The Associate Director for Development, Major Gifts will be responsible for cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding leadership annual giving, mid-level and major donors with an emphasis on gifts of $50, or more, but representing a wide spectrum of capability. This role will carry a sizable caseload of leadership annual prospects and a moderate pool of discovery prospects. Travel required for personal solicitation, qualification, and stewardship to advance the relationships with donors. She /He engages with donors through attendance of athletics events and activities which includes evening and weekend commitments. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Ideal candidates will have at minimum, five years of demonstrated experience of successful fundraising, preferably in a college or university setting.

Experience in Division I Athletics strongly preferred.

Valid Driver’s License is required. Skills and Knowledge Demonstrated ability to generate private philanthropic support and bringing closure to gifts of $50, or more.

General recognition of indicators of wealth and the ability to engage in meaningful and thoughtful conversations with prospective donors.

General knowledge of planned or deferred gift instruments and the ability to collaborate with the Gift Planning Staff.

Familiarity and understanding of current issues in intercollegiate athletics and higher education.

Ability to direct and perform confidential detailed work with accuracy under deadline pressure.

Mature and professional attitude, donor/client focus and the ability to manage and direct multiple tasks simultaneously.

Working knowledge of and familiarity with NCAA rules and regulations, particularly those impacting representatives of the institution’s athletics interests.

Ability to work with university and donor database systems.

Impeccable integrity and the ability to work in a collaborative environment. Responsibilities Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective and existing major gift donors with the capacity to make gifts/commitments of $50, or more.

Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects and donors.

Develop and drive fundraising strategies designed to maximize current giving potential for each prospect including leadership annual gift solicitations.

Communicate with donors on a regular basis through email, virtual visits, face-to-face visits, phone, and handwritten correspondence.

Advance planning and effective use of the Blackbaud CRM database for donor visits, including but not limited to, research requests, proposal preparation, collaboration with other on-campus development officers and coordinating travel and other logistical arrangements.

Develop and keep updated plans and opportunities.

Ensure the accuracy and timely entry of all information and records.

Actively collaborate with colleagues/units across the advancement division including annual and leadership annual giving, schools/colleges/units, regional programs, gift planning, family giving, and alumni engagement to develop and implement strategies to maximize fundraising effectiveness.

Attend Advancement and External Affairs and Cuse Athletics Fund meetings, training and professional development sessions, and other events or activities.

Attend and provide appropriate staff support at athletic-related events at home and selected away games, championships and/or tournaments.

Other duties as assigned. Physical Requirements Not Applicable Tools/Equipment Not Applicable