Leadership Gifts Officer - Athletics

Department: University Advancement
Reports to: Director of Leadership and Planned Giving
Location: Appleton, WI

About Lawrence University:

Lawrence University is a top-ranked liberal arts college and conservatory of music with a deep commitment to student engagement, academic excellence, and a vibrant campus life—including 22 varsity athletics programs. Our Advancement team builds the partnerships, philanthropy, and alumni/volunteer engagement that fuel Lawrence’s mission and amplify its future.

Primary Objective:

The Leadership Gifts Officer – Athletics (LGOA) plays a critical role in connecting donor passion with Lawrence’s mission—particularly through support for Viking athletics. This position manages a portfolio of major gift prospects ($25,000–$250,000+) with a focus on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors who are passionate about Lawrence’s athletic programs, student-athletes, and overall impact.

The LGOA serves as the Advancement liaison to the Department of Athletics and works closely with coaches, athletics staff, and volunteer leaders to elevate fundraising strategy, alumni engagement, and philanthropic outcomes. This is a highly relational, externally focused role for a self-starter who thrives on meaningful conversations, collaborative strategy, and tangible results.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of leadership gift prospects with a primary focus on athletics-related giving. Cultivate and solicit major gifts, planned gifts, and annual gifts aligned with institutional priorities.

• Serve as the primary Advancement liaison to athletics coaches, staff, and volunteer boards to build strong partnerships and donor engagement opportunities. Meet regularly with the Director of Athletics to devise and coordinate athletics fundraising strategies.

• Meet with up to 120 donors/prospects annually, adjusted as appropriate based on event or program responsibilities.

• Collaborate with colleagues across Advancement (Annual Giving, Alumni Engagement, and Advancement Services) to execute integrated donor strategies and stewardship plans, with a focus on athletics.

• Support strategic volunteer engagement, including strategy, donor briefings, event participation, and post-engagement follow-up.

• Contribute to the growth of the Legacy Circle by identifying and supporting planned gift conversations.

• Ensure timely and accurate gift documentation, stewardship, and CRM recordkeeping in partnership with Advancement Services.

• Represent Lawrence at events, including athletics events, donor receptions, and regional/national travel assignments.

• Participate in professional development and share best practices with the broader Advancement team.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s or additional training in fundraising or higher education advancement is a plus.

• At least 3–5 years of successful fundraising experience, preferably including major or leadership gift work; experience with athletics fundraising strongly preferred.

• Familiarity with planned giving concepts.

• Proven success in building relationships with donors, volunteers, and institutional stakeholders.

• Understanding of liberal arts college environments and the role of athletics within them.

• High emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex relationships across constituencies.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 

• Commitment to inclusive workplace practices that support communities of belonging and demonstrated ability to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds.

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and to travel extensively to meet with prospects.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and pass required criminal and driving record background checks.

What We Offer:

• A high-impact fundraising role with room for creativity and strategy

• A collaborative Advancement team and a vibrant campus community

• Generous benefits, including:

  • 3 weeks of vacation, plus paid holidays 

  • 2 weeks of sick leave 

  • Tuition benefits for employees and families

  • 403(b) retirement with strong employer match 

  • Health, dental, and vision coverage 

  • Paid parental leave 

  • Free access to wellness facilities and the campus library