Associate Director of Athletics - Development and Engagement

Rockhurst University is seeking applications for a full-time Associate Director of Athletics – Development and Engagement. Founded in 1910 and located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, Rockhurst is a Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition committed to providing inclusive, innovative, and transformative education. As a comprehensive university and supportive community of nearly 4,000 students, our mission is to form lifelong learners in the liberal arts tradition who engage the complexities of our world and serve others as compassionate, thoughtful leaders.

Rockhurst University is an NCAA Division II member institution and member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Athletics, and in coordination with the Vice President of Advancement, the Associate Director of Athletics – Development and Engagement will serve as a key fundraiser for the athletics department. The core functions of the job are to work with prospects and donors including research, identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. In addition, this role will develop and maintain a corporate sponsorship program to support athletics. This position also includes supporting campaigns and donor events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and manage a portfolio of annual fund donors and prospective donors.
• Solicit fund gifts in support of the R Club.
• Work collaboratively with the Advancement Office
• Prepare and execute Celebrate RU (day of giving) strategies.
• Monitor and track all prospect contacts to ensure positive and purposeful prospect and donor relations.
• Meet or exceed on an annual basis established fundraising goals, solicitations, and donor contacts.
• Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle.
• Develop cultivation strategies for prospects, including working with coaches and staff members.
• Maintain stewardship contacts with donors; adhere to the highest ethical standards; demonstrate empathetic disposition, and perseverance; reflect optimistic and positive attitude, and convey sensitivity to needs of the donors.
• Create and grow a corporate sponsorship program.
• Strategize on ticket revenue opportunities.
• Create events for donors and prospects.
• Organize and lead the annual athletics golf tournament.
• Be the lead for the Hall of Fame Committee; which includes selection, event management, and all communication related to this event.
• Lead alumni, community, and campus engagement programs focusing on athletics.
• Work with marketing department to create additional video and promotional content.
• Other duties as assigned such as sports supervision and game day management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Promote the mission of the Athletic Department and Rockhurst University

• Must have excellent leadership and communication skills
• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3-5 years college or university athletic fundraising experience

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Interpersonal - the ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals
• Communication, oral and written - the ability to communicate effectively with others using both the written and spoken word
• Relationship Building - the ability to effectively build relationships with donors and other internal and external stakeholders
• Self-Motivated - the ability to be internally inspired to perform a task to the best of one’s ability using his or her own drive or initiative.
• Team-focused - the ability t