Director of Development, Athletics Major Gifts

Are you passionate about athletics and fundraising? The UND Alumni Association & Foundation is seeking an Director of Development, Athletics Major Gifts to drive philanthropic support for UND Athletics.

In this dynamic role, you’ll build and manage relationships with donors, cultivate major gifts, and create lasting impact for UND student-athletes, coaches, and fans. You’ll manage a portfolio of prospects, conduct visits annually, and collaborate closely with the Athletic Department to advance its vision for excellence.

If you’re a strategic relationship-builder with a talent for inspiring generosity, we want you on our team. This is your chance to shape the future of UND Athletics while connecting with alumni, fans, and supporters across the nation.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development & Gift Planning, The Associate Athletic Director, Athletics Major Gifts will work closely with the UND Athletic Department to enhance and support their fundraising efforts. This position is primarily responsible the qualification, cultivation and solicitation of individual prospects capable of giving in excess of $25,000. The Associate Athletic Director, Athletics Major Gifts will be responsible for major gift fundraising within the UND Athletic Department and UND, including arranging visits with individuals, corporations, foundations, and friends as well as the development of proposals for private funding. This position is responsible for expanding the organization’s donor base by forging new relationships with potential donors of all levels, starting at the student level. The Associate Athletic Director, Athletics Major Gifts is responsible for building and maintaining a portfolio of 90-120 major gift prospects and soliciting them for multi-year pledges. This position will actively engage the prospects in the portfolio and schedule approximately 100-125 personal visits annually.

1. Work with the VP of Development and UND Athletic Department to create and implement a development plan for the UND Athletic Department.
2. Work in conjunction with the VP of Development and the Athletic Director to establish performance goals in assigned areas, monitor progress against goals and devise strategies to ensure success in meeting these goals.
3. Qualify, cultivate, solicit and close major and planned gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and friends to reach predetermined goal while maintaining and growing existing relationships to benefit UND.
4. Communicate and advocate the needs of UND and the UND Athletic Department to prospective donors.
5. Traveling regionally and nationally as well as attend evening, weekend activities, and appropriate events, programs and meetings.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in Management or related field required.

Experience: 2-5 years’ experience in fundraising, preferably higher education or demonstrated success in customer/client relations, or sales management.

PHYSICAL & COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS

Ability to operate computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment. Ability to focus and complete work in a timely manner. Ability to travel independently via car and air. Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, squat, and lift or move objects up to 10 pounds.

• Knowledge of fundraising process and ability to solicit donations
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Resourceful and willing to take initiative
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Technology and social media skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to stay on task within the context of the big picture goal
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with appropriate discretion
• Demonstrate integrity
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Self-motivated and confident
• Attention to detail
• Ability to adjust effectively to dynamic situations
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Benefits:

The UND Alumni Association & Foundation supports employees through a highly competitive total compensation package that includes competitive pay and an excellent benefits package, along with career growth opportunities, and supports work-life blend for our employees.

Benefits at UNDAAF includes health insurance with employer contributions towards premium, retirement plan with generous employer contributions, employer paid life and long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, generous paid time off policy, paid volunteer opportunities, EAP, UND tuition waiver, summer hours. Other elective benefits available: flexible benefits plans, dental, vision, STD, cancer care, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, voluntary life insurance for spouse and dependents.

The UND Alumni Association & Foundation recognizes that work-life blend is an important component of a larger picture of life responsibilities, obligations, goals and interests. We will make every effort in creating a work-life blend model that reflects life situations while also ensuring maximum productivity.

Statement:

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support Visa sponsorship for continued employment.