Athletics Major Gifts Director

University of Cincinnati Foundation; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Competitive health and wellness perks

Tuition remission

Retirement with employer match

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Job summary

The University of Cincinnati Foundation is seeking a Director of Development, Athletics to lead a major gift portfolio and drive fundraising for UC Athletics programs and student‑athletes. You will work with UCATS to cultivate donors, solicit gifts, and collaborate across departments to maximize donor impact.

The role requires building strong donor relationships, strategizing solicitations, and traveling as needed; compensation reflects market ranges and includes a total rewards package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 5–7 years fundraising experience or advanced degree with 3–5 years experience; college athletics experience preferred.
• Proven track record of gift solicitation and closure.
• Strong ability to build and sustain collaborative donor relationships.
• Willingness to travel and attend evening/weekend activities; valid driver’s license required for travel.
• Strong oral and written communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, email, web activities, and database management.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain an active portfolio of major gift ($100K+) prospects with strategic interactions and visits.
• Foster partnerships with Athletics staff to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and close major gift donors.
• Collaborate with UCF departments and fundraising specialists for Athletics.
• Coordinate across disciplines to enhance fundraising revenue and donor impact.
• Ensure proper stewardship of gifts and donors.
• Maintain quality donor files and timely contact reports in the Foundation’s database.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Donor relations

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Database management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM / database systems

Job description

The University of Cincinnati Foundation is seeking a Director of Development, Athletics to lead a major gift portfolio and drive fundraising for UC Athletics programs and student‑athletes. You will work with UCATS to cultivate donors, solicit gifts, and collaborate across departments to maximize donor impact.

The role requires building strong donor relationships, strategizing solicitations, and traveling as needed; compensation reflects market ranges and includes a total rewards package.