Identifies cultivates, solicits, acknowledges and stewards donors for major gifts, annual gifts and planned gifts by managing a portfolio of prospects, including developing solicitation materials, stewardship of new and existing donors, and tracking and recording progress. Prospects may include individuals, corporations, and foundations. Ensures the daily function of operations and services related to any assigned program, initiative, or objective. Exercises professional judgment to prioritize competing demands and allocate resources effectively to meet departmental goals. Serves as a subject matter expert and resource person for the assigned area.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Manages a portfolio of major donor prospects, primarily major gifts and planned gifts. Identifies, cultivates, solicits, acknowledges, and stewards prospects and donors for major and planned gifts.

Develops and manages an annual giving portfolio; works to upgrade annual donors to higher gift levels.

Maintains personal contact and establishes own schedule for face-to-face contact. Performs face-to-face cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Hosts prospects and donors on and off campus, locally and nationally; travel required.

Conducts own prospect research using internet resources and delivered software to identify and categorize prospects, donors, giving levels, wealth capacity and affiliation/interest.

Assembles research results; analyzes data, and prepares effective, accurate and timely reports and other documents to support development strategies and activities.

Implements grant and proposal writing at appropriate levels for varied proposal development. Prepares proposals and written solicitation materials.

Maintains an active understanding of assigned programs and translates those programs to opportunities for donor support; maintains broad understanding of the university as a whole.

Plans and coordinates donor cultivation and stewardship events as assigned; communicates effectively with donor's or prospect's legal or financial advisors, when needed; and tracks prospect and donor progress by utilizing the necessary departmental prospect management processes.

Plans and organizes all aspects of the department's underwriting program; assists in major gifts, planned-giving, grant activities, and membership services.

Responsible for the successful cultivation, solicitation of all underwriting accounts.

Assists with the successful cultivation, solicitation of major donors and cultivation of membership support.

Develops budgets, timeline and revenue goals for area activities.

Acts as a lead worker; provides functional guidance to lower-level workers.

Designs and delivers training materials and/or other supporting documentation necessary for the operation of the assigned area.

Analyzes complex data sets and prepares comprehensive reports with recommendations for leadership.

Researches and recommends process improvements for departmental operations on a routine or regular basis. Evaluates effectiveness and recommends enhancements of services.

Participates and/or leads complex projects, including implementation plans, timelines, and resource requirements.

Other Functions and Responsibilities: Assists with training new hires.

Performs other duties as assigned and/or required that are within the level of responsibility for this classification at the discretion of the supervisor.

Equipment Operated: Computer and all other standard office equipment.

Work Schedule: Travel and work non-traditional hours. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including night and weekends.

Supervision Exercised: Supervision is exercised over students.

Reports to: Associate Director, Sales and Development

Required Certifications and/or Licensures: None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: University policies and procedures*; office practices and procedures; department/division goals and objectives*; department/division policies and procedures*; workplace safety practices and procedures*; English grammar and spelling; records management; office management; project management.

Skill in: Use of office equipment; typing, data entry; computer operation; use of computer software and other programs applicable to the assigned department/division*.

Ability to: Collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; determine material and equipment needs; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; maintain records according to established procedures; effectively interact with personnel and public to answer routine questions; train or instruct others; move quickly and effectively from one tasks to another; work independently and in a team environment; develop and maintain effective working relationships.

(*) Developed after employment.

Minimum Qualifications: At least a bachelor’s degree; and two or more years of experience in fundraising.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in sports management, business, marketing, or another directly related field. One or more years of experience fundraising in intercollegiate athletics.

This position is contingent upon the University’s continuing receipt of funds from an external source adequate to fully support the appointment.