Athletics Development Officer

Athletics Development Officer – Inside Higher Ed

Job No: 494752

Work type: Administrative (Full Time)

Location: Marion, IN

Categories: Administrative/Professional

Reporting Relationship: Director of Development

Unit: Central Administration

Department: University Advancement - Central Administration

Campus

Location:

Alumni House, Marion, IN

Summary of Position: The Athletics Development Officer serves as a front-line fundraiser in support of the priorities of Indiana Wesleyan University Athletics and Advancement departments. The position is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of annual and individual gift donors through relationships with alumni, parents, and friends. The Athletics Development Officer will also assist with staffing donor hospitality and other alumni engagement functions around athletics events, as well as serve as the individual sport liaison with coaches and volunteers to develop strategies to advance their philanthropic support.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build Relationships
  • Identify and manage a portfolio of 125‑150 prospects composed of individuals with specific affiliation and/or giving interest to Athletics
  • Conduct 120‑150 high‑value personal visits annually to develop a philanthropic gifts pipeline and close philanthropic revenue to support the priorities of the university and department of athletics
  • Establish collaborative and productive relationships with Athletics administration and coaches, becoming knowledgeable regarding the Department’s priorities, programs, and events to advance the priorities of Athletics
  • Impact a culture of giving for IWU Athletics, encouraging prospects and donors to support the university’s mission and vision while fostering a sense of pride and ownership spotlighting the transformative impact of their gifts
• Strategic Fundraising
  • Develop and implement personalized stewardship plans for donors
  • Provide accurate information of all prospects and donor activity in the Advancement CRM (Slate) including contact reports, gift commitments, strategy statements, and other documentation
  • Engage in athletic annual gift solicitations that:
    • retain current and re‑engage lost athletics donors
    • increase giving levels of current athletics donors
    • acquire new athletic donors
    • increase unrestricted giving to the general Athletics Fund
• Collaborative Teamwork and Creative Engagement
  • Routinely meet with appropriate IWU administrators, coaches, and staff to build relationships, gain insights, and establish partnerships to support giving opportunities and strategies
  • Identify prospects with potential for major and planned gifts and transition them to the major and planned giving team for further relationship development
  • Execute special projects and other duties as assigned to support the overall work of the team in Athletics Development and University Advancement
  • Serve as development representative at athletics‑based events, meetings, and programs related to donor engagement
• High‑Impact Hospitality and Character
  • Serve as an IWU ambassador with a high level of integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality
  • Maintain a positive image when dealing with constituents and the university community; demonstrate a lifestyle consistent with the values and ethos of IWU
  • Exhibit IWU values of Christlikeness, commitment, leadership, service, stewardship, innovation and diversity
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive spirit among subordinates, peers, and superiors within University Advancement and across the IWU community
  • Travel locally and out of town to cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business, Public Relations, or Marketing is preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of one to three (1‑3) years of direct or transferable experience with exposure to fundraising, direct sales, client services, or related fields. Experience in intercollegiate athletics is preferred

Required Skills:

• Demonstrate exceptional writing,…