Athletics Development Officer - Chatham University

Athletics Development Officer

The Office of University Advancement, which serves a diverse population of over 18,000 Chatham University alumni and friends, is seeking an Athletics Development Officer to drive success in our higher education athletics program. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional relationship-building skills, enabling them to establish and maintain strong connections with alumni, donors, and sports enthusiasts, ensuring sustained support for our athletic programs. A deep understanding of collegiate sports culture, trends, and challenges is essential for effectively advocating for the department's needs. They will support the Executive Director, the Vice President of Athletics and Recreation, and the University President with key major gift and campaign projects.

Strong communication skills are vital for this role, allowing the candidate to convey the impact of donations clearly and persuasively, while crafting compelling stories that resonate with potential donors. The ability to organize and execute engaging fundraising events, such as games and special events, in coordination with coaches, athletes, and staff, is crucial. The successful candidate will demonstrate strategic thinking by developing and implementing long-term fundraising strategies that align with the athletic department's goals and identifying and cultivating major gift prospects. Marketing and branding skills are necessary to promote the athletic program's achievements and needs through various media platforms, enhancing visibility and engagement.

Data analysis skills are required to track fundraising progress, identify trends, and refine strategies based on insights. The candidate must also be highly collaborative, working closely with coaches, athletic directors, university administration, and other teams to ensure a unified approach to fundraising efforts.

Effective negotiation and persuasion skills are essential for securing sponsorships and major gifts, demonstrating the value and impact of contributions. Lastly, adaptability and flexibility are critical, allowing the candidate to adjust strategies in response to changing circumstances and manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.

This position will have the opportunity to work a hybrid schedule with both remote and in-person work on a weekly basis. Specific schedules are based on job functions and project workload and are determined with supervisor.

Chatham University strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while increasing individuals' intercultural competence. We actively work to build and sustain a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which promotes employee and student success and retention. Learn more at: https://www.chatham.edu/mission-and-values/diversity-and-inclusion/index.html.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain a portfolio of 100-150 donors, soliciting gifts of $10,000 and above through personal contact/moves management.
• Plan, implement, and monitor fundraising projects, programs, and events designed to enhance philanthropic support for the University in collaboration with the Associate Director of Special Events. Projects will include but are not limited to reunion giving, campaign events, giving societies, crowdfunding campaigns, and other miscellaneous solicitations and events.
• Proactively communicate with fundraising staff, faculty, alumni (volunteers and donors), and external constituents to ensure effective and timely coordination of fundraising and stewardship programs, projects, and activities.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and VP of Athletics and Recreation to create prospect engagement strategies with assigned prospect pools to match prospects' interests to the priorities of the University.
• Keep a regular and proactive schedule of outreach, making a minimum of 20 contacts (calls, video calls, or substantial reciprocated written correspondence) per month and securing 100 to 120 visits per year.
• Maintain database accuracy through timely entry of contact reports and maintenance of donor information.
• Research, write, edit, or oversee the preparation of persuasive, accurate, and grammatically and syntactically correct solicitations, proposals, reports, correspondence, and other fundraising-related communication materials, as required.
• Draft content for fundraising and stewardship-related social media posts for the Alumni Association's Facebook and Instagram accounts and update content for the Individual Giving sections of Chatham's Giving website.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties, as assigned.
• Engage in learning and practicing principles of social justice and inclusion.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• At least two to three years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to understand the needs and interests of donors in order to develop and strengthen relationships with the University.
• Proven strength in interpersonal and communication skills-written and oral.
• Experience in successfully managing multiple, fast-paced projects independently.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Committed to working with diverse colleagues, students, and community members.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond.
• Ability to travel outside of the Pittsburgh region 7-10 times per year.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends when required for special alumni and donor events or travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous fundraising, higher education, and/or nonprofit and project management experience.
• Previous experience mobilizing and motivating volunteers.
• Familiarity working with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, Constant Contact, and mainstream computer software like Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Pay Range

$55,800 to $63,400, depending on qualifications and experience.

How to Apply:

Applications accepted only via www.chatham.edu/careers (direct link is https://chatham.applicantpro.com/jobs/3366703) and follow the instructions to complete the application process. To ensure full consideration, please include:

• Cover Letter outlining your qualifications for the position
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Contact information for three professional references

All application materials should be uploaded at the same time at the time of application. The system will not allow applicants to make edits to their applications after submission.

 

Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Persons of color, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.