Assistant Athletic Director of Development

Job Description

Reporting to the Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Development, the Assistant Athletic Director for Development serves in a leadership role to provide strategic leadership for Syracuse Athletics’ major gifts programs, pipeline development and gift-in kind operations. The role will also lead annual fundraising strategies for specific sport programs and lead the stewardship initiatives of the Legends Society donors. Manage a portfolio of leadership and annual gift donors The individual is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, closing and stewarding major and principal gift level donors with an emphasis on gifts over $, or more. Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree is required. A master’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, event management, and/or advancement operations

Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrated experience in building, managing and implementing comprehensive annual fundraising plans.
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to interact effectively with donors, volunteers, coaches, and senior administrators.
• Experience working with CRM/fundraising databases (Salesforce, Blackbaud, or similar platforms)
• A valid Driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as required by event schedules and athletics competitions.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, ability to problem solve and lead teams, along with strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to keep confidential information as well as maintain professional code of conduct.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills necessary to build relationships with volunteer leaders and campus partners.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of event logistics, participants and security planning as required.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of leadership and annual gift donors. Conduct a minimum of face-to-face visits focused on identifying and moving potential major donors to gift discussions and solicitations.
• Lead fundraising efforts in key regions, while growing our major giving pipeline within Central New York through the creation of salon events, along with utilizing suite and courtside assets. Coordinate all aspects of major giving, including but not limited to, staff management, campaign strategy, marketing and communications, stewardship, and prospecting.
• Partner closely with various units and teams within University advancement and external affairs to ensure major gift operations are being run effectively and collaboratively. Utilize database of record (CITRUS) to update strategic plans and opportunities, interactions, outcomes and next steps.
• Contribute to research and accuracy of corporate / alumni records.
• Oversee, direct and implement fundraising and/or operational strategies for the following initiatives: Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Track & Field/Cross Country, Women’s Lacrosse and their alumni, Gift-in-Kind programs including Air Orange, Legends Society membership and stewardship, `Cuse Athletics Fund (CAF) Benefits program, CAF Liaison program with specific focus to enhance the operations to support head coaches and programs.
• Work as a development liaison for selected programs, work in partnership with `CAF leadership on all aspect of the Legends Society, gift-in kind, endowments, planned giving and 3rd party marketing agency initiatives.
• Attend and provide execution of all game day fundraising and stewardship activities at home and selected away games, including pre-game, postseason and CAF/Athletics special events. Demonstrate and maintain a culture of NCAA and ACC rules compliance.
• Work in collaboration with other athletic department staff, including the Athletic Director, coaches, and central University colleagues to set priorities and devise fundraising strategies, programs, and events.

Physical Requirements N/A Tools/Equipment N/A