Associate/Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts

Intl. Parking Inst; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a passionate Associate/Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts to enhance fundraising efforts for athletics. In this dynamic role, you will cultivate relationships with major donors, drive innovative fundraising strategies, and support VCU Athletics in achieving its mission. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on student-athletes' experiences and contribute to championship success. Join a dedicated team focused on excellence and help elevate the future of VCU Athletics through meaningful contributions and strategic engagement.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid annual and holiday leave

Generous tuition benefit

Retirement planning options

Employee discounts

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in fundraising, public relations, or marketing.
• Proven track record in major gift fundraising and relationship-building.

Responsibilities

• Lead major gift fundraising efforts and build relationships with donors.
• Create and execute customized fundraising plans for each donor.

Skills

Fundraising

Relationship Building

Organizational Skills

Strategic Thinking

Communication Skills

Education

Advanced Degree

Job description

Associate/Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts

Benefits of working at VCU

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Job Code: 15241

Recruitment Pool: All Applicants

Posting Number: req7233

Unit: Athletics MBU

Location: VCU, 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA

Duties & Responsibilities

Join our Winning Team: Associate/Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts at VCU Athletics!

Are you ready to take your fundraising career to the next level and help drive the success of VCU Athletics? The Associate/Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts plays a crucial role in advancing our mission to win championships, provide a world-class student-athlete experience, and cultivate leaders who excel in every aspect of life. This is your chance to make a direct impact by securing major gifts that will power the future of VCU Athletics!

Summary:

In this exciting and dynamic role, you’ll be responsible for driving major gifts, creating meaningful relationships with donors, and directly contributing to our goal of national and conference championships. You’ll maintain a portfolio of 125-150 major gift and leadership donors, identify and engage new prospects, and develop and execute innovative fundraising strategies. Your work will support a broad range of initiatives—from annual support to capital campaigns—ensuring VCU Athletics thrives at every level.

Typical Duties

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead major gift fundraising efforts through personal appointments, calls, and coordinated mailings.
2. Build and nurture relationships with 125-150 major donors, helping them fulfill their philanthropic goals.
3. Create and execute customized fundraising and engagement plans for each donor to ensure successful long-term support.
4. Work closely with coaches, staff, and administrators to align fundraising strategies with departmental needs.
5. Coordinate individual sports fundraising efforts and oversee regional fundraising areas.
6. Recruit, train, and manage volunteers and committees to elevate fundraising efforts across the board.
7. Track key performance metrics to measure success and drive continuous improvement in our fundraising goals.

What We’re Looking For

Proven track record in major gift fundraising with a passion for relationship-building. Strong organizational and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to manage a broad portfolio and meet fundraising targets. Excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire and engage diverse groups of donors, volunteers, and staff. A passion for the mission of VCU Athletics and a drive to be part of a team that cultivates champions on and off the field. Ready to join a winning team? Apply today and help us reach new heights in the world of sports fundraising!

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Deep appreciation for the mission and aspirations of VCU Athletics.
2. Desire to play a meaningful role in the life of VCU and to share in the extended community.
3. Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and close personal solicitations, having a demonstrated track record of successful gift solicitations.
4. Professional credibility is required to engage and leverage senior leadership, volunteer leadership, and other key stakeholders in building a successful campaign and organization.
5. Management skills that are consistent with bringing out the best in staff and instilling pride and ownership in a team effort.
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
7. Personal attributes: Honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, team player, follow through and commitment, attention to detail, organization, and self-confidence.
8. Personal commitment to the fundraising industry as evidenced through a stellar work ethic and high standards of best practice.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Must have an advanced degree or training and work experience at a level that equates to an advanced degree.
2. Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
3. Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in fundraising, public relations, marketing, or a related field, or 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in athletics development or a related field.
4. Demonstrated experience in facilitating leadership annual fund gifts (<$5,000).
5. Working knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving.
6. Travel involving automobile.

FLSA: University Employee

Job FTE: 1

Exemption Status: Exempt

Restricted Position: No

E-Class: UF - University Employee FT

Job Category: University Employee

ORP Eligible: Yes

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Compensation Type: Salaried

Target Hire Date: 5/10/2025

Contact Information for Candidates:

Grace Blevins
[e-mail]

Documents Needed to Apply: resume, cover letter