Director of Major Gifts

Director of Major Gifts

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Major Gifts.

Position Details

Location

Hattiesburg

118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States

Division

Eagle Athletic Fund

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Director of Major Gifts

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Major Gifts.

Position Details

Location

Hattiesburg

118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States

Division

Eagle Athletic Fund

Position Type

Staff

Employment Status

Full Time

Grant Funded

No

Pay Grade

E09

Posting Close Date

Five Days After Posted

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary This role focuses on cultivating and stewarding major gifts for the Department of Athletics, encompassing strategic donor engagement, program management, and event support. The position is responsible for identifying and soliciting prospective donors, managing donor relationships, and representing the department at various events, while ensuring effective database management and collaboration with the USM Foundation.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement strategies to enhance the major giving program, including identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects for facility projects, scholarship endowments, and other departmental needs. Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, focusing on transformational engagement and stewardship.
2. Manage the stewardship of the Circle of Champions program, ensuring timely communication and benefits delivery, while maintaining accurate and comprehensive records within the donor and prospect database, and collaborating with the USM Foundation.
3. Represent the Department of Athletics at sporting events, civic clubs, alumni gatherings, and other community events, while managing and selling suites and premium seating, and overseeing the courtesy vehicle program as it relates to donor relations and engagement.
4. Assist in Athletic Foundation event planning.
5. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in sport management, management, business or other closely related field. Three to Five years of experience in donor relations, or a related area such as strategic communications, relationship management, project oversight, sports program administration, or sales.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Ability to produce high volumes of work on deadline while maintaining strong production quality and consistency.
• Ability to perform detailed work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required, including the ability to clearly communicate project goals to stakeholders and team members.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required, including the ability to clearly communicate project goals to stakeholders and team members.

Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in sport management, management, business or other closely related field.

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About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu. 

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.

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