Director of Development Strategy and Analytics

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

7d•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

Embracing Virginia Tech’s core values of Integrity, Service, Honor, Excellence, and Strong Together, and guided by our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), the Director of Development Strategy and Analytics drives data-driven innovation and strategic alignment for Athletics fundraising and development, while supporting broader revenue and engagement priorities across the Department of Athletics. Reporting to the Associate AD of Development, Major Gifts, this role manages day-to-day analytics operations and acts as a vital bridge between complex data systems, athletic department administrators, and advancement leaders. The Director oversees the development of analytical tools, data resources, and visualization reporting platforms to maximize revenue generation, expand fan engagement, and inform Athletics fundraising and revenue strategy. In addition, this position provides a crucial strategic partnership to fundraising and development teams. By applying a sophisticated, data-driven lens to the philanthropic pipeline, the Director delivers actionable intelligence on fundraiser metrics, portfolio health, and donor trends and translates data into recommendations that inform fundraising strategy and decision-making. Collaborating across internal departments—development, prospect research, and ticketing—the Director builds best-in-class analytics capabilities that streamline performance tracking, uncover growth opportunities, and fuel the long-term competitive and financial excellence of Virginia Tech Athletics. The Director regularly synthesizes complex fundraising, donors, ticketing, and engagement data into clear insights and recommendations for Hokie Club and Athletics leadership.

Requirements

Master's degree in business Analytics, Data Science, Information Systems, Sports Management, Economics, or a related field; or bachelor's degree with experience equating to an advanced degree.
Proven experience in analytics, business intelligence, or strategic operations.
Experience working with large datasets and advanced analytics tools.
Functional familiarity with sports technology platforms, specifically CRM and ticketing systems.
High proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and visualization.
Proven skill using database software to analyze reports and present findings via Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data, identify meaningful trends, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for leadership and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated experience developing dashboards, performance metrics, KPIs, or other analytical tools to support organizational decision-making.
Demonstrated ability to manage tasks and competing deadlines with high speed, accuracy, and sharp attention to detail.
Self-motivated and adaptable to working both independently and in close team environments.
Exceptional communication, strong professionalism, and the ability to interact effectively with diverse individuals in an inclusive environment.
Proven sound judgment and absolute discretion when handling confidential information.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience in an NCAA Division I "Power 4" collegiate athletics department or a professional sports analytics environment.
Professional experience in higher education, collegiate athletics, nonprofits, or marketing.
Proficiency with data visualization tools.
Familiarity with advanced features in Microsoft Excel.
Proven experience defining goals and establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure success.

Responsibilities

Drives data-driven innovation and strategic alignment for Athletics fundraising and development.
Supports broader revenue and engagement priorities across the Department of Athletics.
Manages day-to-day analytics operations.
Acts as a vital bridge between complex data systems, athletic department administrators, and advancement leaders.
Oversees the development of analytical tools, data resources, and visualization reporting platforms to maximize revenue generation, expand fan engagement, and inform Athletics fundraising and revenue strategy.
Provides a crucial strategic partnership to fundraising and development teams.
Delivers actionable intelligence on fundraiser metrics, portfolio health, and donor trends by applying a sophisticated, data-driven lens to the philanthropic pipeline.
Translates data into recommendations that inform fundraising strategy and decision-making.
Builds best-in-class analytics capabilities that streamline performance tracking, uncover growth opportunities, and fuel the long-term competitive and financial excellence of Virginia Tech Athletics.
Regularly synthesizes complex fundraising, donors, ticketing, and engagement data into clear insights and recommendations for Hokie Club and Athletics leadership.