Assistant/Associate Athletic Director for Development

About NKU Athletics
The NKU Norse compete in 22 varsity sports at the NCAA Division I level with most sports competing in the Horizon League. Since transitioning to Division-I in 2012, NKU has made an immediate impact, with multiple conference championships, three NCAA Tournament appearances in men\’s basketball, an NCAA Tournament appearance in softball and baseball, and a rapidly expanding fan base. NKU Athletics emphasizes a commitment to excellence in the classroom, athletics, and in life; and take pride in serving the university and community.

NKU Athletics is poised for its next phase of growth, with a focus on elevating fundraising efforts, expanding fan engagement, and securing resources to enhance facilities, scholarships, and overall student-athlete success.

Position Summary
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 and 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.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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 (including NIL efforts).
• 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. A pace of at least 20-25 substantive interactions per month is expected.
• Lead and motivate a development team of two; evaluate performance against established standards and metrics; provide appropriate levels of training, mentoring and professional development. Assign and direct projects and oversee day-to-day activities of the team to execute fundraising operations, donor events, stewardship activities, and external engagement.
• 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 (prospect development, gift planning, corporate relations, alumni and donor relations) 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.

Candidate Profile & 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.