director of Athletic Advancement is responsible for developing and managing the University’s athletic fundraising program, including donor engagement, Bear Club operations, and annual, leadership, and major gift fundraising efforts. The position builds relationships with donors and prospects to generate philanthropic support aligned with athletics priorities.
This role serves as the primary staff lead for athletic fundraising and operates with a high degree of independence in managing donor relationships, establishing fundraising priorities, and advancing revenue goals. The position works closely with the Athletic Director and coaching staff to align fundraising efforts with program needs and collaborates with Advancement staff to support coordinated fundraising strategies and donor engagement.

_ Position will be posted until filled; for best consideration, apply by August 3, 2026. _

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

FUNCTIONS:

1. Athletic Fundraising Strategy and Major Gift Development
2. Bear Club Leadership and Donor Engagement
3. Athletics Partnership and Fundraising Coordination

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Athletic Fundraising Strategy and Major Gift Development - Develops and manages athletic fundraising goals and strategies for annual, leadership, and major gift efforts, tracks progress, and adjusts strategies to support revenue outcomes - Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors and prospects capable of making significant philanthropic contributions in support of athletics - Manages a portfolio of donors and prospects, maintaining ongoing relationships and advancing giving opportunities

1. Bear Club Leadership and Donor Engagement

   • Leads the development and growth of the Bear Club, including membership initiatives, donor retention, and engagement strategies to increase philanthropic support
   • Plans and oversees events and initiatives that support donor engagement and fundraising outcomes for athletics
   • Builds and maintains ongoing relationships with athletic donors, alumni, and supporters to sustain giving and involvement

2. Athletics Partnership and Fundraising Coordination

   • Serves as the primary liaison to the Athletic Director and coaching staff to identify funding priorities and align fundraising efforts with program needs
   • Provides guidance to athletics staff on donor engagement and fundraising practices to support coordinated efforts
   • Coordinates with Advancement staff to ensure accurate recording and tracking of donor activity and alignment with institutional fundraising efforts
   • Monitors and reports on athletic fundraising activity, including revenue, donor engagement, and progress toward goals

Minimum Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to develop and implement fundraising strategies;
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills with the ability to engage donors and stakeholders;
• Ability to work independently and manage a portfolio of prospects and donors;
• Ability to communicate effectively;
• Organizational skills;
• Ability to collaborate with Athletics leadership and Advancement staff.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Sports Management, or related field
2. At least 6 years relevant experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Master’s Degree; - Athletics fundraising experience; - Knowledge of NCAA Division II environment; - Familiarity with CRM systems - Fundraising reporting

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