Associate Director, Athletics Fundraising and Engagement

Department Statement

Colgate University, a top-ranked liberal arts college, is seeking an Associate Director for Athletics Fundraising and Engagement to play an integral role in supporting the spendable fundraising efforts for, and engaging the Colgate community around, its 25 Division I varsity programs. At this pivotal moment in the University’s history, the Associate Director of Athletics Fundraising and Engagement will complete the team of advancement staff striving to secure the support needed to ensure our student-athletes continue to compete in every field, every arena.

Founded in 1819, Colgate is a small, highly selective residential liberal arts college for students of talent who are preparing for lives of leadership and productive citizenship. Colgate University has now entered its third century and theThird-Century Planrepresents the largest and most important transformation in the history of Colgate. It will both complete our physical campus and fully realize our potential to become one of the great institutions in the nation — and, perhaps, one of the most important undergraduate colleges in the country.

On an annual basis, more than 56% of Colgate’s alumni engage with the University through philanthropy, volunteering, or engaging at online and in-person programs. Engagement among varsity alumni outpaces that of the alumni body at large, and more than $2.5M in spendable support for Colgate athletics is raised each year. This tradition of philanthropy, paired with strong levels of alumni affinity, position Colgate well for even greater success as the Vice President for Advancement and his team lead the community into a historic and comprehensive $1 billionCampaign for the Third Century. Increasing philanthropic support and resources for our athletics programs is featured prominently among the priorities of the campaign.

Last fiscal year, more than 3,100 alumni, students, families, and friends contributed a record-breaking $2.7 million in annual support of our varsity teams and the Colgate Athletics Council. The person in this role will be responsible for developing and executing a marketing strategic plan around participatory-based fundraising for varsity athletics; supporting special fundraising projects like March Mania; supporting a number of athletics volunteer committees; tracking spendable fundraising and engagement progress; assisting with the execution of athletics engagement events; and managing a stewardship plan for athletics in collaboration with the office of donor relations. The successful candidate will possess strong communication and volunteer management skills, have the ability to collaborate with a variety of entities, and be detail oriented.

Accountabilities

Accountable for meeting advancement and relationship objectives for alumni, coaches and other constituents. Accountable for assisting in the execution of an annual strategic plan for athletics fundraising, including marketing, volunteer outreach, and analysis. Accountable for achieving pre-determined alumni giving and fundraising goals for athletic teams and projects. Responsible for effective management and engagement of athletic support group volunteers.

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will possess organizational savvy, an ability to establish and execute plans, and experience motivating internal and external stakeholders to achieve mutual goals.
• 2-4 years of experience in fundraising, sales, marketing or a related field is required.
• The ability to handle confidential material with discretion, and the ability to use IBM Laptop computers and relevant software applications, such as E-Mail, MSWord, MSExcel, and a comfort level with database management are critical.
• A demonstrated ability to execute programs and meet measurable goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are critical.
• Must possess strong judgement skills, and the ability develop solutions expediently.
• An ability to articulate the value of a liberal arts education is essential.
• Candidates must be capable of working collegially and effectively with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors on a daily basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous annual fund/alumni relations, sales or marketing experience in a university or athletic setting is preferred.
• Previous experience managing and motivating volunteers.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable skills have been acquired is required.

Job Open Date
11/18/2022

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions Summary

EEO Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
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