Development Officer/Senior Development Officer - Athletics

Bucknell University•Post, TX

1d•$72,600 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Bucknell University is seeking talented, relationship-driven Athletics Development Officers and Senior Development Officers to join our growing University Advancement team in preparation for our campaign. These roles will collaborate with Bucknell’s Strategic Philanthropy Team as well as head coaches with the goal of securing significant revenue for Athletics. These positions involve frequent travel as well as athletic event attendance to build and strengthen relationships with key donors, offering opportunities to engage directly with alumni, parents, and friends. Whether you are a strong major gift fundraiser ready to grow or a seasoned professional prepared for higher expectations, Bucknell offers a collaborative environment where strategy, relationships, and results matter.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of successful experience in fundraising, sales, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience (for Development Officer)
Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of successful experience in fundraising, sales, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience (for Senior Development Officer)
Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising in collegiate sports
Demonstrates practical application and experience with technology such as database functions/reports, and Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite
Demonstrable track record of creative and collaborative strategy that results in successful closures of gifts/sales/related experience or in building relationships
Valid U.S. driver's license
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time; sit at a computer and use a mouse/keyboard for long periods of time.
Must be able to work in a demanding environment with multiple competing deadlines and frequent interruptions.
Must be able to travel with or without accommodations
Candidates must be physically located and authorized to work in one of these approved states at the time of application and throughout employment: CA, CT, FL, GA, IN, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, PA, SC, TX, and VA.

Nice To Haves

Major gift experience with a successful track record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts in a higher education setting (for Development Officer)
Eight (8) years of leadership and major gift experience with a successful track record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts in a higher education setting (for Senior Development Officer)
Proven success building revenue generating programs
Experience in athletics fundraising or related role
Knowledge of and commitment to NCAA rules compliance, as well as familiarity with NCAA Division I athletic programs

Responsibilities

Consistently engage in strategic face-to-face meetings with athletic prospects and donors to advance them through the donor continuum.
Secure individual gifts of $100,000 or more and meet annual data-driven metrics.
Manage all aspects of the portfolio, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Build and grow a healthy prospect pipeline across alumni, parents, and friends of the University.
Plan and host campus visits and experiences that prepare donors for leadership-level giving.
Appropriately steward existing donors to foster enduring relationships.
Maintain accurate and timely donor and prospect records, including contact reports, strategies, and next steps.
Staff athletic and large scale campus events and plan visits for individual constituents to return to campus for meaningful cultivation.
Travel frequently to support portfolio engagement and stewardship.
Develop strategies that align athletic donor interests with Bucknell’s priorities.
Collaborate with university leadership to tailor approaches for engaging donors effectively and maximize fundraising outcomes.
Participate in portfolio strategy reviews.
Partner with University Advancement colleagues to oversee strategic athletic development events and subsequent intentional follow-up to secure gifts.

Benefits

Flexible scheduling options determined by role
Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
10% employer contribution to your retirement plan
Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
Tuition remission for themselves
Tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent (for full-time members)
Various tuition programs for their children (for full-time members)
A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
Parental leave
Employee assistance program
Fitness center membership