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- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies for NKU Athletics and manage major gift prospects.
- Company: Join NKU Athletics, a thriving Division I programme with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in student-athlete success while engaging with a passionate community.
- Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor's degree and 7+ years in fundraising or business development.
- Other info: Evening and weekend work is required; travel may be necessary.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Assistant/Associate Athletic Director will lead NKU Athletics' fundraising strategy, working in partnership with the Assistant Vice President of Development and Vice President and Director of Athletics to significantly grow philanthropic support over the next 1-3 years. This role will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, overseeing annual giving and major/principal gifts for NKU Athletics. The Assistant/Associate AD will personally manage a portfolio of 75-100 major gift prospects and lead strategies to generate in excess of $2M in annual philanthropic revenue for the Division of Athletics.
Additionally, the Assistant/Associate AD will oversee a team of two responsible for the Go Norse Fund (Athletics' annual giving club), athletics-specific special events, and alumni and donor relations. This leader will also play a key role in the planning and execution of NKU's next comprehensive fundraising campaign, ensuring alignment with institutional and athletics priorities.
Primary Responsibilities
- Serve as a member of Athletics Senior Staff; work within this team to facilitate the long-term visioning of the program, the expansion of the donor pipeline, and support of short-term priorities as appropriate.
- Serve as a senior fundraising leader on the University Development team; set an example of professionalism and performance and collaborate with fellow gift officers on mutually beneficial relationships and gift opportunities.
- Prepare the annual fundraising plan, set fundraising goals, and articulate philanthropic priorities for the athletics development team in full partnership with the Assistant Vice President of Development and Director of Athletics.
- Oversee all development activities for NKU Athletics, including annual giving, major gifts, engagement of program alumni, patrons and donors, and donor relations.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive donor pipeline strategy to elevate annual giving efforts and ensure long-term growth and sustainability.
- Personally qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gifts through personal visits to alumni, season ticket-holders, patrons, parents and corporate partners to increase philanthropic support and an expanded major and principal gift pipeline.
- Lead and motivate a development team of two; evaluate performance against established standards and metrics; provide appropriate levels of training, mentoring and professional development.
- Ensure NCAA compliance in all fundraising activities, including donor benefits, NIL fundraising, and corporate sponsorships.
- Leverage game days, alumni events, and key university gatherings to strengthen donor engagement and maximize philanthropic support.
- Work collaboratively with University Advancement departments and fundraising specialists to enhance fundraising revenue and donor impact.
- Ensure appropriate stewardship of gifts and donors, developing and maintaining strong relationships with major donors, stakeholders and partners.
- Engage the support and partnership of athletics and academic community members and facilitate their understanding of the development process.
- Collaborate with marketing and communications teams from Athletics and University Advancement to develop and execute an integrated strategy for multi-channel philanthropic messaging and donor engagement.
- Provide strategic guidance for volunteer fundraising committees associated with NKU Athletics; recruit and involve new volunteers as needed.
- Represent University Advancement/NKU Athletics at conference meetings, industry events, and national fundraising forums.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will be a strategic, results-driven fundraiser with a proven track record of closing major gifts of at least $25,000+. This individual should possess strong leadership skills, the ability to manage high-level donor relationships, and experience contributing to a successful athletics development program.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree with at least 7 years of progressive fundraising or business development experience, including 2+ years in a leadership/management role; or Master's degree with at least 5 years of progressive fundraising or business development experience, including 2+ years in a leadership/management role, is required.
- Demonstrated success in securing major gifts ($25K+), with a preference for experience in collegiate athletics fundraising.
- Strong leadership, team management, and staff development skills.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building abilities, and the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of individuals.
- Enhanced skills to adapt in rapidly evolving environments and high level of emotional intelligence to thrive in complex institutions.
- Knowledge of donor-related NIL fundraising considerations and informed on NCAA compliance.
- Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends as needed.
- A commitment to and passion for the role of development in advancing the mission of Northern Kentucky University.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Preferred Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
7 years
Assistant/Associate Athletic Director for Development employer: Northern Kentucky University
Contact Detail:
Northern Kentucky University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant/Associate Athletic Director for Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in collegiate athletics and fundraising. Attend industry events, conferences, or local alumni gatherings to connect with individuals who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities at NKU.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with NKU Athletics' current fundraising initiatives and goals. Understanding their specific needs will allow you to tailor your conversations and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in securing major gifts, especially in a sports context. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built relationships with donors and achieved fundraising targets.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for athletics and community engagement. Highlight any relevant volunteer work or involvement in sports organisations, as this will resonate well with the values of NKU Athletics and their commitment to excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant/Associate Athletic Director for Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in fundraising, particularly in athletics or similar environments. Use specific examples of past successes in securing major gifts to demonstrate your capability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for athletics and development. Clearly outline how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Assistant/Associate Athletic Director role, and mention any specific achievements that relate to the job description.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Emphasise your leadership skills and experience managing teams. Provide examples of how you have motivated and developed staff in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication and relationship-building abilities, include examples of how you've successfully engaged with donors, alumni, and stakeholders in the past. This will show your potential to enhance donor relations at NKU.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Kentucky University
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Make sure to familiarise yourself with various fundraising strategies, especially those relevant to collegiate athletics. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement a comprehensive fundraising plan and your experience in securing major gifts.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this role involves managing a team, be ready to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've motivated teams, set goals, and achieved results in previous positions.
✨Understand NCAA Compliance
Since compliance is crucial in this role, brush up on NCAA regulations related to fundraising. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance in all fundraising activities and donor relations.
✨Engage with the Community
Highlight your ability to build relationships with alumni, donors, and community members. Discuss any past experiences where you successfully engaged stakeholders to enhance fundraising efforts.
