Associate Director of Major Gifts, Virginia Tech Athletic Fund

Job Description

This highly motivated athletics professional will report to the Associate Athletics Director, Major Gifts and assist in the Hokie Club in carrying out the designated duties and responsibilities for the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund. The selected candidate will be involved with the planning and implementation of the fundraising efforts in support of priorities designated by the department of athletics. They will fulfill the duties under the direction of, and in close cooperation with, the Associate Athletics Director, Major Gifts and the university’s central advancement office.

Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, the Associate Director, Major Gifts will:
• Develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies which include building, managing, and soliciting a portfolio of major gift prospects.
• Travel, on average, five to eight days per month to cultivate, solicit, steward, and identify prospects.
• Have a portfolio of between 100 – 125 prospects.
• Have typical solicitation ranges of $100,000 to $1,000,000+.
• Close $2,000,000 per year using a three-year rolling average.
• Make 15 asks at major gift level and close 12 gifts at major gift level.
• Establish strong working relationships with other central advancement, collegiate and constituent development officers and staff to foster a productive work environment.

Regional and national travel is required for the purposes of conducting field research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, which may include overnights and weekends. The associate director must have the ability and willingness to travel utilizing standard, commercial, and/or personal modes of transportation. Additionally, the ability to work nights and weekends, and participation in college or university programs when possible is necessary.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree or Bachelor’s with extensive experience.
Demonstrated experience in fundraising, sales/marketing, advertising, public relations, communications, or experience in cold calling.
Demonstrated professionalism with strong communication skills and the ability to motivate volunteers as well as donors.
Ability to understand and articulate the importance of higher education in addition to the critical role and priorities of both the university and the athletic program.
Self-motivated with the ability to work as a team member in a complex organization.
Willingness to travel on a frequent basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Successful track record in major gift fundraising.
Demonstrated experience in higher education fundraising, athletic fundraising or other related experience.
Previous experience representing a Division I athletic department to external audiences.
Proven success in building productive, long-term relationships with key business leaders, faculty, staff, institutional boards, volunteers, and/or donors.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$65,000 to $75,000

Hours per week

40+

Review Date

August 3, 2025

Additional Information

Safe driving record.
Routine Travel or Telework – (50% or more travel).
Unable to sponsor work visas.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.