Assistant Director of Development - Sun Devil Athletics

The principal activity of the Assistant Director of Development is to be externally focused, with responsibility for engaging a portfolio of individuals, corporations, and foundations that have a potential affinity with ASU and more specifically, Sun Devil Athletics. The Assistant Director’s effectiveness will be evaluated on the ability to fulfill fundraising efforts to propel Sun Devil Athletics forward. ​

What you’ll do: 

• Assists in the development and execution of strategic fundraising and engagement efforts of assigned area(s) by designing, implementing, evaluating and refining development activities to drive donor retention, reactivation, acquisition, and pipeline growth

• Depending on area(s) of assignment, actively engages donors, alumni, faculty, staff, and students managing a personal gift/prospect portfolio with a focus on securing gifts at or above the $50,000 level in accordance with performance metrics

• Works with development team and academic leaders to assist and direct the implementation and coordination of special fundraising and engagement opportunities by identifying, cultivating and soliciting annual, major and planned gifts; depending on previous experience, there may be a topical focus with a division

• Guided by the direction and scope of a prospect’s interest, collaborates with various faculty, institute/center directors, and unit-based and foundation-based fundraisers to leverage the maximum philanthropic potential of a prospect

• Develops and submits written proposals, budgets, and other collateral materials as needed for securing philanthropic investments

• Depending on area(s) of assignment, collaborates with and coordinates the efforts of various ASU offices and functions to advance prospect and donor strategies (i.e., alumni engagement, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, development, donor relations, estate and gift planning, financial services, research and prospect management, etc.)

• Proactively manages a major gift/prospect portfolio ($25,000+), prospects, develops and executes strategic prospect strategies leading to solicitation and investment based on the opportunities of each special assignment

• Uses the ASUF prospect management and tracking system (i.e., Salesforce,) to record and coordinate contacts and proposals

• Assumes responsibility for core fundraising metrics including face-to-face visits with prospects, identification of new prospects, growth in cumulative giving from the prospect portfolio, major gift proposals submitted, dollars raised

• Ensures proper stewardship and recognition of donors in portfolio

• Assists development team with campaign planning and implementation

• Participates, as a member of the ASUF development team and serve as a resource to development colleagues regarding fundraising opportunities

• Establishes strong working relationships with directors, coaches and operation staff

What you'll need:  

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, prospects, donors, and/or volunteers in a wide range of roles 

• Ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives 

• Database management skills 

• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments 

• Ability to exercise good judgment, to demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others 

• Ability to foster effective working relationships within a team environment 

• Community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community 

• Program planning and leadership skills 

• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups 

• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Foundation and University business and confidential prospect information 

• Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures and backgrounds 

• Ability to represent the institution well and possess an advocate’s belief in the vision of ASU as the New American University 

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable working in donor/prospect computer database systems 

• Ability to maintain compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations

Relevant qualifications: 

• ​​Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or currently enrolled in bachelor's degree program 

• ​Two (2) to (3) years of successful development experience  

• ​Demonstrated ability in securing major grants and gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources 

• ​Demonstrated organizational skills and experience in managing events and other complex activities in support of development objectives​