Associate Director of Development, Athletics

University of Louisiana, Lafayette•Lafayette, LA

About The Position

The Associate Director of Development, Athletics reports to the Associate AD/Senior Director of Development and assists with developing and executing a comprehensive strategy for all giving activities for the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation (RCAF). The position manages a portfolio of major-giving and leadership annual-giving donors and prospects, identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding supporters. The successful candidate takes a strategic, data-driven approach to revenue generation and has a track record of acquiring, retaining, and upgrading donors or members. The role works closely with Athletics, Development, and Advancement Operations to grow support for the RCAF. The position also supports athletics games and events, donor events, and other department functions as assigned. Occasional evening and weekend work throughout the year, as well as occasional travel, is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 2 years of experience; a background in fundraising or ticket sales is preferred.
Strong affinity for and understanding of intercollegiate athletics, including interest in enhancing the student-athlete experience through philanthropy and community engagement.
Excellent computer, verbal, and written communication skills, and demonstrated organizational skills.
Superior interpersonal and collaborative skills.
Ability to build and maintain relationships and solicit gifts.
Ability to craft multichannel solicitation pieces and other professional documentation.
Task-oriented and self-motivated, with the ability to meet deadlines and work independently or as part of a team.
Ability to prioritize assignments and multitask effectively.
Ability to think critically and exercise sound judgment and decision-making.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree, preferably from a regionally accredited institution.
Background in fundraising or ticket sales.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 150–200 major-gift and leadership annual-fund prospects, develop moves-management strategies, and lead prospects through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Research and implement industry best practices to create and execute a multidimensional appeal schedule using electronic and digital solicitations, direct mail, phone, text, and social media.
Assist with planning, fundraising, and implementation for capital projects, meeting specific goals, performance metrics, and budget.
Implement segmentation strategies and programs to increase RCAF membership and sustain philanthropic support from individuals and companies.
Create reports and systems supporting RCAF membership-benefit fulfillment schedules, coordinating closely with the RCAF Donor Relations team.
Analyze data and reports to identify new donor-segment opportunities and implement donor programs.
Advise and assist coaches with sport-specific annual-giving fundraising efforts.
Maintain accurate records by entering contact reports and updating the donor database in accordance with data policies and guidelines for requesting reports and using data.
Work with the Senior Director to set annual individual performance goals and priorities.
Participate in RCAF and Office of Development staff meetings and retreats.
Attend and assist with athletics games and events, donor events, and other department functions as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.