Athletics Annual Giving Coordinator

PACIFIC UNIVERSITY • Forest Grove, OR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Pacific University seeks a motivated and detail-oriented Athletics Annual Giving Coordinator to support the planning and execution of annual fundraising efforts benefiting Pacific Athletics. This entry-level role provides hands-on experience in donor engagement, digital fundraising, stewardship, and data-informed outreach strategies. The coordinator supports annual giving campaigns, giving days, donor call programs, and athletics-specific appeals and fundraising events, while also assisting with emerging technologies and AI-enabled tools designed to enhance donor engagement and participation. Working collaboratively with University Advancement and Athletics leadership, this role helps strengthen Boxer spirit and build a sustainable pipeline of athletics supporters. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional seeking experience in higher education philanthropy, digital engagement strategy, and athletics fundraising.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated interest in philanthropy, higher education advancement, or athletics fundraising.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with social media platforms.
• Comfort with technology and digital engagement tools; ability and willingness to learn fundraising CRM systems and AI-enabled outreach platforms.
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external constituents.
• Ability to analyze basic data and track participation metrics to support fundraising performance goals.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in athletics, fundraising, marketing, or customer engagement is preferred but not required.
• Experience participating in or working with intercollegiate athletics programs.
• Prior experience in fundraising, sales, alumni relations, or customer engagement.
• Familiarity with NCAA rules and compliance considerations.
• Experience with CRM or donor management systems (e.g., Blackbaud, Salesforce, Almabase).
• Demonstrated interest in collegiate athletics culture and student-athlete success.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of strategies designed to increase athletics annual fund participation and improve donor retention year over year.
• Execute targeted renewal outreach to athletics donors, including segmented email, calls, fundraising events, and digital engagement efforts.
• Assist in identifying and engaging new athletics donors to expand the annual giving base.
• Coordinate athletics participation in university-wide giving days and annual campaigns, with a focus on increasing donor count and sport-specific engagement.
• Support execution of sport-specific appeals aligned with institutional fundraising goals.
• Track participation metrics and assist in reporting on campaign performance.
• Collaborate with Athletics and Advancement to integrate donor cultivation and stewardship opportunities into athletic events.
• Support timely acknowledgment and recognition efforts to strengthen donor experience and retention.
• Operate within NCAA guidelines and institutional compliance standards.
• Partner with Annual Giving, Alumni Engagement, and Athletics leadership to align outreach strategies and engagement efforts.
• Support execution of digital fundraising campaigns, including segmented email, social media, and AI-assisted outreach.
• Participate in call-down and texting initiatives to secure annual gifts and increase alumni and parent participation.
• Contribute to strategies that increase overall annual giving participation rates.
• Maintain accurate donor records and contact reports in the CRM.
• Assist in tracking key performance indicators, including donor count, retention rate, participation rate, and campaign progress.
• Provide regular updates on outreach metrics and engagement results.
• Draft and coordinate donor acknowledgments and annual giving communications.
• Support impact reporting and recognition efforts for athletics donors.
• Support the planning and execution of broader University Advancement fundraising campaigns and engagement initiatives as assigned.
• Assist in tracking campaign progress and compiling data to measure participation, retention, and overall effectiveness.
• Prepare summary reports and dashboards to support performance analysis and strategic decision-making.
• Provide responsive donor relations support by managing phone and email inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist with event logistics and donor engagement activities that support cultivation and stewardship goals.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level