University Advancement - Executive Director of University Advancement - Athletics

As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program, and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance, and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
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To apply

Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.


Position Summary
The Executive Director of University Advancement - Athletics is responsible for managing a portfolio and identifying, qualifying, and soliciting donor prospects for leadership gifts for Sacred Heart Athletics. The incumbent must think strategically and practically to build and execute a comprehensive fundraising operation, including the building and development of an athletics advancement team.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
• Meet or exceed established metrics related to visits, qualifications, solicitations, and gifts closed. The candidate will, in coordination with the Associate Vice President of University Advancement & Philanthropic Campaigns and the Director of Athletics, establish goals, objectives, and key performance indicators for the Athletic Advancement unit and its personnel.
• Build and implement a comprehensive athletics campaign as part of the University Comprehensive Campaign with particular focus on comprehensive athletics capital projects, including renovations and new athletic facilities on the Park Avenue campus, West campus, newly acquired ND Prep campus, Great River Golf Club, and other off-site locations (current and developing).
• Spur growth in athletic fundraising, specifically capital projects, and current-use gifts.
• Work closely with University Advancement resources, in consultation with Athletics, on strategies for engaging top athletic donors and prospects.
• Manage a portfolio of 100+ leadership gift prospective donors, with independent responsibility for developing and executing strategies that lead to successful solicitations.
• Identify and cultivate an Athletics Board of Visitors (BOVs) in conjunction with the Director of Athletics.
• Partner with the leadership of the Parent Engagement & Philanthropy team and the university's Annual Giving program to increase athletic parent giving.
• Set goals for overall Athletics Advancement activity and bolster the Athletics Annual Giving Program.
• Provide education and guidance to coaches in support of sport specific fundraising opportunities.
• Lead the stewardship and philanthropic efforts of the Pioneer Club, the athletics giving vehicle focused on providing superior customer service to our fans, alumni, donors, and community partners.
• Liaison with Athletic Communications and Marketing team on all external revenue-generating opportunities.
• Strategically develop and manage the VIP invitation list of VIPs for events such as the President's Tent (football) home gam