Associate AD for Development, Major Gifts

Reporting to the Interim Executive Director for the ‘Cuse Athletics Fund, the Associate Athletic Director for Development, Major Gifts serves in a management role to provide strategic leadership and direction of the major gifts fundraising team for Syracuse Athletics. The individual will be responsible for cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding major and principal gift level donors with an emphasis on gifts of $100,000 or more.

Resopnsibilities-

• Partner closely with the Interim Executive Director for the `Cuse Athletics Fund to provide strategic oversight and management of the major gifts team.

• Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift donors and prospects with an emphasis on $100,000 or above, but representing a wide spectrum of capability, from lead annual giving to principal gifts.

• The position will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects and donors to support Athletics top priorities.

• Coordinate all aspects of major giving, including but not limited to, staff management, campaign strategy, marketing and communications, stewardship, and prospecting.

• Partner closely with various units and teams within University advancement and external affairs to ensure major gift operations are being run effectively and collaboratively.

• Work in collaboration with other athletic department staff, including the Athletic Director, coaches, and central University colleagues to set priorities and devise fundraising strategies, programs, and events.

• Attend and provide appropriate staff support at athletic-related events at home and selected away games, championships and/or tournaments.

Education-

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• Seven plus years of demonstrated experience of successful fundraising, preferably in a college or university setting.

• Experience in Division I Athletics strongly preferred.

Skills and Knowledge-

• Demonstrated ability to generate private philanthropic support and bringing closure to gifts of $100,000 or more. 

• General recognition of indicators of wealth and the ability to engage in meaningful and thoughtful conversations with prospective donors.

• General knowledge of planned or deferred gift instruments and the ability to collaborate with the Gift Planning Staff.

• Familiarity and understanding of current issues in intercollegiate athletics and higher education.

• Ability to direct and perform confidential detailed work with accuracy under deadline pressure.

• Mature and professional attitude, donor/client focus and the ability to manage and direct multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Working knowledge of and familiarity with NCAA rules and regulations, particularly those impacting representatives of the institution’s athletics interests.

• Ability to work with university and donor database systems.

• Impeccable integrity and the ability to work in a collaborative environment.