Director of Development for Athletics

Job Summary

Reporting to the AVP University Advancement, the Director of Development for Athletics is responsible for managing and cultivating relationships with existing major gift prospects, as well as identifying new prospective donors for UWG Athletics. As a Major Gifts Officer, this role develops and implements strategies for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals, organizations, foundations, and corporations capable of making major gifts ($25,000+) in support of elevating UWG Athletics to Division 1 and UWG's institutional priorities.

Building a pipeline of major and legacy giving is critical to the future of UWG, and as a member of the Development Team, this role is an integral part of the team that helps curate a first-choice university for our Division 1 Athletics program.

1. Develops & implements comprehensive cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for a minimum of 100 prospects/donors. Works both independently & with colleagues, volunteers and UWG Athletics to implement strategies. Qualifies identified prospects through individual visits, advises Data Team of potential new prospects and assumes specific responsibility for prospect activity.

2. Devises personalized involvement/engagement strategies for all prospects using a 'top-down' approach to ensure that highest rated prospects receive priority. Partners with development team to devise an overall strategy for cultivating, soliciting and stewardship of potential major and planned gift donors. Schedules appointments and oversees the preparation of necessary materials, including funding proposals, briefings for the Executive Director of Development and VP of UA, and stewardship reports for all assigned prospects.

Identifies prospects to participate in specific events, committees, or other programs that promote the cultivation process. Ensures stewardship is provided to donors on existing endowment and current-use funds to demonstrate impact of gifts to UWG in coordination with Special Events, Donor Relations and Stewardship colleagues.

3. Actively participate in activities associated with the University, the University Advancement Division, UWG Athletics, and as part of the broader academic community.

Bachelor's Degree

A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in athletics fundraising/development, fundraising/development, recruitment, marketing, sales or related field. Skills & Knowledge:
Knowledge and proficiency working with Blackbaud CRM -- Raiser's Edge, Maturity, intelligence and professionalism that earn the respect of colleagues, volunteers, and donors. Strong leadership abilities. Strong communication and interpersonal skills; excellent presentation skills. Demonstrated analytical and strategic thinking capabilities. Team player, collaborate with deans, faculty, campus partners, as well as development and advancement staff Tolerance for ambiguity. Collegial and service oriented.

Well-refined organizational skills. Demonstrate initiative and creative energy. Entrepreneurial skills. Negotiation and persuasion abilities. Strong commitment to a diverse working environment and to serving the needs of a large and diverse community. Excellent project/program management skills, including skill in setting, meeting and exceeding program/project goals and objectives within budget and time constraints.

Master's Degree

4+ years' experience as a major giving officer of a higher education institution or a non-profit organization, which includes major giving, planned giving and comprehensive fundraising campaigns.