Stewardship Professional ; Athletics

Address: 1 National Championship Drive, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA

The University of Arizona Athletics Department invites you to apply for the role of Stewardship Professional I. The position supports the major gifts team by overseeing efficient and effective recognition programs to support the team’s goals and objectives. The ideal candidate will be a detail‑oriented individual with strong organizational, project management, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee recognition programs and special donor recognition events (e.g., banquets, in‑game presentations, donor trips) and create custom experiences for major donors.
• Create a stewardship calendar that aligns with fundraising campaigns and key organizational milestones.
• Develop and execute personalized donor stewardship communications, including thank‑you messages tied to gift agreements, proposals, fundraising initiatives, and campaign reports, leveraging creative approaches beyond traditional acknowledgment letters.
• Develop gift tracking and recognition metrics to shape future donor engagement and program decisions.
• Strategically plan and collaborate with other departments and team members to ensure seamless integration of major gift fundraising activities and donor recognition initiatives.
• Develop best practices and procedures to engage donors throughout the year, ensuring efficient recognition in unique ways at every opportunity.
• Assist the Associate AD, Major Gifts with production, execution, and oversight of donor recognition presentations.
• Maintain high‑level donor highlights on various reports, including budgets, pledges, and capital statements.
• Oversee donor recognition in printed materials, coordinating with communications personnel, printers, and mailing vendors.
• Serve as Ticket Office liaison for Major Gifts ticketing needs and ensure donor recognition events are created annually.
• Provide excellent customer service to major‑gift donors for inquiries, ticket questions, season renewals, gift processing, and related matters.
• Assist in donor research and roster management, ensuring timely review and maintenance of donor records for development officers.
• Keep the Wildcat Club website up‑to‑date for the Major Gifts portion.
• Organize and maintain physical and electronic development records, donor files, and accounts, ensuring support documents remain easily accessible.
• Review, reconcile, and prepare monthly expense reports.
• Provide advanced administrative support and day‑to‑day operations for the Major Gifts team.
• Maintain budget accountability.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Foster a collaborative work environment through respectful and effective communication.
• Demonstrated experience managing value‑added projects and strategic initiatives.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to problem‑solve and make decisions independently.
• Ability to multi‑task with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships at all organizational levels.
• Dedication and motivation to initiate, lead and support value‑added projects.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Knowledge of NCAA, Big 12, and University of Arizona position‑related rules and compliance.
• Ability to plan, establish priorities, and manage multiple priorities successfully.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive interpersonal relations.
• Effective communication with individuals at all levels, projecting a positive, professional attitude.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience.
• One year of relevant work experience.

• Master's degree.
• Experience in a Power 4 Conference.

FLSA Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40 + nights and weekends

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category University Advancement

Benefits Eligible Yes – Full Benefits

Rate of Pay Depends on Experience

Compensation Type Salary at 1.0 full‑time equivalency (FTE)

Grade 7

Matthew Giller
Associate Athletic Director, Major Gifts
mgiller
(520) 621‑2043