Position Summary:

The Director of Athletics Development is an integral member of both the major gifts team in University Advancement and the senior leadership team in the Department of Athletics. The Director will help create the vision and provide leadership for all athletics-related fundraising revenue generation efforts through major gifts, athletic-specific capital projects, and the Hawk Athletic Fund.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Major Gifts, the Director is responsible for the identification, qualification, cultivation and solicitation of prospects that are rated up to and including $1M, and ensuring that all donors receive a positive and satisfying donor experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Duties:

• Create a strategic vision for all Department of Athletics fundraising efforts, including an annual solicitation calendar, recommended priorities based on donor interest, identification of stakeholder groups, stewardship plans, and fundraising events that is consistent with and supports the vision and needs of the Department of Athletics.
• Collaborate with athletic senior staff, coaches, student-athletes, and other relevant personnel to support the departmental fundraising needs.
• Engage specifically with our basketball coaching staffs to understand their vision and needs, and form relationships with the key basketball donors.

• Manage a portfolio of up to 125 major gift prospects:
  • Secure 120 quality visits per year while completing 250 quality moves and qualifying 50 major gift prospects annually;
  • Secure $1M – $2 million in outright major gifts and/or new commitments; and
  • Develop strategies for each prospect in their portfolio based on the gift cycle; manage and update strategies and key next steps as necessary, utilizing the Donor Engagement Process (DEP) prospect management system

• Partner with Director of the Saint Joseph’s Fund to coordinate the timing of all Hawk Athletic Fund direct mail solicitation materials; work with University Marketing and Communications to provide input into the creation of materials in a manner that ensures they align with Department of Athletics goals and vision.
• Evaluate all current and potential athletics fundraising events for strategic value and financial viability and make appropriate recommendations.
• Conduct an analysis of all key athletic department friends, donors and potential donors – including former student-athletes, Athletics Hall of Fame members, current and former parents, existing donors, season ticket holders, sport-specific alumni groups (formal and informal) and other – and work with Director of Athletics to evaluate the viability of formal or informal affinity groups. Oversee management of such groups as appropriate.
• Oversee assignment of athletic parent prospects and manage outreach efforts with gift officers.
• Supervise the Associate Director of Athletic Development.
• Oversee athletic development operating budget.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree , minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in major gift fundraising or equivalent experience of education and experience
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are essential, as well as the ability to effectively establish relationships internally and with alumni, donors, vendors, colleagues, and the entire Saint Joseph’s community.
• Excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous College/University fundraising experience
• Familiarity with collegiate athletics and/or athletic fundraising