Associate Director, Sports Foundation Operations

Overview

Job Description: In concert with Brown Advancement colleagues, the Associate Director, Sports Foundation Operations, oversees the planning and implementation of the Brown Sports Foundation's special projects and initiatives that directly impact giving and stewardship. The incumbent will manage special projects and initiatives that leverage giving and ensure milestones are met in support of the Division of Athletics and Recreation goals. The individual will serve as an operations specialist focused on the Sports Foundation’s complex structure with over 80 affinity groups spanning varsity and club sports.

The incumbent will develop and implement operational efficiencies and institutional partnerships on behalf of the Sports Foundation and Division of Athletics and Recreation. The incumbent will execute an extensive annual stewardship program for the Division of Athletics and Recreation’s donors, including reporting annually on 150+ special-purpose funds supported by donors. They will play a critical role as a liaison to all Brown Advancement Services functions and work streams.

The individual will provide strong operational leadership for all giving days and challenges on behalf of the BUSF to help raise over $7M in current-use cash annually for the Division of Athletics and Recreation. The incumbent will manage fundraising volunteer resources, digital platforms, and tools, and provide effective leadership and oversight of all volunteer training to ensure a seamless volunteer experience.

This position will oversee the management of 2-4 individual Sports Associations. It will be responsible for partnering with fundraisers and head coaches to cultivate and solicit leadership-level gifts ($10,000-$100,000+) to support team fundraising initiatives that approach $500,000 annually. The incumbent will also direct efforts through high-touch alumni and parent volunteer management and work to identify alumni and parent prospects within the community of each assigned sport.

They will ensure that these Sports Associations achieve their annual metrics for current use support, capital, and endowment campaign efforts.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in development operations, or within a related field, such as annual giving, fundraising, sales, or direct marketing for higher education or nonprofit organizations, preferably in an athletic setting.
• Some staff management experience required.

Job Competencies

• Superior interpersonal skills with proven ability to interact and collaborate with varied constituencies in a professional manner, excellent written and oral communication skills, team-building, tact, poise, and diplomacy while working with diverse personalities. Customer-service orientation and a positive attitude.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to initiate, collaborate, implement, monitor, evaluate, and advance strategic plans and activities that support the program and fundraising goals.
• Proficiency with Excel, Google Sheets, MS Office Suite, Google Suite, Zoom (Meetings and Webinars), web applications, and CRM software. Ability to work across multiple CRM platforms.
• Knowledge of computer software necessary to perform the job, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email programs, and web applications.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and priorities to meet aggressive timelines; responsible for progress and outcomes.
• Proactive, detail-oriented with excellent planning, organization, and time management.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data to inform business decisions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and make impactful decisions.
• Ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
• Facility with budget management, budget forecasting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to build productive business relationships, internally and externally.
• Ability to travel and work some evenings and weekends, including Reunion Weekend, is required.

Preferred…