Primary Responsibilities
Drive the strategy and successful fundraising efforts for approved priorities of the Bradley University Athletics program (Division I) in close partnership with the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, while serving as a member of the Athletics’ Senior Administration Team.
Partner with Athletics Department administrators, staff, coaches, and student-athletes to identify, attract, engage, solicit, and steward existing and prospective donors who are passionate about athletics and who have the capacity to support the Bradley Braves at the $50,000+ level. This includes, but is not limited to, leveraging individual meetings/conversations, small group gatherings, larger special events, games, and receptions as a means to build and develop relationships with key supporters.
Strategically manage an active donor portfolio of up to 140 individuals for the purposes of identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of gifts and commitments of $50,000 or greater.
Supervise, mentor, and collaborate with the Assistant Athletics Director for Development in a synergistic way that elevates the impact of your collective work for Bradley Athletics.
Sustain, grow and manage the membership of the Braves Scholarship Society (BSS), Bradley’s premier donor organization that supports its nationally-known basketball program. This includes effectively running the membership program, managing a multitude of events, attendance at every home men’s basketball game to staff the BSS hospitality room, planning BSS-specific away game donor trips (including pre-season and in-season tournaments) and executing all BSS functions around Arch Madness (the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament).
Serve as the primary point of contact within Advancement, working closely with Athletics, on season ticket renewal for men’s basketball and dealings with Carver Arena on matters pertaining to home game hospitality, credentialing and parking for BSS members.
Working with Bradley Athletics coaches, develop the strategy and process for successful “Pledge Per” campaigns that benefit individual sports on an annual basis.
Effectively manage the Bradley Wheels Club with participating local car dealers who support Bradley Athletics.
Engage as a positive and proactive partner with other members of the Advancement Division.
Other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
You have a track record of success, preferably at a Division I institution, in athletics management and fundraising for a minimum of 3 years, including program management and soliciting gifts of $50,000 or greater.
You are knowledgeable in best-practices in this industry and all relevant NCAA rules and compliance standards relevant to athletics and fundraising.
You have an understanding and appreciation for Bradley University and its rich history.
You are conversant with regard to college athletics.
You are willing and able to work evenings and/or weekends to accommodate alumni/donor/volunteer/event schedules and/or to meet deadlines as needed.
You have a valid US driver’s license and are willing and able to travel locally, regionally, and/or nationally.
You have bachelor's and graduate degrees from accredited colleges or universities.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position will supervise and mentor the Assistant Athletics Director for Development.
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and complete contact information for a minimum of three professional references with telephone numbers. Please submit all materials at the time of initial application.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Employment with Bradley University is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.
Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students’ opportunities, choices, and resources to build their futures. Innovation, action, and collaboration drive Bradley students to generate ideas and create solutions that remake the world around them. Our comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs includes business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology.
Bradley University offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverages, FSA, HSA, and retirement plan options. Bradley also offers significant higher education cost savings for employees and dependents through the Tuition Remission program.
Bradley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The administration, faculty and staff are committed to attracting qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.