Director of Development, Athletics

Pepperdine University • Malibu, CA

1d

About The Position

The Director of Development, Athletics is responsible for cultivating,
soliciting, and stewarding major and leadership-level gifts in support of
Pepperdine Athletics. The Director manages a portfolio of high-capacity
prospects and provides strategic leadership for athletic leadership-giving
initiatives, including segmented appeals and university-wide campaigns.
This role advances annual and multi-year philanthropic support for athletic
priorities through direct donor engagement, campaign strategy, and collaboration
with advancement and athletic leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of experience in fundraising, or Master's degree and 2 years of experience in fundraising.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Excellent written, verbal, and people skills.
• General level of comfort dealing with high net worth individuals.
• Ability to build strong relationships with coaches and Athletic staff to understand the needs of the Athletics program.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Ability to meet deadlines in order to meet fundraising goals.
• Ability to incorporate the mission of Pepperdine University into daily work.

Nice To Haves

• 4+ years of progressive professional experience in Athletics fundraising, non-profit, or a related field.
• Advanced degree in fundraising, non-profit, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in intercollegiate athletics fundraising, preferably within a higher education environment.
• Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, friends, and corporate partners, with success securing annual, leadership, and major gifts.
• Experience building and managing volunteer leadership groups such as athletic advisory boards, with a history of engaging high-capacity and high-profile constituents.
• Strong understanding of revenue generation strategies specific to athletics, including scholarship endowments, capital projects, and programmatic support.
• Demonstrated use of data and metrics to drive results and meet or exceed fundraising goals.
• Strong communication and relationship skills with the ability to partner effectively across athletics and advancement.
• Ongoing professional training in fundraising, athletics administration, or related disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Leadership Giving Strategy & Segmented Appeals:
• Major and Leadership Gift Portfolio Management:
• Campaigns and Athletics Fundraising Initiatives:
• Major and Leadership Prospect Development:
• Strategic Collaboration and Athletics Partnership:
• Performance Management, Reporting, and Advancement Operations:
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees