Director Corporate & Athletic Engagement

Position Summary

Wilmington College seeks a relationship-driven, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented Director of Corporate & Athletic Advancement to join the Institutional Advancement team.

The Director is responsible for developing philanthropic and strategic partnerships that advance the mission of the College, with responsibility for corporate partnerships, athletic fundraising, business development, and donor engagement.

Working closely with the Vice President for Advancement, President, Athletic Director, coaches, alumni, trustees, business leaders, and other College constituencies, the Director will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partners.

The Director will develop a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support for athletics and other institutional priorities while strengthening the College's relationships throughout the surrounding business and civic community.

Essential Responsibilities

Corporate Relations and Development

• Develop and manage a portfolio of corporate, business, foundation, alumni, and individual prospects.
• Identify new corporate and community prospects through research, networking, referrals, events, and existing College relationships.
• Cultivate relationships with business owners, corporate executives, community leaders, alumni, parents, and other prospective supporters.

Position Summary

Wilmington College seeks a relationship-driven, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented Director of Corporate & Athletic Advancement to join the Institutional Advancement team.

The Director is responsible for developing philanthropic and strategic partnerships that advance the mission of the College, with responsibility for corporate partnerships, athletic fundraising, business development, and donor engagement.

Working closely with the Vice President for Advancement, President, Athletic Director, coaches, alumni, trustees, business leaders, and other College constituencies, the Director will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partners.

The Director will develop a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support for athletics and other institutional priorities while strengthening the College's relationships throughout the surrounding business and civic community.

Essential Responsibilities

Corporate Relations and Development

• Develop and manage a portfolio of corporate, business, foundation, alumni, and individual prospects.
• Identify new corporate and community prospects through research, networking, referrals, events, and existing College relationships.
• Cultivate relationships with business owners, corporate executives, community leaders, alumni, parents, and other prospective supporters.
• Develop corporate sponsorship and partnership opportunities aligned with college and business objectives.
• Solicit corporate gifts, sponsorships, matching gifts, in-kind contributions, and other forms of philanthropic support.
• Develop partnerships that may provide both philanthropic support and student opportunities, including internships, mentoring, career placement, and experiential learning.
• Establish and maintain a consistent stewardship program for corporate and community partners.

Athletic Advancement

• Serve as the primary Advancement liaison to the College's athletic department.
• Work with the Athletic Director and coaches to establish annual fundraising priorities and goals.
• Develop and execute fundraising strategies for athletic scholarships, facilities, equipment, travel, team needs, special projects, and other approved priorities.
• Build relationships with alumni, former student-athletes, parents, fans, coaches, and athletic supporters.
• Develop athletic sponsorship and donor opportunities.
• Identify prospects capable of making leadership and major gifts to athletics.
• Assist coaches and athletic staff in appropriately engaging donors and prospective donors.
• Coordinate athletic fundraising with the College's broader Advancement strategy.
• Develop opportunities for donors to experience the impact of their support through student-athlete engagement, athletic events, and campus activities.

Events and Community Engagement

• Represent the College at business, civic, alumni, athletic, and community events.
• Plan and execute donor cultivation and fundraising events.
• Utilize athletic contests and other College events as opportunities for donor engagement.
• Develop programs that connect business and community leaders with students, student-athletes, faculty, coaches, and College leadership.
• Strengthen the College's visibility and relationships within the surrounding region.
• Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required, master’s preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in higher education, advancement, business development, relationship management, athletics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success developing and maintaining professional relationships.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to initiate donor conversations and confidently make fundraising solicitations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel locally and regionally.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for college events.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Wilmington College.

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