Gifts Officer for Athletic Fundraising

Key Responsibilities:

1. Donor Identification and Cultivation:

- Identify potential major gift prospects for athletic programs through research and networking.

- Develop and implement strategies to cultivate relationships with prospective donors.

- Engage with the Lions Athletic Club, alumni, parents, and friends of the university to increase support for athletic programs.

2. Serve as Director of the Lions Athletic Club (Booster Club) and work closely with the Director of Athletics and Chair of the Lions Athletic Club.

3. Solicitation and Gift Management:

- Prepare and present proposals to prospective donors to secure major gifts.

- Work collaboratively with university leadership to develop solicitation strategies

- Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and maintain detailed records of interactions and progress.

4. Stewardship and Donor Relations:

- Develop and execute stewardship plans to ensure donor recognition and satisfaction.

- Provide regular updates to donors on the impact of their contributions.

- Organize donor recognition events and activities related to athletic programs.

- Collaborate with the University Advancement team to align athletic fundraising efforts with overall university goals.

- Participate in planning and execution of fundraising events and campaigns.

5. Reporting and Evaluation:

- Prepare regular reports on fundraising activities, progress towards goals, and donor engagement.

- Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and adjust plans as needed to achieve fundraising targets.

- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the university’s donor database.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, with a focus on major gifts. Experience in athletic fundraising is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Proficiency in donor management software and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• High level of integrity and commitment to the mission of the university and its athletic programs.

Working Conditions:

- The role will require evening and weekend work to attend athletic events and meet with donors.

- Travel will be necessary to meet with prospects and donors.

 OPEN DATE7/1/2024  EOE STATEMENTIn accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), MHU provides reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the organization or would change the essential functions of the job. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be directed to Human Resources (see below).

MHU is committed to hiring faculty and staff who fully support MHU’s mission. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply. In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, and reprisal. To file a complaint with Mars Hill University, contact:

Jennie Matthews
Office of Human Resources
Box 6664
Mars Hill University Mars Hill, NC 28754 828 689-1197
828 689-1256 Fax
jmatthews@mhu.edu


To file a complaint of discrimination, write to:
USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410
Washington DC 20250-9410
Or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642
(English Federal- relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.  

THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.