Major Gifts Professional IV (Athletics) (Part Time)

Arizona International; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The University of Arizona is seeking a Major Gifts Professional IV (Athletics) to manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and lead strategic fundraising initiatives for athletics initiatives.

The role requires cultivating major gifts, designing comprehensive fundraising programs, and collaborating with executive leadership to achieve philanthropic goals. The position is part-time (20+ hours) with a flexible schedule,, and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and solicit major gift commitments from an assigned portfolio of high-capacity individual, corporate, and foundation prospects through strategic relationship-building, personalized engagement plans, and documented fundraising activities that achieve established philanthropic goals.
• Design and implement comprehensive fundraising programs that integrate innovative methodologies, institutional priorities, and donor interests to secure transformational major and principal gifts in support of unit and university-wide advancement objectives.
• Develop complex solicitation strategies for high-impact gifts by collaborating with executive leadership, academic leaders, volunteers, and foundation officers to leverage relationships and advance multi-unit philanthropic opportunities.
• Expand the major gifts pipeline through strategic prospect identification, qualification, capacity research, and cultivation of emerging donor relationships that position the university for sustained philanthropic growth across assigned territories or markets.
• Provide strategic counsel to advancement colleagues, academic departments, and institutional leadership on innovative fundraising approaches, donor engagement best practices, and enterprise-wide campaign initiatives while serving as a development liaison for assigned units.
• Implement sophisticated stewardship programs that demonstrate philanthropic impact, align recognition with donor values and institutional priorities, and sustain long-term commitment from major gift supporters through personalized communication and engagement.
• Maintain comprehensive portfolio records and reporting systems that track donor strategies, engagement activities, solicitation progress, and fundraising outcomes to ensure accountability and inform executive decision-making.
• Lead donor engagement events and activities that strategically advance major gift cultivation, involve institutional leadership, and strengthen relationships with principal gift prospects in support of fundraising priorities.
• Budget accountability.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Self-motivated

Results oriented

Strong communication

Relationship building

Multitasking

Problem solving

Team collaboration

NCAA rules knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Posting Number

req27221

Department

Administration and Athletics

Department Website Link

arizonawildcats.com

Location

Tucson Campus

Address

1 National Championship Drive, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA

Major Gifts Professional IV (Athletics) (Part Time)

The Athletics Department is dedicated to excellence in collegiate sports, building a modern model of intercollegiate athletics fostering integrity, innovation, and student-athlete success.

The Major Gifts Professional IV is responsible for identifying, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors. As a key member of the Major Gifts team, this individual will represent and promote Arizona Athletics in support of our mission to fund scholarships, programs, and facilities that support championship athletics.

This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and travel as needed.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Cultivate and solicit major gift commitments from an assigned portfolio of high-capacity individual, corporate, and foundation prospects through strategic relationship-building, personalized engagement plans, and documented fundraising activities that achieve established philanthropic goals.
• Design and implement comprehensive fundraising programs that integrate innovative methodologies, institutional priorities, and donor interests to secure transformational major and principal gifts in support of unit and university-wide advancement objectives.
• Develop complex solicitation strategies for high-impact gifts by collaborating with executive leadership, academic leaders, volunteers, and foundation officers to leverage relationships and advance multi-unit philanthropic opportunities.
• Expand the major gifts pipeline through strategic prospect identification, qualification, capacity research, and cultivation of emerging donor relationships that position the university for sustained philanthropic growth across assigned territories or markets.
• Provide strategic counsel to advancement colleagues, academic departments, and institutional leadership on innovative fundraising approaches, donor engagement best practices, and enterprise-wide campaign initiatives while serving as a development liaison for assigned units.
• Implement sophisticated stewardship programs that demonstrate philanthropic impact, align recognition with donor values and institutional priorities, and sustain long‑term commitment from major gift supporters through personalized communication and engagement.
• Maintain comprehensive portfolio records and reporting systems that track donor strategies, engagement activities, solicitation progress, and fundraising outcomes to ensure accountability and inform executive decision‑making.
• Lead donor engagement events and activities that strategically advance major gift cultivation, involve institutional leadership, and strengthen relationships with principal gift prospects in support of fundraising priorities.
• Budget accountability.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Self‑motivated, results‑oriented, and maintains a positive demeanor.
• Demonstrated experience managing value‑added projects and strategic initiatives.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions.
• Ability to multitask with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Dedication and motivation to initiate, lead, and support value‑added projects.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Knowledge of NCAA, Big 10, and University of Arizona position‑related rules and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, including the ability to plan, establish priorities, and successfully manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive interpersonal relations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all organizational levels and project a positive, professional attitude.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Part Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

20 + nights and weekends

Job FTE

.5

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

University Advancement

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

DOE

Compensation Type

salary at 1.0 full‑time equivalency (FTE)

Grade

12

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level

PC4

Job Family

Major Gifts

Job Function

University Advancement

Type of criminal background check required

Name‑based criminal background check (non‑security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

1

Contact Information for Candidates

Mike Smith

Senior Associate AD, Chief Development Officer

[e-mail]

Open Date

10/1/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume, Cover Letter, and One Additional Document

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].