Associate Director of Development for Annual Giving

Overview

Athletic Development Mission

To invite alumni and friends of the university to support Aggie athletics through engagement and philanthropy.

 

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Associate Athletics Director for Development, responsibilities of the Associate Director of Development for Annual Giving (Development Officer II) include, but are not limited to: providing a first-class philanthropic experience to fans of Aggie Athletics by leveraging digital, direct marketing, and in-person engagement to effectively build relationships for the purpose of increasing both donors and dollars raised; researching, contacting, solicitating and stewarding annual giving prospects (under $25,000); provide leadership in one or more areas of essential donor relations programming; coordination of donor activities at select athletic events; and representation of the Athletic Department at University and community events.

 

The Associate Director of Development for Annual Giving is responsible for raising gifts to support the mission, vision and priorities of USU Athletics. The position will focus on growing the athletics annual giving program. The position is responsible for achieving identified goals and objectives established by the Associate Athletics Director for Development in coordination with the Athletic Director and Vice President of Advancement. The position will also work closely with various members of the advancement division, coaching staff, athletic development staff, and other appropriate campus and external groups.

Responsibilities

Soliciting and closing annual gifts is critical, with a primary focus on increasing both dollars and donors to athletics.

Working within the framework of the Prospect Management System to actively engage and build relationships with alumni, supporters, season ticket holders, and prospects

Overseeing the athletics annual fund direct marketing, solicitation, and membership renewal process.

Leveraging technology including email, video conferencing software, and social media platforms to build rapport, steward and solicit donors in a fan-centric, targeted, high-velocity manner.

Working home games, performing various donor relations and fan development duties as assigned.

Providing leadership in one or more areas of essential donor relations programming (benefits fulfillment, donor parking, stewardship, and donor recognition societies).

Acting as development office liaison to Utah State Athletics Ticket Office, Marketing, and Aggie Sports Properties.

Meeting annual goals as established by the Associate Athletics Director in collaboration with the Athletic Director and Vice President of Advancement.

Cultivate and solicit prospective donors for gifts to support Aggie Athletics including the Blue A Society, Big Blue Scholarship Fund, Merlin Olsen Fund, Wayne Estes Fund, Capital Projects, Sport Gift Accounts, and other athletics related funds.

Developing collaborative relationships with other gift officers and athletics and advancement personnel to advance the achievement of goals.

Some travel, including overnight, is required.    

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree is required plus one year of experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in fundraising, marketing, or ticket sales experience, preferably in college athletics.
• Must be able to travel frequently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree
• 1-2 years of successful experience in college athletics fundraising.
• Experience in college athletics as a student-athlete, coach or administrator.
• Knowledge and experience in using fundraising software systems and Paciolan ticketing system
• Understanding of priority seating programs including benefit fulfillment, and athletic development industry standards.
• Record of success in establishing positive relationships with boosters, alumni, students, faculty and staff; ability to work productively with the university and the community.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including excellent writing and editing skills.
• Persistence and resourcefulness in developing and executing solicitation strategies and closing gifts/sales.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Highly developed organizational skills, including the ability to work under pressure to handle multiple prospects and requests, and meet competing deadlines.
• Ability to foster positive interpersonal relationships and professional image wi