Development Officer for Athletics and Recreational Sports

Development Officer for Athletics and Recreational Sports

Salve Regina University, ranked as one of the most transformative colleges in the United States by Money Magazine, is a comprehensive Catholic University located in the scenic coastal community of Newport, Rhode Island. The University s commitment to academic success and personal discovery extends beyond its historic campus into a dynamic world where the application of higher thinking and skill are most valued.

Salve Regina offers bachelor s and master s degree programs, graduate certificates, and doctoral programs in humanities, international relations and nursing. Enrollment includes more than 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students from across the U.S. and around the world.

This position is eligible for up to one day remote work per week.

JOB SUMMARY:
It is an exciting time in Salve Regina University s distinguished history. As we near the conclusion of Our Mission. Our Moment, the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in the University s history, we are already seeing its transformational impact. The campaign has differentiated Salve in higher education by fueling academic innovation, elevating the student experience, and positioning the University for long-term success.

Yet our work is not done. Since joining the New England Women s and Men s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) in 2023 and our recent addition to the Conference of New England (CNE) for hockey, Salve s athletic programs have reached new heights. Complementing this success, the University has also relaunched a vibrant recreational sports program that now engages hundreds of students in club, intramural, and fitness offerings.

To sustain and accelerate this momentum, Salve Regina is seeking a Development Officer with a primary focus on deepening philanthropic support for Athletics and Recreational Sports. This leader will secure resources for sport-specific initiatives and for the athletic and recreational infrastructure? including capital enhancements and program support that directly impact student-athlete success and campus-wide wellness.

The ideal candidate brings an entrepreneurial mindset and thrives in a multifaceted role as an integral member of Salve s Advancement team. They will educate constituents on leadership s vision and funding priorities, inspire impactful philanthropic support, and advance the University s Mercy mission. For the right professional, this role offers meaningful growth and advancement opportunities within the Salve team.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Development Officer serves as Salve Regina University s front-line gifts officer for Athletics and Recreational Sports, driving the identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of prospective donors who can transform student-athlete success and campus-wide wellness. This role builds and manages a dynamic portfolio of alumni athletes, parents, friends, and community partners whose inspired investments will strengthen athletic programs, recreational offerings, and the infrastructure that supports them.

Working in close partnership with the Senior Director of Development, the Vice President for Advancement, the Athletic Director, and coaching staff, the Development Officer secures philanthropic support that advances Salve s competitive edge following its 2023 entry into the NEWMAC and 2026 entry into the CNE for hockey. The officer fosters a culture of philanthropy across the university community, engaging alumni, parents, and friends through meaningful experiences at athletic competitions, regional and national travel for donor visits, and strategic engagement events that inspire lasting support.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Foster a collaborative and empowering work environment rooted in Salve Regina University s Mercy mission: demonstrate empathic leadership through the positive engagement of Advancement team members, campus partners, and volunteers.
• Manage a portfolio of 150+ alumni, parent, and friend prospects. Conduct an average of 125-135 visits annually. Meet revenue and participation targets set with the Senior Director of Development.
• Partner with Advancement, University, and Athletics leadership, as well as coaching staff to clearly articulate and align funding goals and opportunities.
• Develop strategies that will increase engagement and investment in athletics. Support the launching of a "Captain s Club" to engage former team captains with each other, our student athletes, and the boarder university.
• Recruit alumni and parent volunteers from specific Athletics programs as needed who can make leadership gifts, make introductions to peers, and volunteer with communicating (email, social, phone, etc.) to alumni and parents of the program.
• Collaborate with the Alumni Engagement Team in support of fundraising initiatives such as Seahawks Take Flight, Day of Giving, and help at all levels on Reunion Weekend and Fall Parents & Alumni Weekend.
• Provide regular written contact reports to…