Advancement Associate

Virginia Wesleyan University•Virginia Beach, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Advancement Associate, Coordinator of the Marlin Athletic Fund, joins Batten University's Center for Advancement and plans, develops, and implements fundraising activities for the Marlin Athletic Fund. Within University policies, budgets, and advancement priorities, the associate exercises independent judgment in evaluating fundraising opportunities, determining donor engagement strategies, and managing an assigned donor portfolio. The role contributes to advancement planning by analyzing fundraising results, assessing philanthropic opportunities, and recommending ways to improve donor engagement and financial support. The position combines external donor engagement and office-based advancement activities, with approximately 50% of time devoted to each. Occasional evening and weekend work is required, and local travel throughout Hampton Roads and occasional travel beyond the region may be required. The role is full-time for 12 months, based at Batten University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and is classified as exempt administrative. The annual salary is $45,000.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, communications, marketing, sports management, or a related field.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, and manage competing priorities.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects, relationships, and deadlines.
Ability to evaluate fundraising opportunities, develop professional relationships, and communicate effectively with prospective donors.
Proficiency with standard office technology and willingness to learn advancement databases and digital fundraising platforms.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Hampton Roads.

Nice To Haves

Experience in fundraising, donor relations, higher education advancement, nonprofit development, sales, marketing, or community engagement.
Experience managing donor, client, or prospect relationships.
Familiarity with annual giving, corporate sponsorships, athletics-related fundraising, or donor stewardship.
Experience using donor management databases or digital fundraising platforms.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement fundraising plans and donor engagement strategies for the Marlin Athletic Fund in alignment with University advancement objectives.
Independently manage an assigned portfolio of prospective and existing donors, including evaluating giving potential, setting engagement priorities, and choosing cultivation and solicitation approaches.
Identify, research, and assess prospective donors and funding opportunities for alignment with institutional fundraising priorities.
Develop individualized donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies based on donor interests, giving history, and institutional funding needs.
Conduct donor meetings, present philanthropic opportunities, and solicit financial commitments for the Marlin Athletic Fund and other University advancement initiatives.
Evaluate fundraising activities, donor engagement results, and portfolio performance; adjust approaches and recommend improvements.
Identify and assess corporate sponsorship opportunities, develop sponsorship proposals, and recommend partnership arrangements consistent with University guidelines.
Collaborate with University Advancement and Marlin Athletics leadership to assess fundraising needs, identify philanthropic opportunities, and recommend ways to secure financial support.
Coordinate annual giving initiatives, digital fundraising campaigns, corporate sponsorships, and game sponsorships supporting Marlin Athletics.
Build and maintain relationships with alumni, parents, donors, corporate partners, and friends of Batten University.
Plan and coordinate donor, alumni, and community engagement activities associated with Marlin Athletics.
Develop donor correspondence, solicitation materials, digital fundraising content, and advancement communications in collaboration with University Advancement and Marketing and Communications.
Monitor progress toward fundraising goals and maintain accurate donor and prospect information in the University's advancement database.
Collaborate with the Gift Entry and Records Coordinator on donor recordkeeping, gift reporting, and stewardship activities.
Represent Batten University at donor meetings, athletic competitions, alumni gatherings, and community events throughout Hampton Roads.
Support broader University advancement initiatives and perform other related duties as assigned.