Director of Athletic Fundraising & Corporate Relations

Bushnell-University-; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bushnell University is seeking a Director of Athletic Fundraising & Corporate Relations to advance Beacon Athletics through major gifts, donor stewardship, and partnerships. You will manage a diverse donor portfolio, collaborate with coaches and staff, and drive sponsorships that elevate student-athlete programs.

In this role you will engage athletic alumni, plan fundraising campaigns, and represent Bushnell in the community, aligning philanthropy with the university’s mission and values.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in fundraising, sales, corporate relations, or athletics administration.
• Strong relationship-building skills and comfort engaging alumni, donors, and business leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a small, fast-moving team environment.
• Willingness to travel regionally and work evenings/weekends for athletic events.
• Commitment to Bushnell University’s Christ-centered mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Athletic Fundraising: Manage a portfolio of athletic donors, including alumni, parents, friends of the university, and local supporters.
• Athletic Alumni Engagement: Build strong relationships with athletic alumni through events, communications, and volunteer opportunities.
• Corporate Relations & Sponsorships: Identify, cultivate, and secure corporate sponsorships that support Bushnell University and Beacon Athletics, with effective sponsor fulfillment.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Project management

Travel flexibility

Mission alignment

Job description

Position: Director of Athletic Fundraising & Corporate Relations

Location: Eugene, OR

Job Id:249

# of Openings:0

Position Title: Director of Athletic Fundraising & Corporate Relations

Department: Office of University Advancement

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Reports To: Director of Development, with close partnership with the Director of Athletics

Position Summary

The Director of Athletic Fundraising & Corporate Relations supports Bushnell University’s mission by strengthening philanthropic investment in Beacon Athletics. This role leads all athletic fundraising initiatives, athletic alumni engagement, and corporate sponsorship development that expand resources for student‑athletes and elevate Bushnell’s visibility in the community.

As part of a small, collaborative advancement team, the Director manages a diverse portfolio of donors and partners, works closely with coaches and athletic staff, and builds meaningful relationships that reflect Bushnell’s Christ‑centered commitment to service, stewardship, and community impact.

Primary Responsibilities

Athletic Fundraising

• Manage a portfolio of athletic donors, including alumni, parents, friends of the university, and local supporters.
• Conduct regular outreach, personalized stewardship, and in‑person visits to grow the Beacon Athletic Fund giving and identify major gift prospects for athletics initiatives within capital campaigns.
• Partner with coaches to understand program needs, articulate compelling cases for support, and align fundraising priorities with departmental goals.
• Lead sport‑specific fundraising campaigns, athletics initiatives within capital campaigns, Beacon Athletic Fund Giving Days, and targeted athletic fundraising appeals.
• Track progress toward annual athletic fundraising goals and provide timely reporting to Advancement and Athletics leadership.

Athletic Alumni Engagement

• Build strong, ongoing relationships with athletic alumni through events, communications, and volunteer opportunities.
• Develop engagement strategies that highlight Bushnell’s distinctive student‑athlete experience, team traditions, and program achievements.
• Provide Advancement communications to produce athletic‑focused content for magazines, e-newsletters, social media, and donor stewardship.
• Provide ongoing leadership and facilitate event execution for the Beacon Classic and the BAF Golf Tournaments.
• Develop and execute campaign fundraising events for athletics initiatives.
• Coordinate athletic alumni reunions, alumni games, alumni nights, collaborate with the Department of Athletics for Hall of Fame events, and regional gatherings.

Corporate Relations & Sponsorships

• Identify, cultivate, and secure corporate sponsorships that support both Bushnell University generally and Beacon Athletics specifically, enhancing visibility for both Bushnell and business partners.
• Develop sponsorship packages, pricing structures, and benefit fulfillment plans aligned with NAIA and Bushnell policies. Track fulfillment and renewal of all sponsorship benefits.
• Manage sponsor relationships, ensuring timely delivery of recognition, signage, digital promotion, and game‑day visibility.
• Work with Athletics to integrate sponsorships into events, facilities, livestreams, and promotional materials.
• Serve as a key liaison between Advancement and Athletics, ensuring alignment of messaging, priorities, and donor stewardship.
• Work closely with Advancement colleagues on prospect management, donor research, gift processing, and stewardship.
• Support campus events involving donors, alumni, or corporate partners, including Commencement, Homecoming, and community engagement activities.
• Contribute to a culture of philanthropy across Beacon Athletics and the broader Bushnell community.

QualificationsRequired

• 2–4 years of experience in fundraising, sales, corporate relations, or athletics administration.
• Strong relationship‑building skills and comfort engaging alumni, donors, and business leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a small, fast‑moving team environment.
• Willingness to travel regionally and work evenings/weekends for athletic events.
• Commitment to Bushnell University’s Christ‑centered mission and values.

Preferred

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit fundraising, or collegiate athletics.
• Familiarity with donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce).
• Demonstrated success in securing sponsorships or closing philanthropic gifts.
• Understanding of NAIA athletics and small‑college athletic culture.
• Donor‑centered communication
• Strategic relationship management
• Initiative and self‑direction
• Event planning and execution
• Professional representation of Bushnell’s mission and values

Performance Metrics

• Growth in athletic annual giving
• Number and quality of donor visits
• Athletic alumni engagement participation
• Successful execution of fundraising campaigns and events
• Contribution to overall Advancement goals and Beacon Athletics priorities

This role operates within a small, mission‑driven advancement office where flexibility, teamwork, and creativity are essential. The position requires regular presence at athletic events, donor gatherings, and community functions, and active collaboration with coaches, athletic staff, and university leadership.

Working Conditions/Special Requirements

• Bushnell employees must have a maturing Christian faith and live in compliance with the duties and expectations as detailed in the Employee Handbook.
• The position requires a strong commitment to multiculturalism and diversity.
• The position requires working in a non-smoking, drug free environment.
• The employee must adhere to FERPA guidelines and student confidentiality at all times.
• The employee must have knowledge of strong office management techniques; operations, procedures, specific rules and precedents of the office; research methods and report writing techniques; record‑keeping techniques; operation of office machines including computer equipment and specified software; principles of training and providing work direction.
• The position requires a strong ability to communicate effectively and succinctly, both verbally and in writing, utilizing tact, patience and courtesy.
• Listening skills and the ability to speak and write clearly are essential to this position. Must possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• The employee must have high personal motivation, with great attention to detail and accuracy.
• This person must project a positive, vibrant and professional attitude in assisting people.
• This person must have high ethics of honesty and confidentiality, with a genuine and gracious presence pertaining to the students, faculty, staff and business of the department and the University.
• This position may require lifting up to 25 lbs, as well as bending, stooping, kneeling.
• This position description is subject to change at any time.
• Ability to travel regionally and work occasional evenings or weekends.