Development Officer for Athletic Giving

Ohio Wesleyan University seeks a Development Officer for Athletic Giving to increase philanthropic support for the Annual Giving Program. With a primary focus on athletics fundraising (Team OWU) and engagement, the Development Officer works with athlete alumni, parents of current and former student-athletes, and others with interest in OWU athletics, primarily in support of annual operations and, as appropriate, in support of endowment and facilities. This position oversees annual fundraising and engagement efforts for athletics with a focus on individual donors, corporate sponsorships, recognition of outstanding former athletes, athletic reunions, and the annual athletic golf outing.

 

The Development Officer is also responsible for the personal cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors, specifically focusing on reunion and class leader fundraising initiatives, for five alumni classes. The successful candidate will communicate the goals and mission of Ohio Wesleyan University to donors, alumni, parents and friends through face-to-face and virtual meetings, substantive phone conversations, and in writing.

 

The successful candidate must be comfortable soliciting alumni and parents for annual gifts. This position includes some travel to meet with prospects in Ohio and limited travel to key athletic away events. Occasional attendance at sporting events strongly encouraged. University Advancement offers a flexible work environment and this position can be a hybrid in office/work-from-home role, if desired. The successful candidate will have fundraising experience, and additional experience in corporate sponsorships and/or volunteer management is a plus. The candidate must be collaborative and able to thrive in a team environment. The candidate must adapt to working with alumni, parents, coaches, and friends of OWU. Experience working in higher education, an athletics program, or a non-profit organization preferred.

 

Specific responsibilities include: 

 

Athletic Fundraising (75%)

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Ohio Wesleyan University seeks a Development Officer for Athletic Giving to increase philanthropic support for the Annual Giving Program. With a primary focus on athletics fundraising (Team OWU) and engagement, the Development Officer works with athlete alumni, parents of current and former student-athletes, and others with interest in OWU athletics, primarily in support of annual operations and, as appropriate, in support of endowment and facilities. This position oversees annual fundraising and engagement efforts for athletics with a focus on individual donors, corporate sponsorships, recognition of outstanding former athletes, athletic reunions, and the annual athletic golf outing.

 

The Development Officer is also responsible for the personal cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors, specifically focusing on reunion and class leader fundraising initiatives, for five alumni classes. The successful candidate will communicate the goals and mission of Ohio Wesleyan University to donors, alumni, parents and friends through face-to-face and virtual meetings, substantive phone conversations, and in writing.

 

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The successful candidate must be comfortable soliciting alumni and parents for annual gifts. This position includes some travel to meet with prospects in Ohio and limited travel to key athletic away events. Occasional attendance at sporting events strongly encouraged. University Advancement offers a flexible work environment and this position can be a hybrid in office/work-from-home role, if desired. The successful candidate will have fundraising experience, and additional experience in corporate sponsorships and/or volunteer management is a plus. The candidate must be collaborative and able to thrive in a team environment. The candidate must adapt to working with alumni, parents, coaches, and friends of OWU. Experience working in higher education, an athletics program, or a non-profit organization preferred.

 

Specific responsibilities include: 

 

Athletic Fundraising (75%)

 

• Raise at least $450,000 in unrestricted support for Team OWU each fiscal year, including meeting specific fundraising targets, set in collaboration with the Director of Athletics, for each of the 24 varsity sports and general athletic dollars.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward current and potential donors to Team OWU by engaging prospects in a variety of media (face-to-face/video chat, phone, in writing). A minimum of 50 face-to-face/virtual meetings per year in addition to extensive phone calls.
• Work closely with the Director of Athletics, coaches, and University Advancement leadership and colleagues to develop and implement a strategy for individual donors and broad-based communication/engagement/solicitation/stewardship efforts.
• Recruit, retain, motivate, and provide guidance to Team OWU Excellence Committee, Team OWU Golf Outing Committee, and other athletic volunteers to support their peer-to-peer recruitment, solicitations, and other assignments.
• Implement a robust corporate sponsorship program in conjunction with Director of Athletics and University Advancement leadership.
• Partner with coaches and athletic volunteers to execute solicitations related to athletic reunions/events.
• Develop fundraising goals and strategies for and manage the execution of the annual Team OWU Golf Outing, in partnership with the Director of Athletics, coaches, and volunteers.
• Collaborate with Athletics, Major Gifts, Planned Giving, and Alumni Engagement teams in order to maximize prospect and donor relationships with Ohio Wesleyan University.

 

Athletic Engagement (10%)

 

• Partner with Athletics staff/coaches to engage athlete alumni and facilitate athletic reunions and gatherings.
• Support, plan, and coordinate volunteers and event programs for athletic recognition events including the Hall of Fame and Team of Distinction induction ceremony and Dale Bruce Honorary Coaches program.
• Gather information/write content for sport-specific newsletters and solicitations and all- Athletics communications.

 

Other Responsibilities (15%)

 

• In partnership with Alumni Engagement, administer the recruitment, training, motivation, and management of fundraising volunteers for the 30th class reunion program and 4 non-reunion classes.
• Effectively communicate results of contacts to appropriate personnel, such as other University Advancement and University staff, and utilize Raiser’s Edge database to document contact reports and other relevant information about donor and prospect moves management.
• Function as a team player within the Annual Giving, Development, and University
• Advancement teams.
• Supervise and train, as needed, Annual Giving student interns.

 

Qualifications:  

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of two to four (2-4) years of fundraising experience, preferably in the field of higher education and in which at least one (1) year included personal solicitation of donors or management of volunteers. 

Other qualifications include: ability to travel for occasional personal solicitation and to attend regional events, availability to work occasionally on weekends and evenings, a basic knowledge of athletics, excellent verbal communication and writing skills, strong computer skills, attention to detail, ability to take initiative, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, and a valid drivers’ license.

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