Associate Athletics Director of Development​/Director Catamount Club

Position: Associate Athletics Director of Development/Director of the Catamount Club - #005403
Location: Cullowhee

Posting Number EHRA
1067P Quick Link for Internal Postings (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Classification Title Associate Director Working Title Associate Athletics Director of Development/Director of the Catamount Club - #005403 Department Office of Athletic Programs Anticipated Hiring Range $100,000 About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

* 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.

* 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.

* 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.

Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.

Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Associate Athletics Director of Development is responsible for leading comprehensive fundraising initiatives for Western Carolina University's athletic support organization, the Catamount Club, in support of the University's athletic programs. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development with functional reporting to the Director of Athletics at the main Cullowhee, NC campus, this position serves as a pivotal driver of philanthropic engagement and resource development for intercollegiate athletics.

The incumbent will develop and execute strategic fundraising plans focused on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects and donors; lead professional staff within the Catamount Club to achieve annual fundraising objectives; and collaborate with University Advancement colleagues to integrate athletic development efforts within the institution's comprehensive fundraising program.

This role requires an accomplished fundraising professional with a demonstrated track record in donor relations, strong leadership and interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to supporting the mission and values of higher education and collegiate athletics.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Fundraising Expertise & Donor Relations:
Extensive knowledge of fundraising methodologies and major gift solicitation; skill in identifying, cultivating, and stewarding donor relationships across all giving levels.

* Strategic Planning & Leadership:
Ab…