Associate Director, Sports Foundation Operations

Job Description:

In concert with Brown Advancement colleagues, the Associate Director, Sports Foundation Operations, oversees the planning and implementation of the Brown Sports Foundation's special projects and initiatives that directly impact giving and stewardship. The incumbent will manage special projects and initiatives that leverage giving and ensure milestones are met in support of the Division of Athletics and Recreation goals. 

The individual will serve as an operations specialist focused on the Sports Foundation’s complex structure with over 80 affinity groups spanning varsity and club sports. The incumbent will develop and implement operational efficiencies and institutional partnerships on behalf of the Sports Foundation and Division of Athletics and Recreation. The incumbent will execute an extensive annual stewardship program for the Division of Athletics and Recreation’s donors, including reporting annually on 150+ special-purpose funds supported by donors. They will play a critical role as a liaison to all Brown Advancement Services functions and workstreams.

The individual will provide strong operational leadership for all giving days and challenges on behalf of the BUSF to help raise over $7M in current-use cash annually for the Division of Athletics and Recreation. The incumbent will manage fundraising volunteer resources, digital platforms, and tools, and provide effective leadership and oversight of all volunteer training to ensure a seamless volunteer experience.

This position will oversee the management of 2-4 individual Sports Associations. It will be responsible for partnering with fundraisers and head coaches to cultivate and solicit leadership-level gifts ($10,000-$100,000+) to support team fundraising initiatives that approach $500,000 annually. The incumbent will also direct efforts through high-touch alumni and parent volunteer management and work to identify alumni and parent prospects within the community of each assigned sport. They will ensure that these Sports Associations achieve their annual metrics for current use support, capital, and endowment campaign efforts.

Job Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Minimum 5 years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in development operations, or within a related field, such as annual giving, fundraising, sales, or direct marketing for higher education or nonprofit organizations, preferably in an athletic setting.

• Some staff management experience required.

Job Description:

In concert with Brown Advancement colleagues, the Associate Director, Sports Foundation Operations, oversees the planning and implementation of the Brown Sports Foundation's special projects and initiatives that directly impact giving and stewardship. The incumbent will manage special projects and initiatives that leverage giving and ensure milestones are met in support of the Division of Athletics and Recreation goals. 

The individual will serve as an operations specialist focused on the Sports Foundation’s complex structure with over 80 affinity groups spanning varsity and club sports. The incumbent will develop and implement operational efficiencies and institutional partnerships on behalf of the Sports Foundation and Division of Athletics and Recreation. The incumbent will execute an extensive annual stewardship program for the Division of Athletics and Recreation’s donors, including reporting annually on 150+ special-purpose funds supported by donors. They will play a critical role as a liaison to all Brown Advancement Services functions and workstreams.

The individual will provide strong operational leadership for all giving days and challenges on behalf of the BUSF to help raise over $7M in current-use cash annually for the Division of Athletics and Recreation. The incumbent will manage fundraising volunteer resources, digital platforms, and tools, and provide effective leadership and oversight of all volunteer training to ensure a seamless volunteer experience.

This position will oversee the management of 2-4 individual Sports Associations. It will be responsible for partnering with fundraisers and head coaches to cultivate and solicit leadership-level gifts ($10,000-$100,000+) to support team fundraising initiatives that approach $500,000 annually. The incumbent will also direct efforts through high-touch alumni and parent volunteer management and work to identify alumni and parent prospects within the community of each assigned sport. They will ensure that these Sports Associations achieve their annual metrics for current use support, capital, and endowment campaign efforts.

Job Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Minimum 5 years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in development operations, or within a related field, such as annual giving, fundraising, sales, or direct marketing for higher education or nonprofit organizations, preferably in an athletic setting.

• Some staff management experience required.

Job Competencies

• Superior interpersonal skills with proven ability to successfully interact and collaborate with varied constituencies in a professional manner, exhibiting excellent written and oral communication skills, team-building skills, and demonstrating tact, poise, and diplomacy while working with a wide variety of personalities. Demonstrated professional, customer-service oriented, and positive attitude.

• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to initiate, collaborate, implement, monitor, evaluate, and advance strategic plans and activities that support the program and contribute to the overall goals and objectives of Advancement and the fundraising enterprise.

• Proficiency with Excel, Google Sheets (as well as the rest of the MS Office Suite and Google Suite), Zoom (Meeting and Webinar), web applications, and CRM software is required. Ability to work across multiple CRM (Content Relationship Management) platforms.

• Demonstrated knowledge of computer software programs necessary to perform the job, including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheet programs, databases, email programs, and web applications.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and priorities to meet aggressive timelines and challenging deadlines; takes responsibility for progress and outcomes

• Proven track record of being highly proactive and detail-oriented. Excellent planning, organization, and time management skills.

• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to interpret data and use it to inform business decisions.

• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to apply sound judgment and make impactful, responsible decisions  

• Ability to present effectively to small and large groups.

• Facility with budget management, budget forecasting, and excellent analytical skills.

• Ability to build productive business relationships, both internally and externally.

• Ability to travel and work some evenings and weekends, including Reunion Weekend, is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with database query tools, ARMS, and Blackbaud.

• Interest in collegiate athletics or a passion for sports

• Experience with developing/delivering persuasive communications to a varied constituency.

Background Check: All offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown.

Additional Information: Please submit a resume and cover letter when applying for this position. To learn about Brown University’s benefits, please visithere for further information.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-02-12

Job Posting Title:

Associate Director, Sports Foundation Operations

Department:

Advancement

Grade:

Grade 11

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type :

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.

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