Assistant/Associate/Senior Associate Athletic Director for Championship Resources

University of North Alabama; Florence (AL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic individual to lead fundraising efforts for its athletics division. This role focuses on enhancing philanthropic engagement and managing comprehensive fundraising programs, including the exciting 'Shine On, Gold!' capital campaign. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with university advancement teams to cultivate relationships with alumni and community members, ensuring the success of fundraising initiatives. If you are passionate about higher education and have a proven track record in fundraising, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• 3+ years of university fundraising experience required.
• Experience in intercollegiate athletics fundraising preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily fundraising efforts for the athletic department.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit donors for philanthropic gifts.
• Manage the Champions of the Pride annual giving program.

Skills

Fundraising

Communication Skills

Event Planning

Relationship Building

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Fundraising Databases

CRM Systems

Job description

This position is responsible for fundraising activities for the Division of Athletics. The primary function of this role is to oversee the daily fundraising efforts of the athletic department, with a focus on increasing philanthropic engagement on behalf of the North Alabama Athletics Department. This position reports to the Director of Athletics, with a dotted line to the Vice President for University Advancement, and works closely with the UNA Foundation staff.

Responsibilities include managing, planning, and executing a comprehensive fundraising program connected to the Shine On, Gold! capital campaign and the construction of Bank Independent Stadium, in partnership with the University’s advancement team and Foundation. The role involves collaboration with the athletic department and university advancement staff to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumnae, parents, and friends of the University to meet the department's short- and long-term goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate meetings with staff and coaches to maintain an active list of potential, current, and former donors.
2. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals and organizations for philanthropic gifts.
3. Work with the Shine On, Gold! campaign and funding initiatives related to Bank Independent Stadium.
4. Develop and execute funding requests, proposals, and stewardship materials aligned with funding goals.
5. Lead efforts in soliciting and closing gifts.
6. Manage a pipeline of prospects and strategize for their development.
7. Establish measurable goals with the Director of Athletics and Vice President for University Advancement.
8. Oversee the Champions of the Pride annual giving program and collaborate with external teams.
9. Coordinate with multimedia rights partners on NIL priorities and philanthropic initiatives.
10. Coordinate visits and strategies with division leadership to benefit the department’s goals.
11. Oversee cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors.
12. Travel extensively for donor meetings; overnight travel required.
13. Meet goals related to donor visits, solicitations, and funds raised.
14. Document and record all donor activity.
15. Participate in athletic events and university functions.
16. Attend team meetings and professional development seminars.
17. Create opportunities for major gift prospects.
18. Develop strategies for annual and campaign goals.
19. Work with donors and volunteer boards to facilitate gifts.
20. Maintain knowledge of planned giving options.
21. Disseminate information to generate awareness.
22. Provide sport administrative oversight.
23. Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Duties:

To be determined.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• At least three years of university fundraising experience required.
• Experience in intercollegiate athletics fundraising preferred.
• Experience in community outreach and event planning is a plus.
• Experience working with businesses and foundations is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid driver’s license required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work with diverse constituencies.
• Strong commitment to higher education.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and deadline-oriented.
• Professional demeanor and appearance.
• Ability to raise funds through various channels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and research skills.
• Understanding of fundraising databases and CRM systems.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and strategic thinker.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Discretion with confidential information.
• Ability to travel extensively, including overnight stays.
• Effective at articulating the case for support.

Application Requirements:

Applicants must upload a cover letter and resume, and provide contact information for at least three professional references. For questions, email [e-mail] or call 256.765.4291 and select option #2.