Athletics Major Gifts Lead — Assistant AD

CASE; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking an Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts to secure philanthropic support for athletics priorities, managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects ($50k+). The role partners with athletics leadership and university advancement to craft customized proposals and strategic moves management.

The position emphasizes relationship-driven fundraising, donor stewardship, and collaboration across units to secure transformational gifts for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing or related field or equivalent experience.
• 3 years of professional experience in athletics development.
• Experience in stewardship and donor relations.
• Excellent customer service and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work evenings/weekends.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM software.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 90–125 major gift prospects with $50k+ capacity.
• Solicit gifts at major gifts level through appointments, calls, and correspondence.
• Develop engagement strategies for athletics priorities and endowments.
• Collaborate with Development and Alumni Relations to move prospects through moves management.
• Travel for donor cultivation at events as needed.
• Prepare proposals and gift agreements with leadership.

Skills

Donor relations

Communication

Relationship building

Strategic planning

Event coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/marketing or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking an Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts to secure philanthropic support for athletics priorities, managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects ($50k+). The role partners with athletics leadership and university advancement to craft customized proposals and strategic moves management.

The position emphasizes relationship-driven fundraising, donor stewardship, and collaboration across units to secure transformational gifts for