Director of the Bulldog Club and Sponsorship

Gardner-Webb University is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to become the next Assistant Director or Director of the Bulldog Club and Sponsorship Programs. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Advancement, the Assistant Director or Director will be responsible for increasing Bulldog Club membership and securing philanthropic gifts from the university’s 37,000 alumni, community friends, and corporate partners. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting Gardner-Webb’s student-athletes who compete in 22 NCAA Division-I sports, with key responsibilities including the management of the Bulldog Club Membership program and the development of strategic sponsorship programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand and demonstrate a clear commitment to helping build championship athletic programs at a growth-oriented, private Christian university.

• Design, lead, and implement fundraising strategies that increase support from alumni, parents, faculty/staff, students, and friends of Gardner-Webb.

• Oversee the planning of Bulldog Club events, including home-game receptions and away event tailgates (travel required).

• Facilitate the recruitment and deployment of the Bulldog Club Board.

• Manage the membership structure, including fulfillment of Bulldog Club benefits. Through this process, this director should ensure that membership structure meets industry standards and creates positive results.

• Ensure quality stewardship and communication for members at all levels of giving.

• Partner with local businesses to create win-win sponsorship scenarios that strengthen the Bulldog network.

Gardner-Webb University is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to become the next Assistant Director or Director of the Bulldog Club and Sponsorship Programs. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Advancement, the Assistant Director or Director will be responsible for increasing Bulldog Club membership and securing philanthropic gifts from the university’s 37,000 alumni, community friends, and corporate partners. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting Gardner-Webb’s student-athletes who compete in 22 NCAA Division-I sports, with key responsibilities including the management of the Bulldog Club Membership program and the development of strategic sponsorship programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand and demonstrate a clear commitment to helping build championship athletic programs at a growth-oriented, private Christian university.

• Design, lead, and implement fundraising strategies that increase support from alumni, parents, faculty/staff, students, and friends of Gardner-Webb.

• Oversee the planning of Bulldog Club events, including home-game receptions and away event tailgates (travel required).

• Facilitate the recruitment and deployment of the Bulldog Club Board.

• Manage the membership structure, including fulfillment of Bulldog Club benefits. Through this process, this director should ensure that membership structure meets industry standards and creates positive results.

• Ensure quality stewardship and communication for members at all levels of giving.

• Partner with local businesses to create win-win sponsorship scenarios that strengthen the Bulldog network.

• Ensure accurate documentation and timely fulfilment of all sponsorship agreements.

• Represent the university positively and professionally as a public ambassador. • Support the mission and values of the university.

• May supervise student employees or BDC volunteers.

• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Advancement.

Required Qualifications

Assistant Director Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as business, marketing, communications, sports management, or public relations.

• At least 1 year of relevant work experience in athletic sponsorships, alumni relations, fundraising, development, or a similar field.

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in a higher education setting.

Director Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as business, marketing, communications, sports management, or public relations.

• At least 3-5 years of relevant work experience in university advancement, athletic fundraising, development, or a similar field.

• Documented success securing philanthropic gifts using advancement metrics. •Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing staff, volunteers, or committees.

• Knowledge of higher education or nonprofit environments, including an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in engaging alumni and parents within these contexts.

Physical Requirements

Sit, stand, talk, listen, type, bend stoop, left up to 30 lbs., & event set-up

Travel Requirements

Some travel to specific away games tailgates and advancement events. Local travel to secure Bulldog Club sponsors.

Gardner-Webb University is a Christian university committed to helping individuals become more in faith, learning, and service. Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, GWU offers the benefits of a close-knit community with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and the greater Greenville-Spartanburg region.

Founded in 1905 and rooted in the Baptist tradition, the University now serves approximately 3,000 students across more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. As a Carnegie Doctoral/Professional institution, Gardner-Webb is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and meaningful service to others.

Our community reflects a shared commitment to One Webb, creating an environment where people support one another, pursue their purpose, and work together to make a lasting impact. GWU attracts students from across the nation and around the world and competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 22 teams and more than 500 student-athletes. 

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