Athletics Development Officer

Texas A&M University; Texarkana (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision coverage

Tuition benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off for vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Texas A&M University in Texarkana is hiring an Athletics Development Officer. This position focuses on cultivating and stewarding donor relationships to support the university’s athletic programs.

The ideal candidate will engage with alumni and community partners, manage fundraising initiatives, and ensure appropriate donor recognition. Strong communication skills and a bachelor's degree are required, along with a minimum of four years of related experience.

Benefits include medical coverage, dental and vision insurance, and generous vacation time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required.
• Four years of related experience preferred.
• Experience in athletic development or donor relations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate donors in support of athletics.
• Manage donor relationships and coordinate fundraising events.
• Prepare proposals, presentations, and stewardship communications.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to multitask and work cooperatively

Knowledge of database & spreadsheet applications

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field

Master’s Degree in an applicable field

Tools

Blackbaud or other fundraising database

Job description

Job Title

Athletics Development Officer

Agency

Texas A&M University - Texarkana

Department

University Advancement

Job Type

Staff

Location

Texarkana, Texas

Job Description

The Athletics Development Officer, under general supervision, is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding donors in support of the university’s athletic programs. This position builds, supports, and promotes awareness of the university while serving as a key liaison between the Office of Advancement and the Athletics Department. The Athletics Development Officer assists in developing and implementing strategic initiatives to engage supporters of Texas A&M University–Texarkana Athletics. Additionally, this role supports the planning and coordination of various university and athletic events to enhance donor relationships and strengthen philanthropic support.

Eligibility to work in the U.S. is required at the time of hire. No pre‑employment sponsorship is authorized for this position.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, donors, friends, and community partners in support of athletics fundraising priorities.


• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with current and prospective donors through personal visits, calls, correspondence, and events.


• Manage a portfolio of assigned donors and prospects with a focus on securing annual, major, and planned gifts.


• Collaborate with athletic department leadership, coaches, and university advancement staff to develop and implement fundraising strategies.


• Assist in planning and executing athletic fundraising events, donor hospitality functions, and engagement activities.


• Promote giving opportunities that support athletic scholarships, facilities, programs, and special initiatives.


• Prepare gift proposals, presentations, donor reports, and stewardship communications.


• Track donor interactions, fundraising activities, and gift commitments using the university’s constituent relationship management (CRM) system.


• Ensure timely donor recognition and stewardship to strengthen long‑term relationships and encourage continued support.


• Represent the university and athletic department at campus, community, and athletic events.


• Maintain knowledge of NCAA DivisionII regulations and university policies related to fundraising and donor engagement.


• Support annual giving campaigns, capital campaigns, and special fundraising initiatives as assigned.


• Work collaboratively with university advancement colleagues to achieve institutional and athletic fundraising goals.


• Perform other duties as assigned to advance the mission of the university and athletics program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.


• Four (4) years of related experience.


• Knowledge of database & spreadsheet applications.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in an applicable field.


• Blackbaud or other fundraising database experience.


• Exceptional interpersonal communication, donor management, and strategic planning skills.


• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations related to donor engagement and athletic fundraising.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel and work beyond normal office hours.


• Ability to work in an environment with high demands and frequent interruptions.


• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, donor relations, business development, or athletic development.


• Knowledge of major gift fundraising principles.


• Experience working in intercollegiate athletics, or athletic foundations.


• Experience planning and executing donor engagement events, alumni programs, and stewardship activities.

Supervision of Personnel

This position generally does not supervise employees.

Benefits

• Medical insurance: $0‑$30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution; up to 83% of premium covered by the university.


• Dental and vision coverage.


• Life insurance, accidental damage, long‑term disability, flexible spending account, and day‑care spending account.


• Tuition benefits: Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program; 75% waiver of tuition and fees for full‑time employees, their spouses, and children.


• Time off: 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month; 8 hours of sick leave paid time off every month; 8 hours of paid time off for birthday leave; 12‑15 paid holidays each year.


• Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP); voluntary tax‑deferred account / deferred compensation plan.


• Professional development via LinkedIn Learning.


• Employee Assistance Program.


• On‑Campus wellness opportunities.

Equal Opportunity / Veterans / Disability Employer

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Texas A&M University System is an Equal Opportunity/ Veterans/ Disability Employer. The Texas A&M University System is the largest system of higher education in the nation, providing equal opportunity and access to all employees. Applicants not currently employed by a Texas A&M System member may apply for positions within one or more A&M System members.