Senior Director, Development (Athletics) /Senior Associate Athletics Director, Development

PAY GRADE: 33S

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Under the limited direction of the Deputy AD, External Relations and Revenue Generation, the Senior Director of Development is responsible for all aspects of major gift fundraising supporting the Department of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation (DACCR). The Senior Director is also accountable to the Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation for establishing DACCR fundraising goals. Working closely with Development Leadership, the Athletics Director, Head Coaches, and development colleagues, the Senior Director works on developing, planning, and implementing the Athletics department's overall fundraising efforts from all sources to support current operations, endowment, capital, and other purposes. The Senior Director manages frontline fundraisers, inspiring cross-functional teamwork and collaboration to drive achievement and close gifts.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising

· Work closely with the Deputy Athletic Director to lead the development and execution of an overall fundraising strategy, establish fundraising priorities, and set fundraising goals.

· Identifies, cultivates, and solicits individual prospects for the Intercollegiate Athletics Program with an emphasis on gifts of $100,000 or higher.

· Engages the Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation and athletic coaches, as necessary and appropriate, in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects.

· Manages a portfolio of 50-75 athletic prospects and makes 15 to 20 visits per month. Some of these visits will be done jointly with the Athletic Director, athletic coaches, and other development staff.

· Successfully conducts all stages of the major gift process, including qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of identified prospects providing donors and prospects with an exceptional experience, moving them to successful solicitation and gift closure within three years..

· Expertly develop draft proposals and agreements for named initiatives and recognition opportunities for donors.

· Set strategy for the department’s donor relations program, including planning and staffing cultivation and stewardship efforts in conjunction with the DAR Donor Relations and external relations team.

· Leads the fundraising strategy for all athletic development events such as golf outings, hall of fame, student-athlete alumni reunions, and coaches’ tours.

· Coordinates stewardship reports and activities for assigned prospects with appropriate members of the Department of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Program and DAR Development Relations team.

· Assists with Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving and College-related activities and events with a major donor component.

· Participates in and supports the prospect solicitation clearance and tracking process.

College/Unit Partner

· Serve as the lead subject matter expert for gift officers working with athletics prospects.

· Prepares various financial, statistical, and analytical reports for management and departmental use.

· Serves as a member of the athletics external relations leadership team to ensure collaboration and integration between fundraising with communications, marketing, sales, and licensing.

· Helps enforce the rules and regulations in college athletics, especially those designed to protect and champion student-athletes.

· Observes and follows all constitutional provisions, rules, bylaws, policies, regulations, and interpretations, as constituted by the NCAA, Conference, and the University, as they pertain to the University’s athletic programs.

· Serves as the subject matter expert for fundraising strategies in new markets due to conference transition (i.e. TX, Noth Carolina, etc.).

Management

· Direct oversight of a highly driven, mission-focused development team that is collaborative, team-oriented, and embraces change and innovation.

· Supervises direct reports in developing their annual operating plans, cooperating with the goals and strategies set by the SDOD and Central Development.

· Holds team members accountable for meeting department and individual objectives; conducts regular and annual performance reviews for all direct reports.

· Serves as a key member of the Office of University Development Frontline Fundraiser Leadership Team; establishes strong working relationships with Central Development staff, collegiate, constituent, and regional officers, and the Athletics Department Administrators and Coaches; fosters a productive team environment.

· Demonstrate leadership by following and executing all stated processes and procedures, recommending necessary improvements, and ensuring all development team members comply with the University and Department standards governing development.

Collegiality

· Serve as a role model and contribute to strengthening DAR’s culture by demonstrating the desired behaviors of partnering effectively with colleagues within DAR to foster a cross-functional team approach to achieve the goals of the assigned College/unit and the University overall.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred with seven years of progressively responsible job-related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Experience in major gift fundraising is desirable, preferably in a university or college environment.

· Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with prospective donors.

· Ability to work effectively in a team setting, and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

· Strong interpersonal skills

· Skill in developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.

· Skill in use of personal computers and related software applications.

· Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.

· Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.

· Ability to develop and implement short-and-long-term goals and plans.

· Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures.

· Ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.

· Ability to persuade and influence others.

· Ability to use independent judgment.

· Knowledge of the University of Delaware and its Athletic Program is preferred.

· Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.

· Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.

Special Requirements:

· Travels both regionally and nationally, as necessary to cultivate, solicit, or steward prospects and donors.

· Attends home football and basketball games and other important athletics events for the purpose of cultivating and stewarding prospects and donors.