Athletics Development Officer: Major Gifts & Donor Strategy

Bucknell University; Lewisburg (Union County); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling options

Tuition remission for staff

Paid holidays

Job summary

Bucknell University is seeking an Athletics Development Officer to join University Advancement and collaborate with coaches to secure leadership gifts and build long-term donor relationships. The role involves portfolio management, events, and travel to engage alumni, parents, and friends of the University.

Successful candidates will be highly organized, relationship-oriented, and capable of working independently within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; four years of successful fundraising or related experience for Development Officer.

Responsibilities

• Engage in strategic face-to-face meetings with athletic prospects and donors to advance them through the donor continuum.
• Secure gifts of $100,000 or more and meet data-driven metrics.
• Manage all aspects of the portfolio: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Plan and host campus visits and experiences to prepare donors for leadership-level giving.
• Staff athletic and large-scale events; travel frequently to support engagement.
• Develop strategies aligning donor interests with Bucknell priorities and collaborate across teams.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Strategic thinking

Data-driven metrics

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Fundraising experience (4+ years)

Tools

Database skills

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Bucknell University is seeking an Athletics Development Officer to join University Advancement and collaborate with coaches to secure leadership gifts and build long-term donor relationships. The role involves portfolio management, events, and travel to engage alumni, parents, and friends of the University.

Successful candidates will be highly organized, relationship-oriented, and capable of working independently within a collaborative team.